Navy ROTC Mainstay 2015

THE MAINSTAY

University of Idaho NROTC Unit 2014-2015

T he M a in s t a y

THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO AND WASHINGTON STATE UNIVERSITY NROTC UNIT

Contents

CO Call.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..04 Staff……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….06 Captain Michael J. McClintock, Commanding Officer...…………………………………………………06 Commander Alex R. Greig, Executive Officer …………………………………….……………………......07 Unit Staff……..…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………08 Lieutenant Lucas Hugie.……..…………………………………………………………………………………………08 Major Anthony Roubal…………………………….…………………………………………………………………..08 Lieutenant Jonathan Schemel……………………….………….………………………………………………….09 Lieutenant Nathaniel Greenwood…………………………………………………………………………………09 1st Sergeant Orlando Castillo.……….……………………….……………………………………………………..10 Welcome Aboard……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………11 Fair Winds and Following Seas….…………………………………………………………………..……………………….13 Civilian Staff………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 Fall BNCO’S Call…..………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….15 Spring BNCO’S Call.…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………16 CAPT Eaton Retirement………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17 The Anchor…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….18 Summer Cruises …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….19 Officer Candidates School …….………………………………….……………………………………………….…19 Surface Nuclear Cruise.…………………………………………….…………………………………………………..20 Aviation Cruise………………………………………………………..……………………………………………………21 Submarine Cruise…………………………………………..……..……………………………………………………..22 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Cruise………..……..………………………………..………………………….23 Mountain Warfare Training Center……………………………………………………………………………….24 Foreign Exchange Cruise……………………………………………………………………………………………….25 CORTRAMID……………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………26 New Student Orientation Week …………………………………………………………………………………………….27 POW / MIA Ceremony ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………28 Captain Welch Retirement Ceremony..…………………………………………………………………………………..29 Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball……………………………………………………………………………………..30 Halloween PT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………31 Veterans’ Day Wreath Ceremony……………………………………………………………………………………………32 NROTC vs AROTC Football Game…..……………………………………………………………………………………….33 1st Sergeant Castillo Promotion Ceremony………………………..……………………………………………………34 Staff Sergeant Barrios Promotion Ceremony…………………………………………….……………………………35 Captain Berkout Visit……….…………………………………………………………………………………………………….36 Semper FI Club….……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………37

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Northwest Navy ………………………….…………………………………………………………………………….…………..38 Overview….…………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………38 Rifle/Pistol……….……………….………………………………………………………………………………………….39 Basketball………………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………40 Soccer……………………………………..…………………………………………………………………………………..41 Endurance Course…….……..…………..………………………………………………………………………………42 Physical Readiness Test…………………………..……………………………….…………………………………..43 Regulation Drill……………………………………………………………..………………………………………....….44 Academics……….……..………………………………………..………………………………………..………………..45 Color Guard……………………………………………………………..………………………………………..…………46 Combat Fitness Test……………………………………………………………..……………………………..……….47 Tug of War……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………48 Northwest Navy Awards Banquet…………………………………………………………………………………50 Spring Awards Banquet………………………………………………………………………………………………………….51 Battalion Members…………………………………………………………………………………………..……………………52 Sailors and Navy Option Midshipmen………….…….…………………………………………………………52 Marines and Marine Option Midshipmen…………………………………………………………………….53 Fall Commissioning………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..54 Spring Commissioning……………………………….…………………………………………………………………………..55 University of Idaho / Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers..……………….56 USAA………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………59 Donation Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………....60

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CO’s Call

Families, Friends, Alumni and Supporters of the UI/WSU NROTC Unit,

To start this academic year we welcomed a new Freshman class. Nineteen started the week of indoctrination and nineteen completed the week of indoctrination. Our returning students helped bring them aboard and they quickly integrated into the Battalion routine. We had a little smaller Freshman class, but the talent is amazing and our retention of upper classmen remains high. The performance across the entire Battalion continues to increase, establishing new hallmarks and has become the “norm” with this Unit, continuing to meet and exceed the high standards of our predecessors.

Just a few of the many highlights from this past year – we promoted one of our MECEPs to Staff Sergeant and we had one (MIDN Stachura) of our students pick up a four year NROTC scholarship. The main selection board will be held this summer and we look forward to submitting six promising MIDN for two and three year scholarships! In the fall, five of our students received significant awards. SSgt Brown received the $1000 USS Little Rock Association Scholarship, MIDN Walker was selected for the $1500 USAA Scholarship, and MIDN Vaught won the Vice Admiral Dunn Essay Award worth $500. Two of our aviation‐centric students, MIDN Meagher and MIDN Lemmelin, were selected by the Cascade and Spokane Flights of the Order of the Daedalians for scholarships totaling more than $2000 for each student. During the spring, the students changed the awards ceremony format into an Awards Ceremony Banquet, which was held at Banyans on April 24. Our outstanding students picked up a number of competitive scholarships including the new AT&T Veterans Association Award, the CNO Distinguished Midshipman, and the Military Officers Association of America awards. In that single night we were able to disperse $9,500 worth of scholarships to our students, enabling them to focus on academics and physical fitness versus financial obligations.

This past spring we also said goodbye to several important members of our staff. I wish nothing but the best to them and their families. They made phenomenal contributions to the Battalion.

Fair Winds & Following Seas to: LT Lucas “Huggy Bear” Hugie , USN– Departs Idaho for Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. LT Hugie will be reporting to CG II MEF to serve as a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer.

LT Jonathan Schemel, USN – He will report to Department Head School in Newport Rhode Island and has been slated to the USS STOCKDALE (DDG106) in San Diego, California as the Weapons Officer.

1st Sergeant Orlando Castillo, USMC – Departed in April to serve as the I&I First Sergeant for a Motor Transport Company in Lubbock, Texas. During his tenure he promoted from Gunnery Sergeant to First Sergeant and completed his Bachelors of Science degree. He was also recognized as the “top” AMOI for the Western Region by USAA for two years in a row and was a finalist for AMOI of the year nationwide.

Mr. Bob Edwards – Retired in June after 12 years Federal Service as our staff Human Resources Assistant. Coming after 20 years’ service as a Navy Personnelman, his retirement was well‐earned.

These men contributed immeasurably to the development, training, and preparation of more than one hundred future leaders, as well as positively impacting our Program for years to come.

Bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the Staff will be the following personnel: LT Mark “Smokey” Mooring, USN‐‐ From VRC‐40 of Norfolk, VA where he served as the Assistant Operation Officer and completed two operational deployments with Carrier Air Wings THREE and SEVEN. Staff Sergeant Bryce Torrence, USMC—Arrived from Okinawa, Japan and brings years of experience in order to shape the future of the Naval Service. He will be a great addition to the staff.

LT Joseph Kessenich, USN— Reporting from the USS COWPENS, LT Kessenich is a former Navigator and will bring fresh eyes to the Navigation and Operations courses of instruction.

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Overall, this has been another fantastic year for our Unit and the Battalion. We commissioned 12 new officers during the Winter and Spring terms. These 12 new Second Lieutenants and Ensigns are again headed to nearly every unrestricted community in the Force – 4 to Quantico and The Basic School, 3 to Pensacola for Pilot or Flight Officer training, 1 to Nuclear Power School and on to the Silent Service, 2 directly to their ships and the Surface Warfare community, and 2 to EOD. Each of them has done exceptionally well here and their leadership will be missed. But our mission continues and, just as it is done in the Fleet, they have prepared the Juniors and the rest of the Battalion to continue the legacy.

There is always plenty to brag about with this Battalion, and I do so at every opportunity! I have been consistently impressed with the dedication, work ethic and motivation that the students bring to our Program. They truly are an exceptional group! Just a few examples of their impressive performance: ‐ Academics remain a top priority! After successfully integrating 19 new Freshmen into the Battalion. The Freshmen, they went on to push our upperclassmen throughout the year and helped increase the Unit’s GPA to an impressive 3.30 average! Overall we had 41 students at or above a 3.00 term GPA this Spring – 77% of the Battalion! 7 of those 41 achieved perfect 4.0’s – amazing! The teamwork, peer‐to‐peer support, and mentorship the students provide to each other is inspiring. ‐ Physical Fitness! The Battalion continues to impress with their high overall level of physical fitness! The PRT pass rate both semesters was above historical averages and over one third of the Battalion earned physical fitness ribbons for ‘Outstanding’ performance on the official test. The student‐led workout regimen directly contributed to a 3% increase in Marine Corps PFT and Navy PRT scores from the fall to spring semester, an extraordinary gain for a group this large that was already performing at a high level. Our students have truly embraced physical fitness as a habit and priority, which will serve them well throughout their military careers and beyond. ‐ Professionalism in All that we do. From Orientation Week through the UI POW/MIA Remembrance Ceremony to our Winter and Spring Commissionings, this Battalion plans and executes at a high standard – and it shows in every group event and personal interaction. It was a pleasure to show off these traits to a number of distinguished visitors this year. In the beginning of the academic year, the Battalion assisted in the planning and execution of the retirement ceremony of Captain Douglas Welch, MSC, who faithfully served his country for 40 years. Our annual Toys For Tots drive, spearheaded by our Marine contingent, shattered all previous years records for gifts received and then distributed. For our annual nuclear submarine visit, we hosted CAPT Broderick Berkhout of USS OHIO (SSGN‐726) along with LTJG Carly Parkins in April. They provided insights and perspectives on submarine service, as well as answering many questions from the Battalion. The unit finished in FIRST Place during the annual Northwest Navy competition! We were also proud to host Rear Admiral Michael Smith, President, Board of Inspection and Survey, for our Spring commissioning ceremony. It was a great opportunity for our new officers to interact and be sworn in by such an accomplished officer! ‐Thank‐you. To our many benefactors, alumni and friends that contribute so much to our Program – THANK YOU! The generosity of so many is tremendous, and this year in particular, made many of the events the Unit participated in possible. Our hosting of the Northwest Navy competition, the Navy and Marine Corps Ball, scholarships, and much more were feasible only due to the flexibility afforded by our NROTC Development Fund and endowments.

