THE MAINSTAY
University of Idaho & Washington State University NROTC Unit 2019-2020
THE MAINSTAY THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO AND WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY NAVAL RESERVE OFFICERS’ TRAINING CORPS UNIT
Contents CO’s Call....................................................................................................................... ............ 4 Staff.......................................................................................................................................... 5 Captain Shaun McAndrew, Commanding Officer .............................................................. 5 Commander Anthony Rabaiotti, Executive Officer ............................................................ 6 Lieutenant Robert Zielinski, Surface Warfare Officer ........................................................ 7 Lieutenant Justin Holmes, Aviation Warfare Officer ......................................................... 7 Lieutenant Johnathan Wargi, Nuclear Propulsion Officer ................................................. 8 Captain Amish Smith, Marine Officer Instructor ............................................................... 9 Gunnery Sergeant Sergio Molina, Assistant Marine Officer Instructor ............................. 9 Fair Winds and Following Seas............................................................................................... 10 Gunnery Sergeant Jose Ruiz.............................................................................................. 10 Captain Bradly Dunlap ...................................................................................................... 10 Captain Shaun McAndrew ................................................................................................ 11 Civilian Staff………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Battalion Commanders’ Call................................................................................................... 13 Summer Training.................................................................................................................... 15 CORTRAMID ..................................................................................................................... 15 MAGTAF Cruise………………………………………………………………………………………………………...... 16 Aviation Cruise ................................................................................................................. 16 Submarine Cruise ............................................................................................................. 17 New Student Indoctrination ............................................................................................ 17 COVE Competition…. ....................................................................................................... 18 2nd Class Surface Cruise.................................................................................................. 18 Officer Candidate School ................................................................................................ 19 New Student Orientation...................................................................................................... 19 Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball.......................................................................................... 21 Fall Semester Culminating Event........................................................................................... 21 Notre Dame Leadership Weekend........................................................................................ 23 POW/MIA Ceremony….......................................................................................................... 24 WSU and UI Veterans Day Ceremony……….………………………................................................. 24 University of Idaho Homecoming Parade............................................................................. 25 Naval ROTC VS Army ROTC Football..................................................................................... 25 Holiday Party…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……... 26 GySgt Shaughnessy Promotion.............................................................................................. 27 SSgt Rose Promotion............................................................................................................. 27 Semper Fi………….................................................................................................................... 28 Senior Mess Night.................................................................................................................. 29 Fall Commissioning................................................................................................................ 30 Spring Commissioning…………………………..………...................................................................... 31
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Contents CoVID-19 and the Battalion................................................................................................... 32 Newly Commissioned Officers............................................................................................... 33 Battalion Members................................................................................................................ 37 75th Anniversary Note………………………………………………………………………………………….………….. 41 Donations and Scholarships…………………………….……………………………………………………………….. 42 USS Idaho Commissioning Note............................................................................................ 44
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Commanding Officer’s Call Vandal and Coug Alumni, What a year this has been! I hope this Mainstay finds you in good spirits and good health. As my tour on the Palouse comes to an end, I want to thank my staff and the battalion for the amazing work they have done over the past three years, and flexibility they displayed, especially during the past four months. This year started a little earlier for many members of the staff with New Student Indoctrination. This new program is a three -week military indoctrination program for incoming NROTC students from across the country hosted at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes. The staff and I lead the second indoctrination cycle providing training for 480 incoming freshmen. Between the two cycles more than 900 incoming NROTC Midshipmen received training in fire fighting, line handling, swim survival skills, small arms fire and basic watchstanding. Many of our own seniors participated as Midshipman Instructors gaining a valuable leadership training opportunity. This year, the two universities started on different weeks leaving us little time to introduce new battalion members in NROTC Midshipmen life. That didn’t stop the freshmen from excelling. In November, we celebrated the Navy and Marine Corps’ birthdays in the Senior Ballroom of the CUB. CMDMC Dunlap, then Command Master Chief for NROTC, spoke to us about servant leadership. Prior to final exams, we held our third annual holiday party at the Latah County Fair Grounds to reduce stress before finals and celebrate our successes before the holidays. Spring semester brought a mild winter and Seniors eager to commission. We scheduled Senior Mess Night before Spring Break to make April easier to manage. The timing seemed prescient given the sequence of events that began in early March. Cancellation followed cancellation: North West Navy, Commencement, Spring Awards Dinner, in-person Commissioning ceremony and most of Summer Training. Little did we know that as we departed for Spring Break, that would be the last time we would have in person contact with most of the Battalion. Even with the transition to distance and on-line learning, we made the best use of the available options. We held the Spring Awards and Commissioning ceremonies virtually. With the unique situation, both universities allowed us to change the Commissioning ceremony into an actual Graduation and Commissioning ceremony where the respective Presidents and Provosts conferred baccalaureate degrees prior to the oath of office. Our first (and hopefully last) virtual commissioning honored the new Naval officers for their hard work and success staying true to Naval traditions. Our students absolutely demonstrated the adaptability and resilience they will need at Naval Officers upon commissioning. A few notes: Awards: Our students earned more than $9,000 in awards this year. A Notable awardee includes MIDN 1/C Sean Conner for earning the CNO Distinguished Midshipman Award. Well done! My relief, CAPT Price Lockard, is a 1996 University of Idaho graduate coming back after finishing his Commodore tour in Bahrain. Please welcome him back as warmly as you have welcomed me into the Vandal and Coug NROTC family. 75th Anniversary: Our fingers are crossed for the 75th, but we do not know what the football season will look like at this time. We will be putting out more information as the athletic schedule and attendance requirements take shape. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Unit! -CAPT Shaun C. McAndrew, Commanding Officer
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Staff Captain Shaun C. McAndrew, Commanding Officer CAPT Shaun C. McAndrew, a native of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, was commissioned in 1993 from the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering. Completing her flight training at HT-8, she earned her designation as a Naval aviator in January 1996. After flight school, she transferred to HSL-41 for fleet replacement pilot training. CAPT McAndrew was then assigned to HSL-43, San Diego, CA for her first fleet tour. Deploying twice, she completed her tour as the Assistant Operations Officer and NVG Program Manager. She transferred to Naval Support Activity (NSA), Bahrain flying UC-12M transport aircraft in May 2000. Continuing her contributions to the Global War on Terror, she remained in Bahrain, transferring to Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Central Command/Commander, FIFTH Fleet staff in December 2002. As a Helicopter Warfare Officer, she was responsible for the intra- and inter-service coordination of rotary wing aircraft and Personnel Recovery missions for all Navy personnel operating in the FIFTH Fleet AOR. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, CAPT McAndrew was the Combined Forces and Maritime Component Commander’s Rescue Coordination Center Director. For her department head tour at HSL-37, she served first as Administrative Officer, then Detachment THREE Officer-in-Charge embarked in USS Port Royal (CG 73), and ultimately as Operations Officer. During PORT ROYAL’s FIFTH Fleet deployment, her detachment provided 59 continuous days on-station executing oil platform security operations and monitoring the southern Iraqi oil infrastructure. CAPT McAndrew was then individually augmented for a year to Multi-National Forces Iraq (MNF-I) as part of the Resource Management staff. CAPT McAndrew became the liaison between the MNF-I Resource Management office and MultiNational Security Transition Command Iraq (MNSTC-I) Comptroller’s office. She assisted the MNSTC-I comptroller’s office in the coordination of the Iraq Security Force Fund, a direct multiple fiscal year Congressional Appropriation, totaling $15 billion of programming authority. The appropriated funds developed the nascent Defense and Interior Ministries and their Security Forces to stabilize Iraq. She was selected for operational command during her tour in Iraq. Reporting to HSM-41 in October 2008, she transitioned to the MH-60R Seahawk, later assuming duties as Executive Officer. CAPT McAndrew commanded HSM-41, the west coast fleet replacement squadron, from September 2010 to December 2011. During her command tour, she assisted three squadrons in completing their transition from the SH-60B to MH-60R, had more than 30 aircraft assigned, and trained over 250 pilots and aircrew. After command, she was assigned to the OPNAV Plans and Policy staff representing the Navy’s interests in Global Defense Posture. CAPT McAndrew graduated from the National War College with a Master’s Degree in National Strategic Studies. She then served as the First Battalion Officer at the United States Naval Academy where she was responsible for the professional development of 750 Midshipmen and taught Ethics and Moral Reasoning for Naval Officers. CAPT McAndrew reported to the University of Idaho NROTC Unit as Commanding Officer in July 2017. CAPT McAndrew’s personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Strike/Flight Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Air Force Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and various unit commendations and service/ campaign awards.
