WASHINGTON , Jan. 13, 2005 – The military's highest ranking senior noncommissioned officers and chief petty officers will conduct their first joint press conference Jan. 20, before taking their places along the parade route as commentators for the 2005 Presidential Inauguration.

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott, Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps John Estrada, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gerald Murray and Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard Franklin Welch will continue the tradition of being part of the commander-in-chief's inaugural celebration.

In 2001, it was the first time in history, that the U.S. military senior enlisted advisers had a key role in the Inaugural Parade. This time their role has expanded to include a press conference.

"We think it is extremely important to give the senior enlisted advisors a chance to talk about today's soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen," said Navy Capt. Curt Reilly, the Joint Task Force-Armed Forces Inaugural Committee spokesman. The SEAs will be teamed up with celebrity announcers selected by the Presidential Inaugural Committee. The announcer line up for the 2001 Inaugural Parade included Ben Stein, Meatloaf and Pat Sajak.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Terry Scott will join his counterparts of the Army, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard as a commentator for the 55th Presidential Inauguration. U.S. Navy file photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Todd Franton

"The strength and courage of our senior enlisted servicemembers are a reflection of their leaders, and President George Bush wants to acknowledge their service and commitment by extending an invitation to be part of the 55th Presidential Inauguration," said Presidential Inaugural Committee Chairman Jeanne Johnson Phillips.