Knowing budgets are tight all over, I am equally thankful for the many friends who sustained the Unit, our Midshipmen, OCs and MECEPs, and our mission through their direct support and encouragement to our future officers. In closing, I want to pass along my personal THANKS to the parents of our future military leaders. The solid foundation, sense of service, and drive to excel that you instilled in your sons and daughters made our mission so much more achievable. ‐Future. The 70th Reunion is scheduled for the weekend of 18 ‐ 19 September 2015. We hope you can make it.

It will be a great event! Reservations can be made at www.uidaho.edu/uirsvp

Semper Fortis / Semper Fidelis, Skipper McClintock May 2015

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STAFF Captain Michael J. McClintock, Commanding Officer Captain Mike McClintock is a native of Soda Springs, California and a graduate of CSU Sacramento where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Science. Designated a Naval Flight Officer in January 1992, he reported to Patrol Squadron, THIRTY‐ONE at NAS Moffett Field, California for initial training in the P‐3C III. In July of 1992, Captain McClintock joined Patrol Squadron FORTY (VP‐40) at NAS Moffett Field, California. In December of 1993, VP‐40 relocated to NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. While attached to VP‐40, he served as the Ground Safety Officer, Schedules Officer, NFO Training Officer, NFO NATOPS Officer, and Tactical Proficiency Course Coordinator. He completed three deployments to include: Misawa and Kadena Japan, Diego Garcia and Masirah, Oman. Additionally, he participated in detached operations to Panama, NAS Key West, Florida, and NAF Adak, Alaska.

In September 1996, Captain McClintock reported to Patrol Squadron THREE ZERO (VP‐30) at NAS Jacksonville, Florida as a Fleet Replacement Instructor NFO. While at the "Pro's Nest", he instructed in the P‐3C III and served as the Tactical Training Team (TTT) Tactical Proficiency Course model manager and also as the primary NATOPS Evaluator for the Navigator/Communicator and Tactical Coordinator Officer positions.

In April of 1999 Captain McClintock reported aboard the USS Constellation (CV‐64) as a Catapult and Arresting Gear Officer (SHOOTER). He completed a deployment to the FIFTH Fleet AOR in December of 1999. He earned qualifications as MINI Boss, Instructor SHOOTER and Repair Locker Leader. He served as the V‐1 and V‐4 Division Officer. In March of 2001, he reported to Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee where he served as the VP Shore and Sea Detailer.

In December of 2002 he again joined the "MARLINS" of Patrol Squadron FORTY. He held Department Head billets as the Tactics, Training, and Operations Officer and as Commander Task Group 57.1 while deployed to Masirah Oman in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. During this tour, Captain McClintock earned his Master’s Degree from the School of Business at the University of San Diego. In August of 2004, Captain McClintock joined the staff of Commander, Patrol Reconnaissance Wing TEN. He served as the Operations Officer and Training Officer. He graduated from Air Command and Staff College, earning Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I credit.

In May of 2008, Captain McClintock reported to VP‐40 as the Executive Officer and assumed command on 1 May 2009.

In May of 2009, he deployed to Iraq and Italy as CTG 57.2 and CTG 67.1 respectively. Primarily flying combat operations out of Ali Airbase Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the MARLINS returned to NAS Whidbey Island in December of 2009 having executed over 4,800 mishap free flight hours and were subsequently awarded the CNAP Battle "E" for 2009.

Captain McClintock detached from VP‐40 with over 3,700 hours in the P‐3 aircraft, May 2010. In June of 2010, he reported to the Joint Staff at the Pentagon where he served in J‐5, Strategic Stability Directorate, Strategic Deterrence Nuclear Policy Division.

Most recently, Captain McClintock served as Commander, Task Force SIXTY‐SEVEN (CTF‐67) where he was responsible for the Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force U.S. SIXTH Fleet and Commander, Maritime Air Control Authority Sigonella supporting three Combatant Commanders.

Captain McClintock has been awarded the Legion of Merit Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious Service Medal (2 awards), Air Medal (1 strike flight), as well as various other unit, service and campaign medals. Captain McClintock assumed command of the University of Idaho NROTC unit in August 2014. Married to the former Marta Kristine Hagen of Coronado, they have two children: Lauren (12) and William (10).

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Commander Alex Greig, Executive Officer CDR Greig is originally from Ravenna, Ohio. He enlisted into the Navy in 1991 as a Seabee Utilitiesman (UT) and served in Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWENTY (NMCB‐20) while attending The Ohio State University and participating in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). In 1996, he graduated with a B.A. in History and received his commission as a Surface Warfare Officer.

CDR Greig’s operational tours include Division Officer assignments onboard USS SIMPSON (FFG‐56) in Norfolk, Virginia and USS MOBILE BAY (CG‐53) in Yokosuka, Japan and San Diego, California. His Department Head assignments were as Weapons Officer and Combat Systems Officer onboard USS MONTEREY (CG‐61) in Norfolk. He later served as the Officer‐in‐ Charge of Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron THREE (MSRON‐3) Detachment Bahrain where he was responsible for the conduct of OPERATION VIGILANT MARINER embarked security team missions in the Arabian Gulf.

Ashore, CDR Greig studied at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California where he earned a M.A. in National Security Affairs specializing in Far East Asia. While there, he also completed his Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I requirements through the Naval War College. As an Antiterrorism and Force Protection (ATFP) Specialty Career Path Officer, CDR Greig served as the Deputy Force Antiterrorism Officer for Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC).

Prior to his arrival in Idaho, CDR Greig served as a Planner on the staff of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Joint Command in Kabul, Afghanistan. In this assignment, he focused on civil‐military affairs and the transition of Afghan provinces from ISAF to local control. CDR Greig reported onboard in April 2012.

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Unit Staff Lieutenant Lucas Hugie LT Lucas Hugie hails from Mt. Sterling, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a B.S. degree in Anthropology in 2006. Shortly after graduating he commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) program and departed for NAS Pensacola to begin flight training.

After completing primary training at NAS Corpus Christi with VT‐28 and advanced helicopter training at NAS Whiting Field, he received his wings of gold on August 8th, 2008 from squadron HT‐8 in a winging class of 8. From there he reported to the MERLINS of HSC‐3 at NAS North Island where he learned to fly the MH‐60S before reporting to the BLACK JACKS of HSC‐21 in April, 2009.

While assigned to the BLACK JACKS, LT Hugie deployed to the 2515th Naval Air Ambulance Detachment (NAAD) based at Udari Army Airfield in Kuwait from March, 2010 to September, 2010 and again from May, 2011 to November, 2011. While attached the NAAD LT Hugie flew 28 medical evacuations (MEDEVACS) in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION NEW DAWN. During his deployments he also served as a Division Officer and Tactical Operations Officer (TACOPS). As TACOPS he was responsible for establishing the suitability of hospital landing pads in Kuwait and working with Army units to establish joint flight procedures and MEDEVAC practices. LT Hugie also held the billets of Ground Safety Officer, Public Affairs Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer while assigned to HSC‐21.

LT Hugie reported to NROTC University of Idaho in August of 2012 where he is serving as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science and the Aviation Officer.

Captain Anthony Roubal

Captain Roubal graduated from the University of Nebraska in May 2009. Upon commissioning, he served at the Lincoln Officer Selection Station before reporting to The Basic School in March of 2010.

After completing the Marine Basic Officer Course, he was assigned to the Infantry Officer Course in Quantico, VA. In January 2011, Capt Roubal reported to 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines in Twentynine Palms, CA. Capt Roubal deployed in 2011 as a Rifle Platoon Commander with Lima Company 3/7 to Sangin, Afghanistan in support of OEF. His second combat deployment was in 2013, as the 3/7 Weapons Company Executive Officer, again to Sangin, Afghanistan.