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Commander Anthony Rabaiotti Commander Anthony Rabaiotti, a native of East Providence, Rhode Island, attended Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology (Pre-Medicine). In 1998, he completed his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Des Moines University and also completed a second Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. After completing residency at the Togus VAMC in Augusta, Maine, he worked in the civilian sector as a Podiatrist in New York City, New York.
Commander Rabaiotti was commissioned in 2001 after completing Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida and his initial duty station as a Commissioned Officer was as the Main Propulsion Officer (MPO1) aboard the USS Detroit (AOE-4) stationed in Earle, New Jersey. He commissioned as a line side Surface Warfare Officer due to absence of Podiatry billets at the time. He qualified as Surface Warfare Officer and Engineering Officer of the Watch (steam) aboard the USS Detroit and deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. His second tour was as the Damage Control Assistant (DCA) aboard the USS Hopper (DDG-70) stationed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He deployed for second time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Completing lateral transfer in 2005, he was stationed at Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA from 2005 to 2009 as Division Officer of Podiatry. His second tour was as Orthopedics Department Head, Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, MD from 2009 to 2012. Commander Rabaiotti then completed an overseas tour as the Orthopedics Department Head and Staff Podiatrist at United States Naval Hospital Sigonella, Italy from 2013 to 2016. After returning from Europe, Commander Rabaiotti was assigned as a student to the College of Naval Warfare at the Naval War College, Newport, RI, where he earned a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and an AQD in Middle East studies. He has completed a tour as staff Podiatrist at Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Training Center, San Diego, CA from 2017 to 2019. Currently, he is stationed in Moscow, Idaho as the Executive Officer for the NROTC programs of the University Idaho and Washington State University. Commander Rabaiotti’s military decorations include: The Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (two awards), Naval and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards) and various unit awards. He is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and is board certified by the American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry. He is currently licensed to practice Podiatry in New York State. He is married to the former Miss Sasha Daugherty of Merna, NE. They have two children; Alexander and Gabriella.
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Lieutenant Robert Zielinski, Surface Warfare Officer LT Robert Zielinski is a native of Virginia Beach, VA. He attended Old Dominion University, where he earned his B.S. in Ocean and Earth Sciences with a concentration in Geology. While attending Old Dominion University, he was enrolled in the Hampton Roads NROTC program as a College Programmer, earned a two year national scholarship, and received his commission in May of 2014. LT Zielinski’s first Division Officer tour was onboard USS NEW YORK (LPD 21). Upon reporting aboard, he served as the Repair Division Officer. After serving as R-DIVO for 12 months, he served as the Weapons and Ordinance Officer until the completion of his first Division Officer tour. LT Zielinski received the Division Officer Sequencing Plan (Fleet Up) option onboard NEW YORK as Training Officer and Executive Department Head. LT Zielinski completed two overseas deployments, a 12 month Major Maintenance Period, DSCA support, and a full training cycle. LT Zielinski reported to NROTC University of Idaho in June of 2018 where he is serving as Assistant Professor of Naval science and Surface Warfare Officer.
Lieutenant Justin Holmes, Aviation Warfare Officer LT Justin Holmes is the Aviation Warfare Officer at the University of Idaho/Washington State University NROTC Program. He earned his commission from Oregon State University through the NROTC program, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Fitness and Nutrition. Following his graduation, LT Holmes started flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Upon earning his pilot wings, LT Holmes chose to fly the P-3 Orion. LT Holmes completed two deployments with his squadron, VP-40. His deployment sites included Japan, Bahrain, and Turkey with detachments to Malaysia and the Philippines. During his time in the squadron, LT Holmes worked as the Scheduling Officer, Aviation Electrician Branch Officer, Tactics Training Officer, Tactics Division Officer, and the Aircrew Division Officer. In addition to his ground duties, LT Holmes qualified as an Aircraft Commander and Mission Commander, amassing over 1,000 flight hours throughout his training. LT Holmes reported to the NROTC University of Idaho/Washington State University unit in February of 2019. He is currently working towards a Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology in addition to his duties at the unit.
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Lieutenant Johnathan Wargi, Nuclear Propulsion Officer Lieutenant Johnathan Wargi was born in Bremerton, WA and attended Clairemont High School in San Diego, CA. After graduating in 2006, Lieutenant Wargi enlisted in the Navy as a Nuclear Electronic Technician and reported aboard the USS Michigan (SSGN-727 Blue Crew). In 2011, Lieutenant Wargi was selected for the Seamen to Admiral Program (STA21) and graduated with a B.S. in Computer Science from Oregon State University. Following Lieutenant Wargi’s commissioning in 2013, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, SC to begin power school. Following completion of power school, Lieutenant Wargi reported to the Submarine Officer Basic Course in Groton, CT for three months. Lieutenant Wargi completed his nuclear training at the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Charleston, SC in June 2014. In August 2015, Lieutenant Wargi reported to the USS Connecticut (SSN 22), homeported in Bremerton, WA. While onboard USS Connecticut, Lieutenant Wargi served as the Assistant Engineer, Reactor Control Assistant, Electrical Assistant, and Ship’s Diving Officer, Communication Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. Lieutenant Wargi completed an Arctic deployment, a Chief of Naval Operations Availability, Sea Trials, and first in class install of a new Reactor Control Suite. Lieutenant Wargi reported to NROTC University of Idaho in August 2018 where he is serving as Assistant Professor of Naval Science and Nuclear Propulsion Officer.
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Captain Amish Smith, Marine Officer Instructor Capt Smith attended Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 2004. Following graduation, he attended the School of Infantry West and the Amphibious Reconnaissance School before reporting to 1st Reconnaissance Battalion in 2005. At 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once aboard the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). Additionally, he attended the Marine Combatant Dive School, Sergeant’s Course, Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape School, the Army’s Long-Range Reconnaissance Surveillance Leader’s Course, and Basic Airborne Course. In 2009, he returned from the 13th MEU and received orders to the School of Infantry West for instructor duty at the Basic Reconnaissance Course. Capt Smith was selected for the Marine Enlisted Commissioning and Education Program in 2012. After attending the Officer Candidacy Course, he received orders to the University of Idaho. Captain Smith graduated from the University of Idaho and reported to The Basic School in 2016. After completing the Marine Basic Officer Course, he was assigned to the Signals Intelligence, Ground Electronic Warfare Officer Course in Dam Neck, VA in 2017. After graduating, he reported to 1st Radio Battalion in Camp Pendleton, CA. In 2019, Capt Smith deployed as a Platoon Command for the Radio Battalion Detachment aboard the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. Capt Smith reported to the NROTC University of Idaho in June of 2020. He is currently assigned as the Marine Officer Instructor, Staff Operations Officer, and lead instructor for the Evolution of Warfare and Amphibious Operations courses.
