Navy ROTC

Virginia Tech Naval ROTC midshipmen experienced a full summer of training cruises in 2022 before returning for the fall. Thirty-six rising fourth-class midshipmen became the first in unit history to attend the Navy’s NROTC New Student Indoctrination (NSI) at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois. These midshipmen joined several hundred others from across the nation, learning basic Navy skills including close order drill, physical training, customs and courtesies, and entry-level knowledge. Thirty-one rising third-class midshipmen completed Career Orientation Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) in Norfolk and San Diego, spending a week each with aviation, surface, and submarine communities, plus a week with the Marine Corps. Eighty-seven midshipmen completed second and first-class cruises with in-depth time spent exclusively with aviation squadrons, ships, or submarines and eight second-class Marine Option midshipmen attended Fleet Marine Force in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where they were given a broad introduction to the Marine Air Ground Task Force. Finally, seventeen rising first-class Marine Option midshipmen, a 100 percent success rate, graduated USMC Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. In total, 162 Virginia Tech NROTC midshipmen completed summer training cruises around the globe.

Virginia Tech Naval ROTC was represented internationally as well. Midshipman Ceol and Midshipman Moreno, both seniors, went on a surface warfare cruise aboard a Navy patrol craft operating from Bahrain. Midshipman Friedemann flew onto an operational aircraft carrier in Europe!

Upon his return, Midshipmen Ceol reflected on his cruise. "In June of 2022, I was given the amazing opportunity to complete my first-class aboard the USS Sirocco, stationed in Manama, Bahrain. During my 21-day cruise, I was able to watch and participate in the ship's two main missions: drug interdiction and maritime security. The crew of 24 was incredibly competent and professional, teaching the other midshipmen and me valuable lessons and skills that will serve us well as future Naval officers. I learned how to handle lines, navigate the ship, stand watch as the helmsman, and shoot the various small arms on the ship. I got to do things I never thought I would do on summer cruise, like pull into 3 foreign ports, and be on the bridge during a tense standoff with the Iranian navy. Despite all that, my favorite part of the experience was the mundane tasks I was responsible for performing every day, and the knowledge that my actions - however small - were helping the ship make a difference in the world," said Ceol.

The Navy battalion had the honor of hosting Rear Adm. Jeff Jablon, the commander of the submarine force for the U.S. Pacific Fleet in September. Rear Adm. Jablon presented his 12 leadership lessons from over 30 years of experience in the Navy and submarine fleet, teaching midshipmen how these principles will apply to them as future officers. Some of his important lessons included how leaders should know their people, develop their character and personal integrity, demonstrate unselfishness, and instill the power of ownership. The unit midshipmen look forward to more highlights coming this fall including senior service assignments and the Navy Marine Corps Midshipman Birthday Ball!