Captain Roubal reported to the University of Idaho NROTCU in July of 2014. He is currently assigned as the Marine Officer Instructor, Staff Operations Officer, and lead instructor for the Evolution of Warfare and Amphibious Operations courses.

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Lieutenant Jonathan Schemel LT Jonathan Schemel was born in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from California State University Fullerton and earned his commission through Officer Candidate School.

LT Schemel’s first sea assignment was aboard USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79) where he served as the Auxiliaries Officer and Force Protection Officer from June 2008 – Dec 2010, earning two “Battle E” awards. He deployed with the HARRY S TRUMAN Strike Group in May 2010 and was the lead Boarding Officer for the Visit Board Search and Seizure Team. In January 2011, he reported to DESTROYER SQUADRON TWO ONE and served as the Training and Readiness Officer. During his tour, he completed a deployment with the JOHN C STENNIS Strike Group in the C5F and C7F Areas of Responsibility.

LT Schemel reported to the University of Idaho Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps in January of 2013. He is currently assigned as the Surface Warfare Instructor.

His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (one gold star), along with various service and campaign awards.

Lieutenant Nathan Greenwood

LT Nathan Greenwood was raised in Madisonville, TN and graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 2009 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Upon commissioning, he reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command in Charleston, SC. Following nuclear power school he completed the Submarine Officer Basic Course at Groton, CT before reporting to Nuclear Power Training Unit Ballston Spa, NY for the final leg of the submarine training pipeline.

LT Greenwood reported to USS TENNESSEE SSBN‐734(G) in Norfolk, VA in March 2011. At the conclusion of what had been a near three year engineered refueling overhaul, the ship shifted homeport back to Kings Bay, GA. Following sea trials and execution of Demonstration and Shakedown Operation 23, USS TENNESSEE rejoined the fleet as a strategic asset. LT Greenwood completed four strategic deterrent patrols during his tour while serving as the Reactor Control Assistant, Communications Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.

LT Greenwood reported to NROTC University of Idaho in February 2014 where he is serving as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science and the Nuclear Propulsion Officer.

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1ST Sergeant Orlando Castillo

GySgt Castillo was born in Texas. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 2000 and in March 2000 attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego, California. He graduated recruit training in June 2000 and was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Upon graduating boot camp, he attended Marine Combat Training in Camp Pendleton, CA. In July 2000, PFC Castillo attended the Aviation Logistics Tactical Information Systems (ALTIS) Course located at Marine Detachment, Navy Supply Corps School (NSCS), Athens, Georgia. He was meritoriously promoted to Lance Corporal in December 2000, and received the MOS 6694 Aviation Information Specialist (AIS).

LCpl Castillo reported to his first duty station in August 2001. He served with Aviation Information Systems Department (AISD), Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS‐31), Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG‐31), Beaufort, South Carolina as a Maintenance Service Technician. After a short time at AISD, LCpl Castillo was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal in June 2002. In April 2003, Cpl Castillo was selected as the Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and was meritoriously promoted to Sergeant in May 2003. Sgt Castillo served in various billets to include Maintenance Service Division NCOIC, Network Service Division NCOIC, and Systems Processing Division NCOIC and held the collateral duty of Tool Control NCOIC. In October 2004, Sgt Castillo requested orders to Drill Instructor School and in January 2005 reported to Drill Instructor School, Class 2‐05, MCRD, San Diego, California. Upon graduation, Sgt Castillo was assigned to Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion serving as a Drill Instructor for 1 cycle, Experience Drill Instructor for 2 cycles, and Senior Drill Instructor for 2 cycles. In December 2006, Sgt Castillo was reassigned to Receiving Barracks Company where he served as Drill Instructor, Recruit Separations Platoon. In March 2007 Sgt Castillo was promoted to Staff Sergeant and became the Chief Drill Instructor Recruit Separation Platoon.

In May 2008 SSgt Castillo completed his tour aboard MCRD, San Diego and was assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS‐11) as the Staff Noncommissioned Officer in Charge SNCOIC), Aviation Logistics Information Management and Support (ALIMS) Department. In July 2008, SSgt Castillo deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) 08.2 with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 Reinforced (MALS‐16 REIN). SSgt Castillo returned from OIF in January 2009, and again served as MALS‐11, ALIMS SNCOIC. In February 2010, SSgt Castillo deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 10.1 with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 Forward (MALS‐16 Fwd) as the ALIMS Chief. Upon his return in September 2010, SSgt Castillo served as the ALIMS Chief, MALS‐ 11. In February 2011 SSgt Castillo was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant. In January 2012, GySgt Castillo was assigned as Squadron Gunnery Sergeant for MALS‐11.

In April 2012 GySgt Castillo was selected for special duty assignment as Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI), University of Idaho and Washington State University, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). GySgt Castillo reported to Officer Candidate School (OCS) May 2012, and served both increments as Sergeant Instructor for Platoon Leaders Course Seniors (PLC‐Sr), Echo Company.

In September 2012, GySgt Castillo reported to the University of Idaho and Washington State University as the AMOI/ Senior Enlisted Advisor. His personal awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal with 3 gold stars in lieu of forth award.

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Welcome Aboard Lieutenant Mark Mooring LT Mark “Smokey” Mooring will be replacing LT Hugie as the Aviation officer. He is a native of Rome, Georgia. His senior year of high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard as an Air Defense Artilleryman. After a year in the Army he reported to the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with the class of 2008 with a B.S. degree in Political Science.

Following primary training in Corpus Christi, TX with the VT‐27 Boomers, LT Mooring reported for intermediate training in Meridian, MS with the VT‐9 Tigers.

While in Meridian he selected the multi‐engine pipeline and was awarded “Top Hook.” Lieutenant Mooring then reported to the VT‐31 Wise Owls in Corpus Christi, TX where he received his Wings of Gold in October of 2010.

LT Mooring arrived at his first sea command, the Rawhides of VRC‐40 of Norfolk, VA in February of 2012. During his tenure at VRC‐40 he deployed twice in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with Detachments THREE and FOUR in support of USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) and USS HARRY S TRUMAN (CVN 75). LT Mooring held the billets of Assistant Administrative Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer.

LT Mooring reported to NROTC University of Idaho in March of 2015 where he is serving as the Aviation Officer. His personal awards include the Navy Achievement Medal as well as various unit, service, and campaign medals. He has accumulated nearly 1200 total flight hours and over 100 arrested landings.

Lieutenant Joseph Kessenich LT Joseph Kessenich will replace LT Schemel as the Surface Warfare Officer. He was born in Madison, WI and raised in Cottage Grove, WI. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana‐Champaign. There, he enrolled in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Systems Management.

After commissioning, he reported onboard USS CHANCELLORSVILLE (CG 62) as Main Propulsion Officer from 2011‐2014 where he completed one Western Pacific deployment and Extended Drydocking – Selected Restricted Availability, seeing the ship through a modernization and repair period.

In March 2014, he reported aboard USS COWPENS (CG 63) as Ship’s Navigator where he completed another Western Pacific deployment and modernization and repair period.

LT Kessenich reported to the University of Idaho in July 2015.

His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards) and various service and campaign awards.

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Staff Sergeant Bryce E. Torrence Staff Sergeant Torrence will be replacing 1st Sergeant Castillo as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor. He was born in Nampa, Idaho and enlisted in the Marine Corps on 5 April 2004. He attended basic Training at MCRD San Diego, CA on 21 June 2004. Upon completion, he went to Marine Combat Training School (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, CA. Following MCT, he reported to Personnel Administration School, Camp Johnson, NC. Upon graduation, he gained the military specialty (0151) Administrative Clerk.

On December 2004, Private First Class Torrence reported to G‐1, 3d Force Service Support Group, which was later changed to 3d Marine Logistics Group, Camp Kinser, Okinawa, Japan. He served as an Awards Clerk. During his tour, he participated in Ulchi Focus Lense ‘06 in Camp Mu Juk Korea. Private First Class Torrence was promoted to Lance Corporal in August 2007 and to Corporal in November of 2006.

In December 2006, Corporal Torrence was ordered to Marine Corps Security Force Company, Bangor, WA where he was assigned to the billet of Orders Clerk. In October 2007, Corporal Torrence attended Corporals Course in Silverdale, WA and graduated 3rd in his class, receiving a Certificate of Excellence. Corporal Torrence was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August 2008 and was assigned as the S‐1 Non‐commissioned officer‐in‐charge. In October 2008, he attended the Martial Arts Instructor’s course in Silverdale, WA. In December 2008, Sergeant Torrence requested orders to Drill Instructor School and in July 2009 reported to Drill Instructor School, Class 4‐09, MCRD, San Diego, California. Upon graduation, Sergeant Torrence was assigned to Kilo Company, 3d Recruit Training Battalion serving as a Drill Instructor for 2 cycles. In May 2010, Sergeant Torrence was reassigned to Support Battalion, Instructional Training Company where he served as a Martial Arts Drill Instructor teaching recruits Tan Belt Techniques in the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. He served there until May 2011 when he was assigned back to Kilo Company, 3d Battalion where he served as an Experience Drill Instructor for 2 cycles and Senior Drill Instructor for 3 cycles. During his time as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor, Sergeant Torrence received numerous accolades including three certificates of commendations for unit leader high, one honor platoon, the recipient of the Dan Daly award for being the most inspirational green belt Drill Instructor, and 3d Battalion’s Drill Instructor of the quarter for the 1st quarter of fiscal year 2012.