Gunnery Sergeant Sergio Molina, Assistant Marine Officer Instructor GySgt Molina enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego in 2002. In 2003, following completion of Marine Combat Training (MCT) he reported to Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Florida where he attended both Naval Aircrew Candidate School and Aviation Machinist’s Mate Course. Afterwards, at Naval Base Coronado, California he attended Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape training, KC-130 Aircraft Mechanic Maintenance Course and KC-130 Flight Mechanic Ground School. In 2004, he reported to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 253 “Otis” for further Flight Mechanic training, and qualified as a Flight Mechanic on KC130 F/R/T models. He then proceeded to report for KC-130J model conversion training at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. In 2004, after completing KC-130J Crew Chief Conversion Course, he received orders to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252. In 2005, he received orders to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 “Raiders”, Miramar, California, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After this deployment, he received orders to Little Rock, Arkansas AFB. GySgt Molina reported to Drill Instructor School, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, CA in 2013. Upon graduation, he was assigned to 2D Battalion, Golf Company. During his tenure, he served as Drill Instructor, Experienced Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor and Chief Drill Instructor during ten cycles. In 2016, GySgt Molina received orders to the Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron, Miramar, California. He served as Crewmaster Instructor, Fiscal Chief and Division Chief. While at his command, he converted to a KC-130J Flight Engineer and participated in multiple Detachments such as Lava Viper, Balikatan, Bougainville, and Cobra Gold. In 2020, GySgt Molina reported to the University of Idaho as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor/Senior Enlisted Advisor. 9
Fair Winds and Following Seas GySgt Jose Ruiz GySgt Ruiz joined the unit April 2017 and made his presence known from day one. He spent countless hours mentoring MIDN, imbuing them while only the highest sense of honor courage and commitment. He taught them attention to detail and the value of small unit leader engagements through the practice of “field day”. He pushed every Midshipmen, Officer Candidate, MECEP, and fellow staff members to sharpness themselves physically so when the time comes, they are ready for the fight. Due to GySgt’s persistence and commitment to the students in the NROTC program, he made positive long-term change at the Unit. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Fair winds and following seas.
Capt Bradley Dunlap Captain Dunlap came to the UI/WSU NROTC Unit as the Marine Officer Instructor in June of 2017. He is a 2010 graduate of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program from the University of Colorado. Emphasizing tactical excellence, Captain Dunlap spent count-less hours preparing Midshipmen and MECEPs alike for OCS and TBS. He shared his wisdom as a Combat Engineer with anyone that was willing to listen. Captain Dunlap was a persistent and talented Operations Officer. His work benefitted everyone in the Unit and set the standard for all NROTC events in the future. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Fair winds and following seas.
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Fair Winds and Following Seas CAPT Shaun McAndrew As all great things come to an end, so goes the military life. Serving as the Commanding Officer for the UI/WSU NROTC unit since 2017, Captain McAndrew has shown the amazing leadership and guidance that she developed over the decades of service she has givWith great success at Northwest Navy and dozens of newly commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps, Captain McAndrew undoubtedly left an impact on the future of our armed forces. Ma’am, as you head off to your next destination, we wish you the best of luck. Fair winds and following seas!
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Welcome Aboard! Additionally, we welcome GySgt Molina serving the Unit as its newest AMOI, Capt Amish Smith serving the Unit as its newest MOI, and CAPT Price Lockard returning to his alma mater as the Commanding Officer. Welcome Aboard shipmates, you are joining the unit at a new and exciting time.
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Civilian Staff
John Nesler spent 26 years active in the Air Force Ammo and Safety communities before retiring as a Master Sergeant. He joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2011 as the Supply Officer.
Leonard Johnson spent four years enlisted in the Army and over nine years supporting Air Force satellite programs with the M.S. he earned in Space Studies. He joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2015 as the Administrative Coordinator.
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Fall Battalion Commander’s Call I was excited for the start of the Fall 2019 semester and to try my hand at leading the Battalion. Smiling freshmen straight out from the newly developed NSI and returning midshipmen ready to guide them along this unique path is one of my favorite sights at the Battalion. We started off headfirst into the semester and kept going. This semester included numerous blustery stadium cleanups, plenty of running during PT, and
exciting flag football games that taught everyone how to take a hit and keep on moving. We were able to show the community who we are through our marching at the Homecoming Parade and how we held ourselves during the UI & WSU Veteran’s Day Ceremonies. An amazing birthday ball was set up by my MIDN Gluth who worked so hard for so long to pull it all together. Once that had passed, we had our Holiday party to look forward to and prepare for the next semester. I would like to thank both the Battalion and the Unit staff for making this semester the best it possibly could be. I am thankful for the opportunity given to me to grow as a leader. Thank you all for the honor and privilege to lead you during the Fall 2019 semester and I wish you all the best of luck when you hit the fleet.
MIDN 1/C Zachary R. Cutter
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Spring Battalion Commander’s Call The Spring 2020 semester was an interesting one for sure. At the beginning, we hit the ground running. The Battalion trained hard for the upcoming Northwest Navy competition at the University of Washington in Seattle. The senior class had a wonderful Senior Mess Night thanks to MIDN Greenberg and MIDN Stefani for coordinating, GySgt Shaughnessy for serving as Mr. Vice, and LtCol Dan Button for speaking as our Guest of Honor. The BNXO and NWN Coordinator, MIDN Fry, was able to set up a field meet against the Army ROTC as a practice for the upcoming competition. Unfortunately, over Spring Break the campus was closed for the remainder of the semester and all classes were moved online due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This was quite the adjustment. The PT Coordinator, MIDN Figueredo, worked diligently to modify the PT plan for Battalion members to conduct on their own. NWN and the Semper Fi Platoon field exercise were cancelled. The Spring Awards Ceremony, Professional Development Lab, and Spring Commissioning were all moved to an online format. The Battalion took this in stride and continued to persevere through this new virtual learning and NROTC environment. Towards the end of the semester, the Battalion bid fair winds and following seas to GySgt Ruiz and welcomed GySgt Molina as the new Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. There are many groups to recognize for this successful semester. The Battalion Staff for the hard work and diligence they put in behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly and efficiently. The Battalion members for their ability to adapt and overcome to changing conditions. The Unit Staff for their mentorship and guidance along the way. I am confident my replacement, MIDN Greenberg, will take the helm and continue to steer the Battalion in the right direction. I am humbled to have been provided the opportunity to serve as Battalion Commander and wish the
Battalion the best in their future careers as Navy and Marine Corps officers. Semper Fidelis!
