December 2020 NROTC/SSMP Commissioning

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2020

Navy ROTC Mission

The Navy ROTC Program was established to develop midshipmen mentally, morally and physically, and to imbue them with the highest ideals of duty and loyalty, and with the core values of honor, courage and commitment in order to commission college graduates as Naval Officers who possess a basic professional background, are motivated toward careers in the naval service, and have a potential for future development in mind and character so as to assume the highest responsibilities of Command, Citizenship and Government.

LT Shawn Roades, USN Officer in Charge

LT Rene Perez, USN Assistant Officer in Charge

MMC Julius Bolds, USN Senior Enlisted Advisor

Order of Ceremony MASTER OF CEREMONIES WELCOME OFFICIAL PARTY ENTRANCE NATIONAL ANTHEM INVOCATION SUPERINTENDENT’S WELCOME RADM Michael E. Fossum ‘80, USMS Superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy GUEST SPEAKER Capt. Timothy F. Nelick, USMS Assistant Professor of the Practice, Department of Maritime Transportation OATH OF OFFICE LT Rene Perez, USN Assistant Officer in Charge, Texas A&M Maritime Academy NROTC/SSMP ENSIGN TRANSITIONS ENSIGNS’ FIRST SALUTES BENEDICTION MASTER OF CEREMONIES REMARKS OFFICIAL PARTY DEPARTS

Superintendent ’s Welcome RADM Michael E. Fossum ‘80, USMS Superintendent, Texas A&M Maritime Academy Vice President, Texas A&M University Chief Operating Officer, Texas A&M University at Galveston

RADM Michael E. Fossum ‘80 currently serves as a Vice President of Texas A&M University, Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and Chief Operating Officer of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Fossum joined Texas A&M following his retirement from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Johnson Space Center in 2017.

Fossum is a veteran of three space flights with more than 194 days in space and more than 48 hours in seven spacewalks during his 19 years as an astronaut. During his last mission in 2011, Fossum served as Commander of the International Space Station. He has logged over 2,000 hours in 35 different aircraft throughout the course of his career.

Fossum earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in 1980. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and has earned Master of Science degrees in Systems Engineering and Physical Science/Space Science.

Fossum was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up in McAllen, Texas. He is married to his Aggie sweetheart, the former Melanie J. London ‘80. They have four children and six grandchildren.

He enjoys family and outdoor activities. Fossum has been a lifelong supporter and volunteer in the Scouting program.

Guest Speaker CAPT. Timothy Nelick, USMS Assistant Professor of the Practice, Department of Maritime Transportation

A native of Kansas, Captain Tim F. Nelick left the wheat fields behind at 17. In the U.S. Navy, he developed a passion for seafaring, and determined to become a Merchant Mariner. This led him to the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in Galveston where he earned bachelor degrees in Marine Transportation in 1973 and Maritime Engineering Technology in 1987.

He now holds U.S. Coast Guard Licenses as Master (unlimited tonnage) and Chief Engineer (unlimited horsepower). As a Navy reservist he served on active duty orders for approximately 10 years and was honorably discharged as Lieutenant Commander. He is a nationally registered Emergency Medical Technician.

Captain Nelick’s career includes worldwide shipboard service in capacities including Master and Chief Engineer on a wide variety of vessels.

Commanding the S.S. Cleveland, he receieved the MARAD Expeditionary Medal during Operation Desert Storm. As a Master of the S.S. Diamond State he received the MARAD Outstanding Achievement Medal during the recovery from Hurricane Katrina.

Captain Nelick receievd two Navy Commendation Medals, three Navy Achievement Medals, the Global War on Terror Medal and numerous other awards and citations for his work as an Intelligence Analyst with the Office of Naval Intelligence.

Captain Nelick’s goal is to help aspiring men and women learn the tradecraft of modern commercial seafaring and develop them into highly qualified and successful maritime professionals and Junior Officers in the uniformed services.

Silver Dollar Salute

The first salute is a long-standing 19th century tradition that requires newly commissioned officers to give a silver dollar to the recipient of their first salute. Navy tradition states that you have to buy your first salute and then earn every salute thereafter through your performance by gaining the respect of your subordinates. Today naval officers paying for their first salute is considered a way to show respect for those superior enlisted personnel who helped the officer achieve their commission.

S I LV E R D O L L A R S A LU T E ENS Jacob Pratt, USN ‌ MMC (SW/AW) Julius Bolds

The Sailor’s Creed I AM A UNITED STATES SAILOR. I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THOSE APPOINTED OVER ME. I REPRESENT THE FIGHTING SPIRIT OF THE NAVY AND THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE ME TO DEFEND FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD. I PROUDLY SERVE MY COUNTRY’S NAVY COMBAT TEAM WITH HONOR, COURAGE AND COMMITMENT. I AM COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE AND THE FAIR TREATMENT OF ALL.

Ensign Jacob Pratt United States Navy Ensign Jacob Pratt is a native of Boerne, Texas and a graduate of Boerne-Samuel V. Champion High School. He enrolled in the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in August of 2016 and is set to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Transportation.

Throughout his time in the program, he has served as a Division Officer, Department Chief, Deck Training Officer, and Internal Operations Officer. He has also held a multitude of positions in the Corps of Cadets and for the school such as Company Commander, as well as a Junior and Senior Yell Leader. Additionally, he has had the pleasure of sailing on a variety of different ships that have taken him to a plethora of destinations, both foreign and domestic While not defending freedom and democracy around the world, Ensign Pratt enjoys reading, camping, working out, watching movies, and spending time with family. Ensign Pratt is slated to carry on the family legacy of both of his parents, as he will commission as an officer in the United States Navy.

Oath Of Office “I

,

DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; THAT I WILL TAKE THIS OBLIGATION FREELY, WITHOUT ANY MENTAL RESERVATIONS OR PURPOSE OF EVASION; AND THAT I WILL WELL AND FAITHFULLY DISHARGE THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE ON WHICH I AM ABOUT TO ENTER, SO HELP ME GOD.

The Navy Ethos We are the United States Navy, our Nation’s sea power -ready guardians of peace, victorious in war.

We are professional Sailors and Civilians - a diverse and agile force, exemplifying the highest standards of service to our Nation, at home and abroad, at sea and ashore.

Integrity is the foundation of our conduct, respect for others is fundamental to our character; decisive leadership is crucial to our success.

We are a team, disciplined and well-prepared, committed to mission accomplishment. We do not waver in our dedication and accountability to our shipmates and families.

We are patriots, forged by the Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. In times of war and peace, our actions reflect our proud heritage and tradition.

We defend our Nation and prevail in the face of adversity with strength, determination, and dignity.

We are the United States Navy.

T H E N AV Y H Y M N

Eternal Father, Strong to Save Eternal Father, strong to save, Whose arm hath bound the restless wave, Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep Its own appointed limits keep, O hear us when we cry to thee For those in peril on the sea!

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard And hushed their raging at thy word, Who walkedst on the foaming deep, And calm amidst its rage didst sleep, O hear us when we cry to thee, For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood Upon the chaos dark and rude, And bid its angry tumult cease, And give, for wild confusion, peace, O hear us when we cry to thee For those in peril on the sea!

Eternal Father, grant, we pray, To all Marines, both night and day, The courage, honor, strength, and skill Their land to serve, thy law fulfill; Be thou the shield forevermore From every peril to the Corps.

Lord, guard and guide the ones who fly Through the great spaces in the sky.

Be with them always in the air, In darkening storms or sunlight fair.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to our new Ensign