In January 2013, Sergeant Torrence completed his tour aboard MCRD, San Diego and was assigned to III Marine Expeditionary Force (III MEF) as the G‐1, Future Operations Chief. In March, Sergeant Torrence was promoted to his current rank as Staff Sergeant. In September 2013, Staff Sergeant Torrence deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) 13.2 to 14.1 with Combined Joint Interagency Task Force 435 as a Detainee Operations Chief. Staff Sergeant Torrence returned from OEF in March 2014, and again served as G‐1 Future Operations Chief.

In January 2015 Staff Sergeant Torrence was selected for special duty assignment as Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI), University of Idaho and Washington State University, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC). In April 2015, Staff Sergeant Torrence reported to the University of Idaho and Washington State University as the AMOI/ Senior Enlisted Advisor.

Sergeant Torrence’s personal decorations include a Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal with 2 gold stars in lieu of third award and a Drill Instructor ribbon.

Sergeant Torrence is married to Melissa of Silverdale, Washington and has one son named Noah who was born in 2010.

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Fair Winds and Following Seas

LT Schemel will report to the USS STOCKDALE (DDG 106) as Weapons Officer. He served as the Battalion Surface Warfare Officer for the past three years.

LT Hugie is headed to Camp Lejeune to report to 2nd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) as a Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer. LT Hugie served as the Battalion Aviation Officer for the past three years.

1st Sergeant Castillo reported to Motor Transport Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 4, Combat Logistics Battalion 453, Lubbock, TX. He served as the Battalion Assistance Marine Officer Instructor for three years.

Bob Edwards retired in April 2015 after spending twelve years as the Human Resources Assistant at the NROTC. He retired and now resides in Moscow, Idaho.

IN MEMORIAM Major Wayne Price, USA (ret), passed away this spring. Major Price served for thirty‐six years in a highly‐ decorated career stretching from Vietnam to England. Following his retirement from the military, he moved to Moscow. He was a well‐known professor of business law at the University of Idaho and a valued friend of the Unit.

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Civilian Staff

John Nesler spent 24 years active in the Air Force Ammo and Safety communities before retiring as a Master Sergeant. He joined the University of Idaho in 2011 as the Supply Officer.

Susanna Markert moved to Moscow from Hamilton, Montana. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History at the University of Idaho and joined the NROTC staff in 2012.

Bob Edwards spent 20 years active in the Navy as a Personnelman. He joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2003 as an Administrative Assistant through the Department of the Navy.

Marilyn Startin is from Pullman, Washington. She joined the University of Idaho NROTC Staff in 2005.

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FALL BNCO’S CORNER

The Fall 2014 semester was full of some big changes which set a new course for the Unit atmosphere and community involvement. One notable change was a new Commanding Officer, CAPT McClintock. This was a significant change for us since it had been four years since the last CO turnover. Along with the turnover came a retirement ceremony performed by the Battalion for CAPT Eaton. The Battalion Executive Officer, MIDN Handley, as well as the Active Duty Coordinator, SSgt Latrell, helped significantly in bringing the Battalion up to meet the demands of the new student responsibilities.

Prior to the new CO’s arrival, SSgt Latrell led the Active Duty in a Battalion spaces improvement plan over the course of the summer. The spaces improvement plan was started largely as a result of the news that the location at Hays Hall would be the Unit’s home for the foreseeable future. The project was also inspired by Battalion members who sought to make the Battalion spaces a fully functioning work environment as well as a place to relax and bond. The classroom was improved greatly by the replacement of the old, single chair desks with large tables and computer chairs. The Battalion computers were moved out of the Wardroom and placed in the two study rooms at the end of the building. These study rooms were also spruced up by being painted Navy and Marine Corps themes. The Wardroom received a major remodel and now contains the geedunk, library, and a lounge. Both the Wardroom and the classroom received new sound systems. The spaces improvement plan is set to be an ongoing process for each new BNCO to take charge of.

This semester was also the first time in which an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician visited the Unit. LT Kim, from the EOD Training Unit (EODTEU 1) came to the Unit in order to provide Midshipmen information about the EOD community and accessions process. During his visit he was also able to oversee the Physical Screening Test and provide feedback for those 2nd Class Midshipmen preparing to apply for a Special Warfare or Special Operations summer cruise.

Our community involvement reached a high point this year due largely to the efforts of SSgt Latrell. As a Marine, Active Duty Coordinator, and member of the Phi Theta Tau Fraternity he was able to lead a large collection for the Toys for Tots. In addition to our Unit’s involvement in the collection from the streets of Moscow, SSgt Latrell also got the entire Greek system at the University of Idaho to become involved, which led to an event so large it landed the Battalion on the local news station. Our Unit was also proudly represented in the community through the dedication of our Color Guard, which performed over 25 Color Guard events.

Be proud to be a part of this Command.

Ensign Alex J. Ackerman United States Navy

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SPRING BNCO’S CORNER

The Spring 2015 semester was a successful one. Outstanding individual efforts were often on display but ultimately this semester was defined by the accomplishments of the UI/WSU battalion. The quality of this unit was demonstrated through the continued excellence in academics, physical fitness, and military aptitude. The plethora of awards earned by individuals and our victory at Northwest Navy testify to this end. I was proud and honored to be given the opportunity to lead such fine MECEPs, OCs, and midshipman.

There are too many unit members who made significant contributions throughout the semester to highlight any one particular effort. This UI/WSU battalion was only able to thrive due to the ability of all the individuals to come together as a team.

Communication, cooperation, and esprit de corps were all central to accomplishing the mission of this unit. Every task from hosting Northwest Navy to the 70th reunion phonathon was met by utilizing our most important resource, each other. Most importantly, this unit was able to provide support and mentorship in order to develop the potential of future US Navy and Marine Corps officers.

I would like to thank the unit staff for all that they do. Without their guidance and leadership, this unit would not produce the high caliber of service members that it does. Bob, you will be sorely missed. The active duty sailors and Marines also play a tremendous part in teaching and developing the midshipman as potential leaders. It is my hope that the members of the UI/WSU battalion will continue to learn from those who have gone before us. They are my heroes and they epitomize what it means to selflessly serve your country.

I look forward to serving alongside the members of this unit and am confident that the future of the US Navy and Marine Corps is bright with you all at the helm.

Semper Fidelis.

2nd Lieutenant Nathaniel K. Lambert United States Marine Corps

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Captain Eaton Retirement Ceremony

On September 12th, 2014, the Battalion celebrated the accomplishments, career, and retirement of Captain Greg Eaton. Since commissioning as an Ensign from the University of Nebraska in 1987, CAPT Eaton served twenty‐ seven years in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator. He held many distinctive positions including Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of the SH‐60 Helicopter Squadron 6, the Indians. The experience that CAPT Eaton gained throughout his career gave him the tools and knowledge he needed to complete what he would call his most fulfilling and rewarding post of his career: training the future leaders of the United States Navy.

For the past five years, CAPT Eaton served as the Commanding Officer for the Midshipmen and staff on the University of Idaho campus. Through his exemplary leadership, he commissioned fifty‐six Ensigns and Second Lieutenants into the Navy and Marine Corps. During his time as CO, CAPT Eaton stressed leadership, physical fitness, and academics. This created a culture of excellence and success within the battalion that led to an average GPA of 3.30 and high physical training performance. These accomplishments are even more impressive as most of the Midshipmen have technical majors and have many difficult classes that occupy much of their time. Out of the past four Northwest Navy competitions, CAPT Eaton led the Battalion to overall victory in three of them, showing the excellence of this unit.

CAPT Eaton’s unique leadership style has been an outstanding example of how an officer should lead. He had a hands‐on demeanor and loved to interact with the Sailors and Marines he worked with. CAPT Eaton constantly roamed the spaces in Hays Hall, asking the young Midshipmen about their lives and why they wanted to be officers. His passion for his students is a testament to his love for the Navy and he will be missed. Fair winds and following seas, Captain Eaton!

Ensign Daniel Schuerman United States Navy

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The Anchor

It is hard to miss the large Navy Stock Type anchor that sits out in front of Hays Hall on the University of Idaho campus. While the anchor itself is hard to miss, its history and what it represents are often overlooked.