SSgt Michael Mallard
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Summer Training CORTRAMID This past June, I went to CORTRAMID West for my 3/C summer cruise in San Diego, CA. The month long cruise exposed us to three different warfare communities as well as an overview of the Marine Corps, each for a week at a time. I spent my first week experiencing life in the submarine community. I spent the first few days learning about many incredible secret level capabilities of the submarine force and the crucial deterrent role they play for our national security. The next day I got to tour the USS Hampton, a Los Angeles fast attack submarine. Later on I went on a 24 hour underway aboard the USS Henry M Jackson, an Ohio class boomer. I experienced angles and dangles, learned about day-to-day life aboard the ship from the sailors, and gained valuable wisdom from senior enlisted and the commanding officer. I spent my second week with the surface warfare community. During this week, a group of junior officers and chiefs were always with us to answer our questions and to elaborate on the duties and responsibilities of a surface warfare officer. We were exposed to all kinds of ships, such as a cruiser, destroyer, LPD, LCAC, Mark VI, and an aircraft carrier. My personal favorite was the Mark VI patrol boat, which is equipped with shock absorbing seats, two .50 caliber machine guns, and two remote controlled M242 25mm chain guns. For my underway, I went aboard the USS Lake Champlain, a Ticonderoga class cruiser, where we learned hands on firefighting skills with the use of fire hoses and infrared cameras which are used to see through smoke. The third week was what made me more passionate about the route I am choosing to go. For Marine week at Camp Pendleton, we got to spend time with a lot of the enlisted personnel, which really gave me a newfound appreciation for the opportunity I will have to lead some of the world’s finest warriors. This intense week included a considerable amount of time on the shooting range, where we had the chance to shoot an M9, M4, 50 Caliber Browning Machine Gun, M240 Bravo, and a grenade launcher. What was most humbling about this experience was that many Marines have never had the experience of firing these weapons. The week was capped off by an experience in the infantry immersion trainer, a simulated Middle Eastern town where we learned how to clear several compounds of adversaries using paintball guns. For the final aviation week, we split our time between Naval Air Station North Island and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. The week commenced with a visits to the SH-60 Seahawk squadron, formerly commanded by our very own CAPT McAndrew, the MV-22 Osprey squadron, and a Marine fighter attack training squadron. During this time, we were given the time to tour the various aircraft, take pictures in and around the aircraft, converse with the pilots, and even put our limited flying abilities to the test in several top-of-the-line flight simulators. Here, we were introduced to the broad scope of aviation platforms at the hip pocket of the Navy and Marine Corps. In addition, we developed a better understanding of the rigorous and extensive aviation training pipeline. The climax of aviation week included orientation flights in an SH-60 Seahawk and a T-6 Texan where many had the opportunity to experience various acrobatics and maneuvers, and even a chance to fly the plane ourselves for a small period of time. CORTRAMID was truly an exceptional and humbling experience, one which had a profound impact on my understanding of the Navy’s and Marine Corps’ warfighting capabilities. CORTAMID also answered a lot of personal questions, clarified misunderstandings, and dispelled many common myths and rumors. This newfound collective knowledge provided me with a much clearer insight on which warfare communities would and would not fit my needs and interests in the near future. MIDN 3/C Andrew Sayre
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MAGTAF Cruise For my second-class cruise, I spent ten days with the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines at Camp Pendleton, California. This experience gave me a look at Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations and training. The first two days I was attached to CAAT Platoon, Weapons Company and participated in a field training exercise, observing the preparation and execution of a SAW machine gun squad providing supporting fire for a combat engineer squad breaching two obstacles and taking an objective. The rest of the week I was attached to 1st Platoon, Lima Company, and participated in morning combat conditioning PT as well as Marine Corps Martial Arts Program training which consisted of learning basic MCMAP techniques, the MCMAP warrior ethos, and getting to practice what I learned in ground fighting, grappling, sparring, and pugil stick bouts. The best part of my cruise was getting to experience the Marine Corps’ grunt culture, talking, training, and working out with Lance Corporals, Sergeants, and First Lieutenants. I also sat in on the 3/1 staff meeting which gave me a better understanding of an infantry battalion’s organization and training.
MIDN 2/C Jacob Fry
Aviation Cruise For my first-class cruise, I was selected to travel to San Diego, CA and be attached to HSC-23 Wildcards, a Sierra Seahawk Squadron. There were three other MIDN from other parts of the country that was also attached to HSC-23 and immediately, we all got along. Throughout the first week in San Diego we were accelerated through the medical, swim, and simulation portions of the cruise due to plans our CO had for us later in the month. Immediately, we were thrown into the squadron, helping prepare for a deployment, sitting in on briefs, attending ceremonies, and anything else our OPS-O had planned for us. At the end of the week we were given the time to join a backseat flight and tour the Firescout Drone, a new UAV for helicopter pilots. Unlike most of the first-class aviators we did not stay in San Diego that summer. Two-thirds of my squadron, including MIDN, were sent to El Centro, CA on a detachment (DET) to train in an arena not fulfilled by the San Diego landscape. El Centro is a large flat and open desert with consistent temperatures of 115 degrees and a nighttime temperature of at least 100. The only thing to do in El Centro is go to the gym, pool, or fly. Therefore, nearly every day we had the opportunity to fly in both backseat and front seat. Many of our flights included shooting unguided rockets and Hellfire rockets aimed at unexploded ordinance spread throughout the various ranges. Another common job for the MIDN was to play roles as opposing forced (OPFOR) for pilots. This consisted on being dropped in the desert in the middle of the night for search and rescue (SAR) missions as well as playing terrorist over the radios, so the pilots had to locate at eliminate us as threats. On our “down time” many of the pilots and aircrew would invite us to go out to dinner, hiking, play soccer, or race go-carts. In addition, we were able to connect with a Jet FRS, MV-22, and British Royal Air Force Chinook squadrons. Overall, my time with the Wildcards was unforgettable. Being a part of the El Centro detachment allowed us to connect with the pilots and aircrew both on and off the clock. I have established relationships mentors that I still remain in contact with today. MIDN 1/C Aurora Mackie-Meuler
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Submarine Cruise This summer I had the wonderful opportunity to embark on the USS Seawolf for ten days. We started are trek in San Diego where the Seawolf pulled into port and took us aboard. We spent that first day getting settled in our racks and getting acquainted with some of the crew. That evening I got the opportunity to head up to the bridge before we submerged. While up there I got to talk with the navigation officer and I learned a lot on that first day alone. When we came down we changed into our coveralls and then went and had dinner in the wardroom. I finished the night out by being in control until we submerged. The next day we got the opportunity to see witness a battle stations drill when we came across the USS Princeton. One of the JO’s (Junior Officer) was on watch and we used this opportunity to get one of his quals done by making an approach on the Princeton and shooting a water slug at it. We then came around for a second approach where myself and one of the other Midshipmen on board got stand in as Weapons Systems and Fire Control Operators. Later that day we got to witness the same JO receive his Dolphins after he went through what they called a crucible. The crucible was him maneuvering the submarine into firing position on a fictional contact. He then had to go into evasive maneuvers when the “contact” fired on us. During the initial approach I got to be the helmsman. Over the next few days we stayed off the coast of San Diego running drills before we began our four day transition to Hawaii. Over this time we continued to observe what it is like to be a JO on a submarine. We were assigned a different running mate each day and would stand watch with them to learn the different watch billets. We also had a sit down with the CO to ask questions. One night we were taught the basics of Damage Control on a submarine and learned how to properly put on an EAB (Emergency Air Breather). MIDN 1/C Matthew Meagher
