Coast Guard Seaman Ashley Parsons, a 2005 graduate of Gray-New Gloucester High School, Gray, recently graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Recruit Training Center in Cape May, N. J.

During the eight-week training program, Parsons completed a training curriculum consisting of academics and practical instruction on water safety and survival, military customs and courtesies, seamanship skills, first aid, firefighting and marksmanship.

A major emphasis is also placed on physical fitness, health and wellness.

Parsons and other recruits also received instruction on the Coast Guard’s core values.