On September 12, 2004, one the Unit’s alumni, First Lieutenant Alexander E. Wetherbee, died from injuries received during combat action in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Upon hearing the news of 1st Lt. Wetherbee’s death, Chief Warrant Officer Frank Dammarell sought to find a way to honor him and inspire future Naval and Marine Corps Officers. Using his connections with the VFW, CWO Dammarell was able to find the anchor at Washington Chain and Supply Inc. (WCS).

The President of WCS was so moved by the life and sacrifice of 1st Lt. Wetherbee that he graciously donated the anchor to the Unit. Just prior to retiring in 2004, the NROTC Unit’s Commanding Officer, CAPT Ron Plucker, ordered that the Anchor be installed along the entrance to the NROTC building located in the center of campus. The Anchor was then refinished and moved the new NROTC building in 2011.

Though installation of the anchor was inspired by the ultimate sacrifice of one, the anchor is dedicated to all UI NROTC alumni who have done the same in service to this country.

Ensign Alex J. Ackerman United States Navy

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Summer Cruises

Officer Candidate School As part of the process of becoming a Marine Corps Officer, all Marine Option Naval ROTC Midshipmen are required to attend and pass Officer Candidate School (OCS). It is a six week program that is designed to test, screen, and evaluate all Officer Candidates on their leadership potential, academic excellence, and physical fitness. From the second you get off the plane, you are under supervision and are being evaluated not only by the sergeant instructors, but by your peers as well. This creates a high‐stress environment where many candidates are faced to dig deep and persevere. The program starts off fast on pickup day and quickly rolls right into the most demanding portions of the course, culminating in the Small Unit Leadership Exercise (SULE).

I went to OCS in Quantico, Virginia in the summer of 2014. I knew that I was going to be tested to my limits and had prepared myself for the challenges that lay ahead for the past three years of college. I showed up being able to run as fast I ever had and with the leadership training that I received back in Moscow, Idaho. Right out of the gate, my level of physical fitness was tested and I was able to push through the pain and complete all the events that were required of me at OCS. In addition, due to the excellent training I had received from our Unit, I was not only able to complete the leadership portion of OCS easily, but I was consistently relied on to assist others and was therefore highly respected by my peers. Due to the outstanding preparation that I was allowed and the help of many others along the way, I was able to graduate in the top ten percent of candidates and was allowed to be the Second Platoon Commander during the graduation ceremony.

All in all, my experience at OCS is one I will never forget. Every day was a new challenge that had to be met head on and with enthusiasm. Despite the challenges that all of the candidates faced, we were proud to have completed the training.

The sense of accomplishment that we had is best remembered when we were presented with our Eagle, Globe, and Anchor pins. When we crossed the murky water of the Quigley’s swamp for the final time, we were met by all of our instructors on the other side, each one of them held a pin for one of the graduating candidates. The Gunnery Sergeant that held mine shook my hand and said to me with confidence, “Wear it with pride!” Afterwards, we all could not have been more proud of the symbol that we had all just earned.

2nd Lieutenant Roy Handley United States Marine Corps

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Surface Nuclear Cruise This summer I was sent aboard USS NIMITZ, the aircraft carrier stationed in Everett, WA. After spending a month on the ship, some highlights were spending 3 days in Victoria, Canada, taking part in the ship’s DC olympics, watching the World Cup in the officer’s wardroom every day, being present for a captain’s mast, going to a Seattle Mariners baseball game, and walking the flight deck at sunset.

However, the most valuable experience I had while I was on the ship was spending time with my running mate, LT Campbell. He was a prior enlisted sailor and graduate of the Naval Academy and had much wisdom to impart to me about running a division. What I appreciated the most about him was his willingness to let me be involved in his day‐to‐day operations. I got to fill out evals, sit in on his meetings with the chiefs, and even got to muster his division of 75 sailors when he was absent one morning. He encouraged me to take a genuine interest in your troops and get to know them personally to help them better when problems arose and to seek out a mentor when I first arrived. His time and talks with me will always be a part of my memory and will better me as a future officer.

Another valuable experience I had was spending time with the nuke officers and enlisted sailors. I got to see a different world compared to the rest of the ship and had the opportunity to compare it to the submarine life. Working hours are rough for the “nukes” but they all appreciated the training they had received and the satisfaction of performing a vital operation for the ship.

Looking back on this experience, I certainly enjoyed the activities we did but more importantly I am grateful for the lessons learned. I had the privilege of being aboard a great ship among even better people. One could not ask for a better cruise and my time went by too quickly while on USS NIMITZ. Ensign Josiah Phinney United States Navy

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Aviation Cruise For my 1st Class summer cruise I traveled to California, excited to be located in the Golden State. I was assigned to VFA‐122 “Flying Eagles”, the U.S. Navy’s F/A‐18 training and replacement air group (RAG) squadron. The RAG’s goal is to take newly winged Naval Aviators and Naval Flight Officers and train them on the basics of flying and fighting the F/A‐18 weapon system. The training typically lasts 18 months and covers a wide range of topics including basic fighter maneuvering (BFM or ‘dog fighting’), air‐to‐ground, and air‐ to‐sea missions (‘strike’ missions).

The 1st class cruise is designed to teach us about squadron life and what day to day life looks like for an aviation officer. The key caveat was that we only see life while they are not deployed. Deployed life is definitely different from the training schedule on a day‐to‐day basis. We spent a few days shadowing the other ‘active’ squadrons in the area which are considerably less busy than the training squadron.

Aviation Officers have to fly and operate aircraft to the standards that the Navy expects, but just as importantly they are expected to lead and be involved with the men they are leading.

The highlight of my cruise was the F/A‐18 ride. We started the ride with a full afterburner takeoff and an almost vertical departure. Following a brief cruise out to the low level training area we did our G‐warm which got our bodies used to the fact that we were going to be pulling G’s. The G‐warm consists of a turn to the left and right: the turn to the left at 4 G’s and the turn back to the right at 6 G’s. Following this we sped up to about 550 knots and descended down to 500 feet and flew along the desert floor. We then pulled a 7.1 G turn 180 degrees back around to fly in the same direction we just came from. We then had to clear the low level area and flew straight up for about 30 seconds and leveled off at 20,000 feet. Following these events, we flew around in simulated combat situations and the pilot ‘bent the jet around’ and tried to make me sick. Ultimately, the main idea here was two‐fold. One idea was to have fun and a great time flying around and learn was aviation was about. The second idea was to learn that the environment is demanding and difficult. Not only do you have to be able to fly the jet, but you have to be able to do so in conditions that are extremely demanding on the human body and do so well enough that you can actually fight the aircraft.

This cruise gave me a great opportunity to see what life was like as an aviator and to ask a myriad of questions. My cruise was a great learning experience, and gave me great insight into the future and the life of a pilot in the United States Navy.

Ensign Greg Turner United States Navy

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Submarine Cruise

Summer cruises are vital in the training of midshipman to become ready and able officers. On my submarine cruise this summer, I was given opportunities to control the submarine, interact with officers, learn knowledge that is expected of every submarine officer, practice damage control drills, and gain a small understanding of the stresses and responsibilities of what it will mean to be a submarine officer.

LT Adlsen was my running mate on USS HELENA so I shadowed him most of the underway, standing all the watches he did. When not standing watch, sometimes he would show me the other work he was tasked or let me walk around to ship working on the qualification packet I was given during the welcome aboard brief. I stood all but one watch in control, the other watch was as engineering officer of the watch. While we stood Engineering Officer of the Watch it really gave me an idea of how much information submarine officers need to know or memorize. Any valve or pump that was called into the room about being shut or open, LT Adlsen had to know exactly where it was on the reactor layout and mark it accordingly. Any information the officers might not know, hopefully they would know the general area it was referred too, because they had books/binders explaining procedures and functions but they were many and gigantic.

Being given the opportunity to live and work on board USS HELENA was very exciting; I was even allowed to occasionally take over as Officer of the Deck under instruction, giving the new speed and course. Other training evolutions I was able to participate in were fire and gas drills, which involved donning my mask and hooking up to air ports which are all over the boat. I went to where the fire was and stood as the nozzle man pretending to spray the fire where directed by the sailor behind me. For most drills I walked around with a red instructor ball cap, which distinguished me from the sailors participating in the drill, this way I could stay out of the way of their training while still being able to watch. Other tasks I worked on was observing sailors and signing off on my qualifications. I wanted to make sure I was getting all I could out of my cruise so I made my training as close to being an officer on the boat as possible. In order to achieve this I made sure to stand all watches and only sleep when a new junior officer might sleep. My regular day aboard the Helena was split in three, six hour segments. Six hours of standing watch, six hours of qualifications (in my case) and six hours to sleep; in total, I might have slept four hours each 18 hour day but it was well worth it. One day we even came across a party boat, listened in on their radio signals, and popped the periscope up periodically to practice our reconnaissance.

Though the food was the same for the crew and officers it was a great experience to eat in the wardroom, witnessing the camaraderie not only between the officers but the enlisted who worked in the kitchen also. The only disappointing aspect to a fast attack submarine is the lack of workout equipment. They had resistance bands, a bike, elliptical and treadmill, though even I would have to duck on the treadmill.