New Student Indoctrination This past summer, I had the opportunity to serve as a Midshipman Instructor for new Student Indoctrination (NSI) at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes in Illinois. The purpose of NSI was to provide basic military instruction to over 400 incoming 4/C MIDN Candidates. These Candidates were broken up into three companies; each of which was led by a Marine Corps Drill Instructor, two Recruit Division Commanders (RDCs), and roughly 20 Midshipman Instructors. During the first three days, the candidates had not arrived yet, so this was the time for the Midshipman Instructors to be taught how to provide proper military instruction and get an understanding of how RTC Great Lakes works. On day four, The Candidates arrived and so began the long three weeks of training. This training included teaching the Candidates basic military knowledge, how to wear their uniforms, make their racks, conduct drill and physical fitness, and many other things. The Candidates also attended multiple trainers at RTC Great Lakes, including firefighting, swimming, marksmanship, and line handling. At the end of the three weeks, there was a final drill competition between the three companies to showcase what the Candidates had learned during their training. Finally came graduation, where the Candidates became 4/C Midshipmen and then loaded on buses to head to their respective NROTC units. Although NSI was a long three weeks filled with lots of hard work and limited sleep, it was a very rewarding experience to help train the new 4/C Midshipmen and watch them grow as individuals during their time at RTC Great Lakes. MIDN 1/C Parker Simon
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COVE Competition Cruise In late August, I had the opportunity to attend the COVE training and competition event at the Surface Warfare Officer School at Naval Station Newport in Rhode Island. The training itself consisted of two days of training with the SWOS. This involved working personally with experienced SWO’s, learning about the intricacies of handling various types of vessels and doing so while abiding by maritime and navigational rules. They also provided valuable insight into the SWO community, regaling us with sea stories and advice to help us become successful in the fleet. The competition itself consisted of three main events, berthing and unberthing from a slip, underway replenishment, and a man overboard drill. There were ten other midshipmen from various units around the country who also were competing in this event. Throughout our stay in Newport, we became friends as we spent our time outside of training exploring the seaside, shopping at the NEX, or simply playing a game or two of bowling. Overall, this great experience at the COVE competition provided me with an opportunity to meet other midshipmen, enhance my COVE and general navigation skills, and meet and learn from various SWOs. MIDN 2/C Ryan Kroon
Second Class Surface Cruise Over the summer, I went on my second-class surface warfare cruise. I was aboard the USS Anchorage (LPD 23). The Anchorage had just returned from deployment and was preparing to enter the yards. Throughout the three week experience the Anchorage conducted a few different drills. We were able to watch amphibious landings with Landing Craft Air Cushions (LCACs) and Amphibious Assault Vehicles. The ship also conducted over 120 aircraft landings as well as a fire control drill. Since the USS Anchorage was getting ready to enter the yards, all the ammunition had to be removed from the ship. On the West Coast, the ammunition depot is in Seal Beach, CA. We spent a week there learning the process of transporting ammunitions and how much ammunition is actually on a ship during deployment. The most important thing I learned during my time was simply how life on a ship is. The everyday rules, when to eat, what to do with your free time, how to live within a rack, the relationship between officers and enlisted, and who to talk to. These are all small things yet can determine the quality of your time on the ship. I was assigned a running mate in the sales section. I learned a great deal from him and got to experience a lot of “behind the scenes” things. I got to see how the ship’s store was ran and even got to help run it. I learned how the ships laundry worked and what the procedure was for maintenance the sales section was responsible for.
The most memorable part of my cruise was the family day cruise. The crew’s families were invited on board for a short-day trip. The trip was to show the families what their veterans do for a living. This was my favorite day of the cruise because of the fulfillment that was shown. The crew members beamed with pride as they gave their tours. I appreciated the opportunity to attend my second-class cruise on the USS Anchorage. I learned a great deal about an LPD’s capabilities and relationship with marines. Moving forward I will bring my experiences with me as I progress as a Naval Officer. MIDN 2/C Seth Gluth
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Officer Candidates School For the first three years of a NROTC Marine option MIDN, they receive training that will prepare them for the ever-daunting Marine Corps Officer Candidate school (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia. A six weeklong screening process that is designed to see if those who volunteer to go through it have what it takes to be and begin their training as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. During OCS, officer candidates will be tested on their Commitment, Character, Physical/Mental Courage, Teamwork/Unselfishness, and Resilience. The staff combined with the rigors of the physical events, like the Obstacle and Endurance courses, and the hot and humid climate of Quantico are very good at creating a controlled chaotic environment in which the officer candidates must survive in and be evaluated on how they do so. At the same time, officer candidates are assigned leadership billets where their ability to lead their peers will be tested. Officer candidates are constantly evaluated even when it comes time for them to go on weekend liberty. At the end of it all, candidates will earn the coveted Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbolizing their completed initiation into the United States Marine Corps. It was the turn for Midshipmen Conner, Gervaise, and Salcido, A to go to OCS May 26th, 2019. They would be attending the first cycle of training. These Midshipmen were tested on all five tenants of OCS and went through the trials and tribulations that it had to offer, but in the end they graduated along with the rest of Lima Company on July 6th, 2019. The next step for these OCS graduates is to complete their degree, commission, and move on to what OCS was really preparing them for: The Basic School.
MIDN 1/C Andres Salcido
New Student Orientation NSO was quick. Like any other orientation it is meant to give a fresh MIDN a taste of the life that thousands before have lived. It is an introduction to the next four years. However, the orientation is not only just that, but a way of communicating the challenge that lays ahead. NROTC is not just a class to take three days a week in the mornings with some professor, which results in a commission as an officer into the greatest Navy in the world. Rather, NROTC is a MIDN’s new priority, and lifestyle. For some, this what they have been waiting for. For others, NSO plants the seed of doubt, causing them to question why they are there when free to go. I was not overly challenged by the day. Gunnery Sergeant Ruiz, pushed us hard during the morning’s PT/Drill. I have never been that out of breath before in my life. However, the pain was momentary and during drill I got a chance to actually enjoy learning how to march. I will not claim that I was any good at it, but with each ditty spoken or mumbled, my team and I improved. More than anything I enjoyed being a section of something with so many moving parts working together. The satisfaction of thirty heels being brought down at once is something to work for. Once drill had ended, the day became a jar of honey being poured on its side. Most of it was standing in lines waiting for the person in front of you to move. Yet even this had its positives. During this time, I, living in the tower and without the opportunity to meet anyone, got the chance to begin to become acquainted with my teammates. Most of this originating from slight nods and whispers, as we sought to avoid the eye of our superiors. The day ended as quickly as it began, with a few words being said, and an oath. The only difference being, the oaths we spoke were not vulgar phrases spat out at misbehaving MIDN.
