Master Sgt. Ricky Hart of the U.S. Marine Corps was promoted Tuesday to the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant in a outdoor ceremony surrounded by family at his Red Oak Community home.

Hart is the son of Sonny and Carolyn Hart of Florala and Faye Craig of Andalusia.

He is currently stationed at Pensacola, Fla., Naval Air Station. This marks his 26th year in the Marine Corps, and this is the last rank obtainable by an enlisted marine.

Hart and his wife Dana have five children – two of whom currently serve in the Marine Corps: CPL Todd Hart, who is currently stationed in Jacksonville, N.C.; LCPL Matt Hart, who is currently stationed in Quantico, Va.; Clint, 17; Jenna, 14; and Luke, 12. His two Marine sons were on hand for the ceremony, pinning the new chevrons on their father. This is the first time the two have been on leave at the same time in more than a year.

After the ceremony, the family celebrated with fellow Marines at a brunch on the family’s property.