This cruise gave me great insight on what it is to be a submarine officer, especially the hard work associated with officers and interaction between officers and enlisted. There is a great deal of stress that comes with being an officer and as your career progresses, the stress will only grow. From what I saw and what I was told, after being qualified to stand as Officer of the Deck every maneuver you call is important and no decision can be taken lightly, which can be related to the decisions you make in ROTC. At the end of this exciting cruise the captain presented myself and the other midshipmen with a USS HELENA command coin and bade us good luck on whatever platform we went into. A great experience that opened my eyes to the hard work and commitment that comes with serving as a submarine officer.

Midshipman Matthew Wilson

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EOD Cruise

For my first class cruise this summer I was selected for EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) cruise at EOD‐TEU 1 (training command) at Point Loma, California. EOD cruise was a rare and unique opportunity that introduced myself and 59 other first class Midshipman to the EOD community. During the four weeks of cruise we learned the community’s missions, met and interacted with EOD techs, and completed multiple hands on training evolutions. During an average day we conducted physical training two to three times a day. Between physical training sessions, we toured individual mobile units and learned about each of their missions. We spent a couple days with the air training division learning how to rappel down a 60 ft brick wall as well as simulating fast roping down from a hovering helicopter.

In addition to that we had the rare opportunity to practice our skydiving techniques in a privately contracted wind tunnel. We were immersed with the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) division, learning how teams disarm and deal with IED situations on special operation deployments. During these training evolutions we were given the chance to complete a series of tests in the 80‐pound bomb suit, carrying fake ordinance and disarming fake IED’s.

One afternoon we ran a limpet mine search of an entire ship pier. For another training exercise, we were given a two‐day combat shooting course where we shot M‐4 assault rifles and 9mm berretta pistols. We spent an afternoon with the bomb diffusing remote control robots and practiced picking up and moving small objects with the robots. In addition to physical training each day, we swam two open water bay swims in the ocean, each about a mile long with fins and wetsuits. This cruise was a fantastic experience for the other Midshipman and myself. I learned 10‐fold about the EOD community and how they support the U.S. Navy’s missions. I would highly recommend this cruise to any other Midshipman interested in the EOD community.

Ensign MacIntyre United States Navy

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Mountain Warfare Training Center

Being afforded the opportunity to spend my 2/C summer cruise in Bridgeport, California with the Marines at the Marine Corps’ Mountain Warfare Training Center (MWTC) was an experience that peaked my hobbies and interests. From the ruck marches from base camp at 5000 feet to LZ Penguin at 9000 feet, multiple classes about tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) when conducting operations in a mountainous environment, and the experiences of the Marines themselves; I was having one heck of a time enjoying what I could outdoors in the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The trip wasn’t without fulfilling many check boxes in my bucket list. During our last night at LZ Penguin, not only were many of us able to see the Milky Way for the first time, but we also had our first experience of being fairly close to a wildfire. Because of the encroaching fire, we were only able to spend two nights at elevation; severely shortening the other activities we had planned that week.

While it did rain both days that we were up there, luckily my battle buddies and I knew a thing or two about setting up hooches and managed to stay completely dry while the city‐slickers complained and carried on.

While the experiences that can be taken away from a trip like this are too numerous to list, I was fortunate enough to put many of the skills I learned to practical use during a week‐long backpacking trip later that summer. Long story short, that made it twice that summer where I had to high tail it out of the mountains because of thick smoke on the horizon.

Nonetheless, MWTC is definitely in my crosshairs for a facility I want to re‐visit in my Marine Corps career and is an opportunity that everyone can take something from.

Midshipman Jared Haeg

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Foreign Exchange Cruise

This past summer, I had the privilege of being selected for a slot in the West Foreign Exchange Cruise for my summer training session. Twenty fellow NROTC midshipmen and I arrived in Yokosuka, Japan where we were paired with twenty midshipmen from the Japanese Maritime Officer Candidate School in Etajima.

Together, we split up our group into half American and half Japanese and disembarked from Yokosuka to Kure on two ships, the JS Hirosame and USS Mustin. I was assigned to the JS Hirosame which is a helicopter destroyer.

During this time at sea, we were able to have some amazing experiences such as how the Japanese complete UNREP’s and fly in a the Japanese equivalent of the SH‐ 60. The two most fun things we got to participate in were an arm wrestling competition between all of the midshipmen and the crew of the ship and the traditional greeting of a foreign ship by the JS Hirosame’s Weapons Officer.

Once we arrived in Kure, we had the opportunity to go to Hiroshima, Etajima, and Tokyo. In Hiroshima, we visited the Peace Museum. This museum is dedicated to the casualties from the nuclear bomb at the end of World War II and spoke out against the existence and uses of these weapons in the world today. Later in Etajima, we were hosted at the training center of the MOCS midshipmen. Here, we got to witness the average day in the life of a future Japanese Maritime Defense Officer.

They hosted us very generously and threw us a large party that was led by a two star admiral who ran the school.

Once our time there was over, we returned to Yokosuka through Tokyo by bullet train, which was an experience in and of itself.

Overall, this summer cruise taught me and my fellow American midshipmen how connected our military service is with international comradery. It is imperative to continue such events in order to propagate positive relationships between the two forces that in turn helps to create peace in the region. I would highly recommend the midshipmen who are entering their final year to consider this as an option for their final summer cruise training. It is an exciting and enlightening experience that I will remember for the rest of my life!

Ensign Daniel Schuerman United States Navy

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CORTRAMID

While my time in San Diego was short, it was in no way uneventful. At CORTRAMID, people had to try to be bored. Each week was dedicated to exploring each of the four main naval communities from dawn to dusk. Weekends were left open for midshipmen but we were encouraged to explore the Naval Base and the surrounding areas in our free time.

My first week was spent down near Camp Pendleton with the Marine Corps. Midshipmen experienced the life of a trainee, sleeping in a barracks and learning basic Marine Corps Martial Arts (MCMAP). Midshipmen were also given the chance to use equipment reserved for specialized personnel, most of which were rarely seen outside their respective divisions. The main event, though, was the Infantry Immersion Simulator (IIS). Taking place in a simulated middle‐eastern town, the IIS was designed to teach how to act and react in the field with both physical and digital simulations.

Using modified rifles and paint‐bullets we explored the facility inside‐ out, securing buildings, running patrols, and fighting ambushes.

Surface week was more relaxed and focused more on learning about the different kinds of ships, which I often toured in my free time. I got the chance to practice steering a ship through the various simulations used to train Surface Warfare Officers, but we left navigation to the professionals when we actually went underway.

Time was set aside to talk with the amphibious community and watch them run a beach operation.

Submarine week was the most erratic, since the locations of submarines were kept under tight‐wraps at all times. While we waited, we underwent the wet trainer, a room full of pipes modelled after a submarine interior that slowly filled up with water as we rushed to close leaks. It was like a large puzzle, but as time passed the water level quickly rose, eventually reaching my chest before the end. I spent a night aboard the USS Henry M. Jackson, exploring the boomer from end to end and kicking back with the crew. I even managed to write my name inside the torpedo tubes and sightsee from atop the bridge when we surfaced the next day.

Our last week was spent exploring the vast airfields around San Diego and meeting up with the local helicopter and jet squadrons stationed nearby. We talked with pilots and practiced flying helicopters before actually being flown around the city in an MH‐60R Seahawk, performing mid‐air maneuvers sure to turn a normal person’s stomach. Our last day in the Aviation community was spent flying copilot to current flight officers in T‐6 training planes. My pilot was a Marine Captain who let me control the plane between zero‐g spirals and split‐S turns.

During CORTRAMID, I found the best way to learn was to talk with those already in the fleet. The people who coordinated CORTRAMID once stood where I am and talking to them helped me decided what I wanted to do in the Navy. I left for San Diego uncertain of what I wanted, but trying out different things in each of the communities let me figure it out, at my own pace.

Midshipman Maximilian Cecil

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New Student Orientation

All summer before my freshman year I was both looking forward and fearing Orientation Week. Once the day finally came, it seemed to be a fairly normal orientation, listening to presentations given by various officers and members of the program. That changed very quickly upon the entrance of Gunnery Sergeant Castillo as all of us new freshman were introduced to the world of Navy ROTC.

We started the week having no idea what we were getting ourselves into.

We found out just what to expect out of PT sessions, which was definitely an eye opening experience for many. We were lectured, taught to drill and march, taught military customs and courtesies, and over the course of the week, we discovered the best methods of how to not mess up. We even got to fill out paperwork.

I remember the early mornings and late evenings, and many memories in between which are easy to laugh at after that week was over. I vividly remember putting on a camelback upside down, pouring water all over myself as we were about to head to drill. It was a fantastic experience and I would recommend it. But through all of these errors were 19 other freshman recruits right next to me, making errors of their own. We were in it together, and this created bonds with each other which would not be soon broken. Many of those people that I met during orientation week are now very good friends of mine, and we still remember our orientation week and the experience it provided.