MIDN 4/C Will Grasser
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Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball On 25 October 2019, the University of Idaho and Washington State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps celebrated the 244th Birthday of the United States Navy and 243rd Birthday of the United States Marine Corps during the annual Birthday Ball held in Pullman, Washington. This amazing tradition began with conversation between Midshipmen, Active Duty Officers and Enlisted, and Esteemed Guests. After an hour of mingling, the ceremony began with the entrance of the official party, color guard, and cake detail with the first piece given to the Guest of Honor, Command Master Chief Dunlap. Directly following, the oldest Marine, Captain Bradley Dunlap, and oldest Sailor, Lieutenant Commander Mike Musegades, USN (ret), were given cake and they passed this cake on to the youngest Marine Option, Midshipman Colt Uhlenkott, and youngest Navy Option, Midshipman Jayson Haddon. The passing of the cake symbolizes the passing of highly valued knowledge from the older and more experienced service members to the younger and inexperienced. “Such a simple tradition has astounding meaning and being a part of this tradition has truly a blessing”, states Midshipman Uhlenkott. “I hope to carry on the professionalism and knowledge with which Captain Dunlap displays daily. Command Master Chief Dunlap was the final speaker, and rightly so. The value of his vast knowledge and experience is insurmountable. Every ear was focused with the intent of absorbing everything he had to say. The University of Idaho and Washington State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit will certainly remember the 244th Birthday Celebration of the United States Navy and 243rd Birthday Celebration of the United States Marine Corps. MIDN 4/C Colt Uhlenkott
Fall Semester Culminating Event The Culminating Event took place on November 8th, 2019 and involved the entire Battalion participating in the event rather than conducting Drill and Professional Development. The Battalion was split into teams according to their squads for the semester and ran around the University of Idaho campus completing different events in order to gain points and be the winning squad. The events in the culminating event involved Land Navigation, a quiz over the Semesters Professional Development topics, two Leadership Reaction Courses, a Tactical Decision Game, a workout, an obstacle course involving ammo cans, and a run through the New Arboretum. Teams were given a map and roughly an hour and a half and had to come up with their best plan of attack to get as many points as possible in the allotted time. At the hour and a half mark the teams were then brought together on the Sprint Turf and participated in a final event of tug of war to see which team would take it all. It was a close battle, but Team 6 ended up winning the Culminating Event due to their tenacity in tug of war which put them in the lead. Team 6 included MIDN Admiraal, MIDN Figueredo, MIDN Lester, MIDN Stefani Z, MIDN Jones, MIDN Smith, MIDN Lafferty, MIDN Down and OC Ashby. MIDN 1/C Sean Conner
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Navy/Marine Corps Birthday Ball
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Notre Dame Leadership Weekend This year Midshipman Admiraal and I attended the 25th annual Naval Leadership Weekend at the University of Notre Dame. We heard from many great speakers such as Captain Duffy, Vice Admiral Jackson, Major General Alford, Rear Admiral Foster, Command Master Chief Petty Officer Zehnacker, Colonel Dabeck, and Admiral Burke. We were able to hear sea stories, such as what happened the day of the USS Fitzgerald collision, and how the experiences and lessons could be applied to our future careers as Naval Officers. We were given the opportunity to ask questions about leadership and life in the Navy during the JO panel. Following the JO panel, we split up to ask more community specific questions. The last event of the weekend was the keynote dinner at which Admiral Burke, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, gave an interactive speech. He spoke about upcoming changes to the Navy and Marine Corps, and answered many questions from Midshipmen and other officer attendees. This weekend was a great opportunity to hear from other officers and leaders in the Navy and Marine Corps outside of our home unit. The speakers provided us with valuable lessons that could be taken with us not only in our futures as officers, but also in life. This trip was also a great way to make connections with Midshipmen from other schools that will be working alongside us in the near future. The Naval Leadership Weekend was a great opportunity across the board that I would recommend to anyone who wants to be a great Naval Officer. MIDN 2/C Janey Greenberg
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POW/MIA Ceremony th
On September 20 , the University of Idaho and Washington State University NROTC battalion hosted the POW/MIA Ceremony in the Shattuck Theater of the Old Arboretum on UI’s campus. Amidst the calming green nature surrounding the Theater, the NROTC, AROTC, and AFROTC of UI/WSU commemorated the fallen and those who are missing of the U.S. armed forces. This ceremony joined efforts with the Army and Air Force ROTCs in forming the color guard for the event. Led by GySgt Ruiz, the color guard formation was diligently trained in presenting the American flag, the Navy flag, and the State of Idaho flag. After the reverent bearing of the colors, CAPT McAndrew opened the ceremony by delivering awe-inspiring words to commemorate the fallen. She stressed the vitality of continually remembering those who have paid the ultimate price in defending American freedom not only on this day, but daily. Without those who are deployed on the front lines and those who are stationed at home, always at the ready, American freedom and worldwide order would not be achievable. CAPT McAndrew personally extended unique words of gratitude to the veterans and military families who attended the ceremony. This ceremony reflects the importance to constantly remember those who have suffered in the name of protecting American freedom, peace, and prosperity. By holding the POW/MIA ceremony yearly, the NROTC and the other ROTC units swear to remember the price of freedom. Soon, the young men and women of these units will be deployed at an array of bases across the world to ensure American citizens can enjoy the American Dream. Whether in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, or Air Force, this ceremony unites those of all branches and all walks of life as one team to commemorate the fallen. By preparing themselves to walk in the footsteps of fallen heroes, these MIDN, Candidates and Cadets are reminded to remain steadfast to their commitment to protect our way of life.
MIDN 3/C Richard Stefani
WSU and UI Veterans Day Ceremony
Battalion members honored military veterans at Washington State University and University of Idaho Veterans Day ceremonies on November 8th and November 11th.
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University of Idaho Homecoming Parade
It was a blustery fall day in Moscow, with sideways rain pouring down drenching the parade participants. As I prepared to march in the NROTC battalion formation, I could just barley glimpse a ray of sun behind the storm clouds. We had the honor of leading another Homecoming parade with the colors and MIDN Fry calling cadence. As we neared the downtown area, the sun broke through for a brief time, illuminating the Battalion at the forefront of the parade. It was an exciting time and another fantastic Homecoming, and a wonderful time to take pride in our school and our battalion. I look forward to next year’s Homecoming, and what will behold from that experience!
MIDN 3/C Aiden Raffaele
Naval ROTC VS Army ROTC Football The flag football team entered the fall of the 2019 season needing to replace many newly commissioned graduates, and the season started with a rough wake-up call against Air Force in a 7 on 7 game. Though the offense hummed through most of the game with several touchdown receptions by SSgt Mallard, late turnovers doomed Navy and they fell 40-38. The second game, played against WSU Army, provided a better picture of what the team was capable of. In a 9 on 9 game, the offensive and defensive lines dominated the game, and WSU Army was unable to move the ball for most of the game. Navy won in a 21-6 decision. The third game was played against UI Army, and Navy came out firing on all cylinders. MIDN von Brethorst was able to find targets all over the field and Navy took a 35-0 halftime lead. The defense held steady as well, and Navy cruised to a 54-10 win. MIDN 2/C Joseph Admiraal
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Holiday Party The Holiday Party is an annual Battalion event that happens in December before UI’s and WSU’s dead week and finals week. The party starts with a turnover ceremony which transfers the Battalion staff billets to the Battalion members that will be taking over those leadership positions the following semester. After this, the Battalion has dinner together which is voted on. As a returning favorite, the Battalion elected to dine and celebrate with Panda Express. After dinner, the Battalion breaks into pre-chosen teams for the gingerbread contest where each team creates something out of gingerbread house making kits. As the party beings to end, MIDN Conrad began to announce prizes for a raffle for holidays themed goodies. The Holiday Party closes with an awards ceremony, where Battalion members are awarded ribbons and scholarships. The annual Holiday Party is a great way for the Battalion to spend time together and unwind before finishing the fall semester. With activities like gingerbread contests, raffles, and an award ceremony, the party provides members an opportunity to socialize in a non-professional setting. The Holiday Party also provides a chance for the Battalion members to develop a stronger comradery, and further unite the classes. With the conclusion of the first semester, the Battalion can return in the Spring semester, ready to work towards another strong semester. MIDN 3/C Benjamin Allen
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GySgt Shaughnessy Promotion On December 3rd, 2019 family, friends, and Unit Staff joined to promote GySgt Shaughnessy as the newest Gunnery Sergeant in the Marine Corps. GySgt Shaughnessy’s promotion was held in the courtyard outside of Niccols Hall. Promotion to the rank of GySgt comes with added responsibility and GySgt Shaughnessy shows he is committed to earning it everyday.
