Fall Battalion Commanders’ Call

The Fall 2020 semester kicked off with NSO, indoctrinating the new 4/C Midshipmen. We also welcomed a new Commanding Officer, Captain Lockard; a new Nuclear Propulsion Officer, Lieutenant Olsen; a new MOI, Captain Smith; and a new AMOI, Gunnery Sergeant Molina.

As a Battalion we faced a lot of adversity this semester, but were able to put the effort in to make the best of our situation. Although we transitioned to online learning at the end of the Spring 2020 semester, we were unsure where things would go in the Fall. I am extremely proud of what we accomplished, persevering through the hardships of operating in a COVID-19 environment. Due to the leadership of the Battalion and Unit Staff, who worked fervently to make sure that we were able to do the most with the limitations we had, there were many successes to note. We were still able to maintain presence in the community through Toys for Tots, Troy Highway Roadside Cleanup, Veteran’s Day Ceremony, POW/MIA Ceremony, and Friends of the Library. The Marine options were still able to conduct training, successfully completing a 9 mile hike, as well as a FEX. Although the Marine Corps/Navy Ball was cancelled, we made up for morale in ways such as a Team Building Event at the Memorial Gym and Halloween PT at the NROTC parking lot, where Captain Smith ferociously defended our cars.

This was, to say the least, a very interesting semester. I would like to thank the Battalion Staff for working diligently, constantly looking for ways to enhance morale and the ROTC learning environment; the Battalion members for continuing to push through the adversity and gain as much knowledge as possible given the constraints; and the Unit Staff for the guidance I’ve received, not only this semester, but in the four years I have been here. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to serve as Battalion Commander, and I am excited for my next endeavor as a Navy Pilot. I look forward to seeing the achievements of all the members of this Battalion in the coming years. Semper Fortis!

Ensign Greenberg