All things aside, orientation week is there to whip you into shape and teach you the basics about the Navy ROTC program. The things we learned, like customs and courtesies or drill and marching, will remain with you for life. I will not soon forget the week and the bonds I made with my fellow freshmen.

Midshipman Markus Fornelius

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POW / MIA Ceremony On Friday September 19th, 2014, the University of Idaho and Washington State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps combined with the University of Idaho Army and Air Force ROTC units to reflect and honor the sacrifices of Americans taken as prisoners of war, as well as those missing in action.

The POW/MIA ceremony is an annual event held in the city of Moscow, Idaho. Following the opening ceremony, the former mayor of Moscow, Nancy Chaney, along with the University of Idaho’s President, Chuck Staben, gave their condolences to those who have suffered in captivity during a time of war. The culmination of the ceremony occurred when World War II prisoner of war survivor Staff Sergeant Vinnie Delisio, shared his experiences. A survivor of a legendary death march across Germany during World War II, Mr. Delisio described in vivid detail the amplitude of the 700 mile march in a mere 86 days. The humbling speech Vinnie Delisio presented left everyone who attended the ceremony speechless.

Mr. Delisio expressed to the audience that “It is essential to never forget those who give up all sense of their livelihood to fight for the greatest country in the world”, and that “many members of the United States military who have been taken as prisoners go through hell to defend principals they pledge to protect”. It is necessary that we remember those who have endured such a sacrifice, and never forget those who have yet to return home.

Midshipman Jacob Lemmelin

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Captain Welch Retirement Ceremony On Saturday, September 27th, members of the University of Idaho Naval ROTC unit participated in the retirement ceremony of Captain Douglas Welch, Medical Service Corps. Held in the community center in Lewiston, ID, Captain Welch’s naval career spanned over 40 years. Beginning his career as a Hospital Corpsman, he also served briefly as a medic in the United States Army prior to receiving his commission. Captain Welch’s final tour was as the Deputy Medical Advisor ‐ Senior Medical Planner ISAF Medical Plans and Operations at the NATO Head Quarters Allied Joint Force Command in Brunssum, The Netherlands

Captain Welch was impressed to see the new generation of Naval Officers at his ceremony and stated that “The Navy is in good hands”. MIDN 3/C Diana Vaught expressed that “being a member of this ceremony was a great experience, especially since it exposed Captain Welch’s family to Naval Traditions, many of whom have not been able experience these ceremonies first hand”. Captain Welch and his wife Nini reside in Lewiston, Idaho.

Midshipman Paul Everts

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Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball On 17 October 2014, the University of Idaho and Washington State University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps celebrated the 239th birthday of the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the annual birthday ball held in Moscow, Idaho.

The ceremony began with mingling between the Midshipmen, Active Duty Officers and Enlisted, and Esteemed Guests. After the social hour, 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, Lieutenant Commander Mike Musegades, USN (ret).

The cake ceremony continued with oldest sailor, CAPT Douglas Welch, and oldest Marine, CWO4 Frank Dammarell, passing the cake to the youngest sailor, MIDN 4/C Matthew Cox, and youngest Marine, MIDN 4/C Kaisha Davis. This tradition symbolizes the passing of the knowledge from the older and more experienced service members to the younger and inexperienced. “I feel blessed having been able to share a piece of cake with such a distinguished Marine” stated Midshipman Davis after having received the cake from CWO4 Dammarell, a Silver Star recipient and veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. “I hope that I can be as influential as him someday”.

As an alumnus of the University of Idaho who retired as an SH‐60S pilot and then began a new career as a pastor, LCDR Musegades expressed “I feel honored to have been given the opportunity to be the guest of honor and speak in front of such a large group of midshipmen and Marines who are ready to serve their country in potentially dangerous times”. He spoke to the midshipmen and guests about what is expected of officers, and that to be successful in their careers, they should remember to “Act like gentlemen and ladies, and continue to do so as officers, and you would not run into trouble in your military careers”.

Midshipman Joshua Korver

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Halloween PT

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Veterans’ Day Wreath Laying Ceremony

“The willingness of America's veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” ‐Jeff Miller, Chairman of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee

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NROTC vs AROTC Football Game

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1st Sergeant Castillo Promotion

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Staff Sergeant Barrios Promotion

College can be a very challenging and rewarding time in a person’s life. As a United States Marine, devoted husband, loving father and full‐time college student, SSgt Barrios is able to do it all and excel above and beyond. On Monday, February 2, 2015, the UI/WSU NROTC unit held a ceremony for SSgt Barrios at the WSU NROTC spaces in honor of his promotion from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps. Many Midshipman took the time out of their day to get the spaces in tip top shape to honor SSgt Barrios and his family.

As is Marine Corp tradition, Captain McClintock held the oath at 1600 followed by GySgt Castillo and Mrs. Barrios helping to pin on the new rank insignias to SSgt’s uniform. It was a proud moment for the entire family as well as the battalion members present to share in this memorable event. Many of the staff and battalion members who attended the ceremony either know what it feels like to be recognized for this great achievement or have something to look forward to in their future.

I was honored to be a part of this ceremony and to be there to congratulate SSgt Barrios. As a freshman being new to this program, I did not know at first how much time and commitment it takes to be a student in college and be involved in ROTC activities. I can only imagine how hard SSgt Barrios has worked to achieve this highly honorable goal. Not only is he a respectful and hardworking Marine, he is also a new father and loving husband who encompasses all of the true American values and sacrifices for freedom.

Midshipman Alyse Bailey

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Captain Berkhout Visit On April 2 the Commanding Officer of the USS Ohio, along with several junior officers under his command visited the University of Idaho Naval ROTC unit to enlighten the Midshipmen to the background of a naval submarine officer and the benefits of choosing the prestigious position. Captain Berkhout is a South Dakota native who left South Dakota to attend the U.S. Naval Academy. While studying at the Naval Academy, Captain Berkhout originally majored in aerospace engineering but later changed to ocean acoustics. Captain Berkhout enrolled in the Naval Academy to become a Navy aviator, but a discussion with a submarine commanding officer immediately swayed his decision to change his service selection.

Captain Berkhout continued his presentation and told the midshipmen about the immense autonomy given to a submarine commanding officer. Captain Berkhout explained that the commanding officer of a submarine has the most autonomy of any military officer while underway, save for SEALs. Captain Berkhout told the group of midshipmen about a deployment when he did not report or contact anyone while transiting from Washington to Norway. This is one of many sea stories Captain Berkhout expressed to the midshipmen to further his points concerning to autonomy earned by submarine commanding officers.

Captain Berkhout then relayed the heritage and history of the submarine force, and some key moments in its history.

For example, Captain Berkhout relayed the importance the submarines had on the outcome of World War II. Submarines accounted for fifty percent of the total tonnage sunk during World War II, while only constituting a mere two percent of the total U.S. Naval force. The success of the submarine force had such an effect on Admiral Nimitz that he conducted two of his own change of commands on a submarine: one during World War II, and the other after the war.

The presentation did not solely concern the submarine force within the Navy, but rather the nuclear navy as a whole.

Captain Berkhout continued his presentation by giving statistics and facts about the nuclear navy; nuclear reactors power eighty‐three ships in the Navy. In 1984, Captain Berkhout says, San Francisco Bay housed eighteen nuclear reactors within a two block radius. This became one of many curious observations he made during his lecture.

The U.S. Navy now has fifty‐three SSNs, fourteen SSBNs, and four SSGNs. Captain Berkhout explained that his favorite submarine is the fast‐attack. Fast‐attacks are hunt‐to‐kill types and are always first to the fight. The trident submarines are accredited with 54% of missiles in the U.S. Navy, and 100% of the survivable warheads; and the SSGNs can hold up to 144 Tomahawk missiles and transport Navy SEAL teams to locations all over the world.

Captain Berkhout’s second fact concerning submarines during wartime involved the war in Iraq. Captain Berkhout revealed to everyone that submarines accounted for half of the missiles fired during Iraqi Freedom.

Captain Berkhout gave an enlightening presentation which caused many midshipmen in the unit to reevaluate their service selection, similar to Captain Berkhout’s experiences as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Midshipman Daniel Vossler

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Semper FI

This year’s Semper Fi was quite different from last year’s experience.

Last year, and the first semester of this Semper Fi, was set up as an Officer Candidate School (OCS) prep class. It detailed Marine Corps history and Five Paragraph Order briefs, and it was run by a Midshipman who has already attended OCS. However, things were changed up during the second semester. Gunnery Sergeant Smith was put in charge of Semper Fi and instead of prepping us for OCS, it became a prep course for our career in the Marine Corps. The classes included things ranging from Tactical Decision Games, to how to call properly call in artillery, to the ‘combat mindset’ and what all it includes. As different of a change as it was, it was a welcome one, Semper Fi went from the dry OCS history briefs to an exciting and motivating class that all of the Midshipman and Platoon Leaders Course (PLC) candidates looked forward to attending.