SSgt Rose Promotion On January 6th, 2020 the Unit joined to recognize the Marine Corps newest SSgt, SSgt Rose. The promotion ceremony was held in Hays Hall, where Battalion members and Unit Staff congratulated SSgt Rose for his unwavering support and dedication to the Marine Corps
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Semper Fi
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Senior Mess Night
Senior Mess Night is an event where the graduating seniors and the Unit Staff come together and reflect on all of the events that occurred throughout the years of them being in NROTC. The night begins with a cocktail hour where the Seniors and Unit Staff can socialize in a more informal environment. From there, dinner is served, and the floor is opened for fines. Anyone can be fined and anyone can also rebuttal their fine. If an individual is fined, they must drink from the grog. SSgt Mallard and GySgt Shaughnessy served as the President and Vice President of the Mess to levy the fines. Fines have no limits in time and can range anywhere from something that happened years ago between two individuals to something that occurred that night, but it is important to make the fine entertaining. After all the fining as occurred the floor is then closed and Senior Mess night begins to wrap up. One notable individual who attended was the Guest of Honor. The Guest of Honor this year was Lt Col Dan Button. Lt Col Button was the Veterans Advisor at University of Idaho from 2010 to 2017 and has helped the University of Idaho and Veterans in numerous ways. With the tradition of Senior Mess Night, the graduating seniors are able to start embracing the traditions of the Navy and Marine Corps and start moving forward with their careers as future officers in the United States military. MIDN 1/C Sean Conner
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Fall Commissioning On December 20th, the UI/WSU NROTC commissioned four officers from the Unit, along with the UI/ WSU Army and Air Force ROTC programs. With guest speaker Colonel John Traxler, who is a Washington State alumni, the night was made festive and celebratory. After the new officers took swore their oaths, the new 2nd Lieutenants and Ensigns were congratulated on by many of their family members, friends and peers. While they will be missed, we can be assured to see them once again in the fleet, and we wish them fair winds and following seas. Congratulations to 2ndLts Gervaise and Salcido A., along with Ensigns Simon and Scott B.!
MIDN 3/C Zachary Furrow
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Spring Commissioning UI/WSU NROTC celebrated our annual Spring Commissioning Ceremony on May 15th, 2020. This year’s ceremony, however, was not done in the traditional manner like ceremonies of the past. Due to the recent events of COVID-19, the commission had to be done virtually over Zoom. Even though many of us were far away, we were effectively able to use technology so that the battalion, their family, and friends, could celebrate those commissioning and their accomplishments. The livestream opened with a commemorative PowerPoint which was followed by Capt. Dunlap to announce the start of the commissioning ceremony. He then turned the stream over to the unit’s Commanding Officer, CAPT McAndrew. CAPT McAndrew proceeded to welcome the participants and guests watching before setting up the rest of the event. Then, a video was played with a message from Rear Admiral Sands as he advises to “live a life of significance”. His message of being a part of something bigger than yourself and to embrace hardships was truly inspiring. Afterwards, a surprise video was presented with the presidents and provosts of WSU and UI to formally present those commissioning with their academic degrees. Finally, the commissioning Midshipman were allowed to give their speeches before being pinned by their family. Although it might have marked the end of their journey as a Midshipman, it also started a new one as a military officer.
Congratulations to Ensign Ellis, Ensign Meagher, Ensign Mackie-Meuler, 2nd Lieutenant Conner, Ensign Scott, Ensign Shiflet, Ensign Cutter and Ensign Ashby on their commissioning. They are all excellent examples to all the other Midshipman who will follow in their footsteps as they advance through college and the NROTC program.
MIDN 4/C Arlette Jacobo
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COVID-19 and the Battalion With increasing risk of exposure to COVID-19, both the University of Idaho and Washington State University were forced to transfer classes from in person to online. Additionally, gatherings of 10 or more persons was deemed unsafe, thereby forcing both universities to allow students to leave campus. While this has affected the Battalion in personal interactions, we have been steadfast in our academics and fitness. Thanks to MIDN Figueredo, the Battalion has been able to continue with personal exercise activities that have been well-rounded to keep Battalion members well — fit. With three workouts a week — and a fourth for Semper Fi — our Battalion has been able to maintain, if not improve, our standard of fitness. Though it doesn’t allow for us to go workout at our respective campus gyms, it teaches us that as Officers and Leaders, we have to be creative if we’re going to accomplish our goals and tasks. We may not always have a nice gym to workout and train in, so sometimes we have to be creative with our environment, and make tasks and goals happen. Since leaving for Spring Break, thanks to the help of technology, the Battalion has been able to conduct not only regular staff meetings and general academic involvement, but resume: online PD briefs (which were still being presented by MIDN), fill out Battalion FITREPs with minimal conflicts, conduct our annual Spring Awards ceremony, and uniquely conduct our first online Commissioning ceremony. MIDN Mauss has ensured that the PD sessions presented by MIDN resume naturally, which has led to them operating as a normal Naval Science lecture; additionally, MIDN Kroon provided the Battalion with the necessary programs and information to fill out FITREPs, despite being hundreds of miles away. While none of these situations are ideal, the Battalion has worked together to create the most out of these activities and traditions, despite social constraints and separations. While the Battalion hasn’t been able to physically interact with one another, we still are able to perform to unexpected standards during this pandemic. With knowing how to perform when physically incapable, the Battalion will come back in Fall 2020 ground pounding and ready to work cohesively. Besides, UW needed an extra year to savor their 2019 Northwest Navy victory before we come back and take what’s rightfully ours.
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University of Idaho/Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers
Ensign Bailey Scott
Ensign Parker Simon
Her first assignment is Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina
His first assignment is Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida
Ensign John Ashby His first assignment is Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina
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University of Idaho/Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers
Ensign Zachary Cutter
Ensign Harrison Ellis
His first assignment is Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina
His first assignment is the USS Portland (LPD-27) out of San Diego, California
Ensign Aurora Mackie-Meuler Her first assignment is Naval Flight School in Pensacola, FL
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University of Idaho/Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers
Ensign Matthew Meagher
Ensign Rennie Scott
His first assignment is Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina
Her first assignment is the USS John Paul Jones (DDG53) out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii
Ensign Michael Shiflet His first assignment is aboard the USS Momsen (DDG-92) out of Everett, Washington
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University of Idaho/Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers
2nd Lieutenant Sean Conner
2nd Lieutenant Nathan Gervaise
His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.
His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.
2nd Lieutenant Andres Salcido His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.
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Battalion Members Officer Candidates and Navy Option Midshipmen
MIDN Almanza
MIDN Bosse
MIDN Clavenna
MIDN Denning
MIDN Friesen
OC Floyd
MIDN Furrow
MIDN Gluth
MIDN Grasser
MIDN Greenberg
MIDN Haddon
MIDN Jacobo
MIDN Kroon
MIDN Mauss
MIDN Miyashiro
MIDN Moore
MIDN Newman
MIDN Salcido
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OC Sanchez
MIDN Schaefer
MIDN Smith
MIDN R. Stefani
MIDN Tucker
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MIDN Welch
MIDN Wells
MECEPs and Marine Option Midshipmen
MIDN Admiraal
MIDN Allen
MIDN Bohn
SSgt Clark
MIDN Conrad
MIDN Dzuris
MIDN Figueredo
MIDN Findlay
MIDN Fry
MIDN Jones
MIDN Kasma
MIDN Lafferty
MIDN Lester
SSgt Mallard
MIDN Raffaele
MIDN Roberts
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SSgt Rose
MIDN Sayre
GySgt Shaughnessy
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MIDN Z. Stefani
MIDN Uhlenkott
75th Anniversary Celebration Postponed The celebration commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Unit will be postponed this year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. We regret having to make this decision, but believe it is in the best interest of the health and safety of our valued students, guests, and alumni. We are in the process of rescheduling the festivities and will inform everyone when any determinations are made. To ensure that you receive any updates pertaining to the 75th Anniversary Celebration, please send your updated contact information to navyrotc@uidaho.edu or contact us at (208) 885-6333. We also ask that you join our alumni group by searching “UI & WSU NROTC Alumni� on Facebook to stay up to date on future Alumni activities. We thank you all for your support during this time and look forward to celebrating the NROTC Unit with you in the near future!
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About the Funds Please direct questions to the Administrative Office at 208-885-6333 or navyrotc@uidaho.edu. University of Idaho Naval ROTC General Fund: Donor generosity is an essential source of funding for events such as the NavyMarine Corps Birthday Ball, Commissioning Ceremonies, New Student Orientation, and other student led events. Roderick Mayer Naval Alumni Scholarship: The Roderick Mayer Alumni Scholarship is awarded to a Navy option student and includes a $2000 scholarship. CDR Mayer graduated and commissioned from the UI in 1961 with a degree in mathematics. An F-4 Phantom pilot, he flew more than 70 combat missions over North Vietnam. CDR Mayer was shot down on October 17, 1965, and while initially being classified as a POW, CDR Mayer’s status was changed to KIA. Today, his flight jacket hangs proudly in the UI NROTC spaces. Alex Wetherbee Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship is given to a Marine option that shows exceptional leadership and academic acumen, studies forest or natural resources at the UI, has a great love of the outdoors, and includes a $2500 scholarship. The Alex Wetherbee memorial scholarship is dedicated to 1stLt Alexander E. Wetherbee. Upon graduation from the NROTC program at UI, 1stLt Wetherbee was assigned to the 3rd assault amphibian battalion at Camp Pendleton, CA. On his second combat deployment to Iraq, 1stLt Wetherbee was fighting as a platoon commander near Fallujah when he was KIA on September 12th, 2004. Don Campbell Leadership Award: The Don Campbell award for leadership is given to both a Navy-option senior (Naval Officer’s sword) and junior ($500 scholarship). CAPT Donald Stile Campbell Jr. was a previous Professor of Naval Science at the University of Idaho. He served aboard ships and submarines and served his command tours aboard USS CONYNGHAM (DDG 17) and USS CAMDEN (AOE 2). CAPT Campbell passed away in 2009 from natural causes. Murphy-Sweet Memorial Scholarship Endowment: This award is given to a member of the battalion who demonstrates leadership, academic achievement, and a sense of community, including a $485 scholarship. Born on November 5th, 1967, CDR Philip Murphy-Sweet’s long Navy career began with his enlistment and assignment as a US Navy Corpsman in 1984. While stationed in Iraq, CDR Murphy-Sweet suffered fatal injuries from an Improvised Explosive Device during Operation Iraqi Freedom and died on April 7th, 2007. Larry and Lisette Baxter/Kay Kimura ROTC Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding member of the battalion at the University of Idaho. Larry and Lisette (Baril) met in Salt Lake City in the midseventies where Larry was working at a commercial bank and flying helicopters with the Utah Army National Guard and Lisette was attending nursing school at Westminster College. Larry entered the U of I Class of 1966. As a member of the College of Letter and Sciences he majored in Political Science. At the time of his entry to the University ROTC was a required program and he chose to remain in the program for the full four years and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Regular Army upon graduation in June, 1966. During the summers of Larry's U of years, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service at the Warren District of the Payette National Forest.
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About the Funds Please direct questions to the Administrative Office at 208-885-6333 or navyrotc@uidaho.edu.
University of Idaho Lawrence H. Baxter Forestry Scholarship: This scholarship is given to a member of the Battalion at the University of Idaho who is majoring in forestry and selected by the College of Natural Resources Scholarship Committee. The Claud and Diana Wilhite Scholarship: This scholarship is given to a member of the Battalion at the University of Idaho who achieved a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a scale of 4.0. The awardee is selected on criteria, including but not limited to diversity, financial need, and involvement and/or leadership in the Navy ROTC program as well as in other community activities. Washington State University Navy ROTC Scholarship Fund: These are funds donated by individuals or entities and not funded by the university. This fund is strictly used for scholarships only. Craig Gmur Memorial Scholarship: This award is given to a member of the battalion who shows an exceptional ability to balance academic rigors and ROTC obligations and includes a $500 scholarship. ENS Craig Gmur was a WSU Alumni and graduate of the NROTC program. An MH-60S pilot, he died in a car accident on November 3rd, 2007 at the age of 24.
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USS IDAHO Commissioning Note
Boise, Idaho – On August 22, 2015 Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus hosted a ship naming ceremony to announce that SSN 799, a Virginia class attack submarine, would bear the name USS IDAHO. The submarine is named in recognition of all military service veterans from the state and in honor of the history that Idaho has had with the U. S. Navy. Construction of the reactor compartment commenced in the Fall of 2019. Laydown of the hull compartments is scheduled to commence in the Fall of 2020 with a traditional ceremony where the Ship Sponsor’s initials are welded into a keel plate. The Sponsor is Theresa Stackley, wife of Sean Stackley – Former Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. The christening ceremony is scheduled for the Fall of 2021 / Spring of 2022. Commissioning activities are planned for the Fall 2022 / Spring of 2023. The ceremonial events and associated activities will be held in Groton, CT. SSN 799 is the fifth Navy ship to be named after the Great State of Idaho. Those preceding her include the Steam Sloop (1866 – 1873), Battleship BB24 (1908 – 1914), Motor Boat SP545 (1917 – 1918) and Battleship BB45 (1919 – 1946). The USS IDAHO SSN 799 Commissioning Foundation is in the process or organizing and will commence a media kickoff and fundraising campaign later in 2020. The Foundation’s responsibilities will include public relations and community outreach across the state; coordination of Ship’s Crew and Ship’s Sponsor visits to the state; planning, preparation and execution of ceremonial events and activities to be held in Groton , CT and fundraising to support all associated activities and to provide for gifts to the ship and its crew. Want to participate as a member of the USS IDAHO Commissioning Foundation? Send me an email rfife601g@gmail.com . We can make things happen where ever you are. Richard Fife LCDR US Navy (ret) (1120) NROTC IDAHO ‘73’ 45
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