All of the skills and lessons we learned throughout the year were put to the test during our Field Exercise (FEX) at the end of the year. After a 6 mile hike up to Paradise Ridge we split into our respective squads and were led through squad size element patrols to seek and destroy the “enemy.” Although not everything went as planned, overall it was an excellent day and a learning experience for all. The lessons learned will benefit us not only during OCS but during our careers in the Marine Corps. Good luck to those attending OCS this summer, hopefully this year’s Semper Fi has prepared you well.

Midshipman Michael Dugan

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Northwest Navy

An Overview

On April 10‐12 2015, the University of Idaho/ Washington State University Naval ROTC Battalion hosted and participated in the Northwest Navy competition. Northwest Navy has been a long lasting tradition competing against NROTC units from University of Washington, Oregon State University, and the University of Utah. The competition consisted of military events and intramural sports such as: Regulation Drill, Rifle/Pistol, Color Guard, Physical Readiness Test, Physical Fitness Test, Combat Fitness Test, Endurance Course, Academics, Basketball, Soccer, and Tug of War. The UI/WSU midshipmen were ecstatic to compete after rigorous preparation with hard focus, and an emphasis on team and unity.

The midshipmen began competing in all events on Saturday, April 11, at 0600 and on throughout the entirety of the day.

UI/WSU took first place in Regulation Drill, Rifle, Physical Readiness Test, Physical Fitness Test, Endurance Course, and Tug of War, but it did not end there. UI/WSU ROTC won first place in the competition as a whole. The Combat Fitness Test team took second place and the Academics, Basketball, Soccer, Color Guard, and Pistol teams received third place.

Three midshipmen were recognized for their individual excellence on their respective teams. The competition was structured and carried out admirably, and the participation and hard work of every midshipman was commendable. The midshipmen embraced the opportunity to meet different shipmates from the other Universities during the intense competition. Overall, the University of Idaho and Washington State University’s performance was favorable due to their determination, resilience, commitment, and discipline. Each team left with a valuable and enjoyable experience at the University of Idaho, all competing with passion and pride for their unit and shipmates.

Midshipman Ashlee Reid

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Rifle/Pistol

Our Pistol and Rifle team did an outstanding job this year at Northwest Navy. Rifle was the first event of the day and consisted of a three position course of fire that included prone, kneeling, and standing, with two relays of shooters.

Pistol followed later that morning.

All the practice over the course of this year paid off as the Rifle team took first place. MIDN Haeg, MIDN Cotten, MIDN Reid, and MIDN Meagher made up the winning rifle team. In addition, MIDN Meagher shot the highest score among all the competitors.

The pistol team did an outstanding job given the circumstances. Because our pistols jammed often, it was hard to get consistent groups and high scores. Never the less, the team persevered and managed to place third overall. This year’s pistol team members included MIDN Delmas, MIDN Dugan, MIDN Reid, and MIDN Meagher.

We could not be happier with the performance of our shooting teams. Given another year to train and hone their skills, I don’t see any reason why both teams can’t take 1st place next year at Northwest Navy.

Midshipman Nathaniel Meagher

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Basketball

Historically, the sporting events in Northwest Navy are counted towards the overall competition score, but this year the rules were changed. Basketball and Soccer were played as exhibition matches, not going into the final tally. However, this did not slow any of the teams down. Each of the schools came into the games excited and ready to compete for the trophy.

This was no exception for UI, the roster being 17 enthusiastic players. Although little team preparation was scheduled before game day, UI brought a good showing to the tournament. At the captain’s meeting, all schools agreed that two games was not enough and wanted to play more than originally planned. Thanks to SSgt Barrios, a whole new tournament bracket was created the night before competition. Instead of single elimination the tournament was now double.

Drawing for teams, UI was paired with the worthy opponent of UW right out the gate. Despite a few of our players coming from different events beforehand, we quickly suited up and hit the ground running. UI had trouble getting into rhythm, and lost, sending us downstairs to face the next opponent, the University of Utah. After the first game, UI was warmed up and got into a much better rhythm. UI could move at a much faster pace, and took advantage of a fast break offense. The entire roster was able to get game time and the ball was being moved much more effectively. Highlights included three pointers from MIDN Vaught, Bailey and Rex. After handily winning the game vs. Utah, UI went back up to the main court to face the University of Washington for the second time. After gaining confidence from playing Utah, and having already seen our opponent’s strategies, playing UW the second time was a closer game, but the huskies still pulled through for the win. In the end, Oregon State beat UW for the championship.

The basketball tournament as a whole turned out to be a success. All teams were competitive and had excellent sportsmanship. It was good to see midshipmen, OCs and MECEPs meeting new people who they may see again in the fleet.

Midshipman Kyle Flack

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Soccer Given all that the soccer team had to work with, their performance was exceptional. They endured strong winds and low temperatures and it rained the entire time. In addition, the team made do even without having any substitutes. Even though we lost our only game against OSU, the team played well. The deciding factors were just a couple of unlucky outcomes. If we were given another opportunity, the game could have gone either way. I think it is safe to say we as a team can hold our heads high and look forward to competing again next year.

Midshipman Nathaniel Meagher

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Endurance Course This was the first year the WSU/UI Navy ROTC Unit conducted an Endurance Course event at Northwest Navy. The event was designed by Captain Roubal, USMC, to be an extremely challenging event, lasting nearly two hours and spanning over six and a half miles. The endurance course consisted of running miles in boots and pants, with a rifle, carrying everything ranging from logs to your fellow teammates as well as flipping tires and climbing over obstacles. The team started practice immediately after spring break, a few months out from the competition, and utilized our home field advantages. We focused on training sport‐specifically for the event, flipping logs, running in our event uniforms with dumbbells as substitutes for the rubber rifles we used during the event. During event day, the preparation of the team paid off. From the very beginning of the event, the team dominated the competition.

Of the twenty participants in the competition, the first four to pass through the first two of five phases of the course were members of the five person team of Midshipmen Haeg, Korver, Lambert, Mander and Walker from WSU/UI. This trend continued throughout the rest of the course, as the E course team finished a full seven minutes before the second place finishers. The standard of character, hard work, and dedication shown by the E course team from WSU/UI was motivating to see as the team captain. From day one of practices, the team gave 110% effort in every second of rehearsal leading up to game day, and it clearly paid off with the overwhelming victory by the team. Perhaps the biggest representation of the standard of character held at the WSU/UI NROTC unit is what the team did after the big finish. Instead of drinking water, eating, joking and relishing the victory, the members of the team ran back down through the course and encouraged those who had yet to finish. This dedication to their shipmates and comrades in arms taught valuable lessons to the team about the meaning behind competition, and how we are all truly in the fight together.

Midshipman Galen Mander

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Physical Readiness Test

Knowing the competition was going to be tough, I decided to start practices for the PRT a month and a half before Northwest Navy. Meeting on the weekends with Midshipmen Tamara Rex, Kenny Hoeffner, Paul Everts, we would run between four and seven miles.

Above running there is one key aspect to winning the PRT and that is push‐ups and curl‐ ups. Because they make up the majority of the points, we would complete several sets of pyramid push‐ups and several curl‐up workouts halfway through each run. This way we not only built our cardio in order to maintain our running edge but we outdistanced ourselves from everyone else when it comes to the calisthenics.

My goals for the team were to have everyone complete over 100 push‐ups and the same with curl‐ups, and I was not disappointed. After we finished curl‐ups MIDN Hoeffner completed 135 in the two minutes, the second most of any competitor. MIDN Rex completed 114 push‐ups, which is more than almost all other midshipman are capable of completing in our battalion and was one of the top scores for the competition, male or female. This just shows how well the team competed on Saturday, besides winning as a team we also came away with the male athlete and Rex just missed winning the female athlete by four points. I am very proud of how well everyone did on the PRT and am confident they will win in the years to come. My biggest take away from leading the PRT team was holding practices every weekend. Ensuring everyone gets together for an easy going jog where we can simply crack jokes and enjoy working out while others just sit at home watching television.

Midshipman Matthew Wilson

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Regulation Drill After countless hours spent on the sprint turf practicing our close order drill, manual of arms, and marching movements, the University of Idaho/Washington State University Armed Drill Team was able to win 1st Place at Northwest Navy this year. Under the supervision of 1stSgt Castillo and the command of MIDN Haeg, every Thursday, twenty‐two Midshipmen would spend an hour perfecting their bearing, concentration, and discipline to perform flawlessly for this single competitive event at Northwest Navy. Our victory was not only a comeback from last year that fulfilled out taste for revenge, but is a great reflection of what determination and persistence can achieve.

Midshipman Jared Haeg

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Academics This year for Northwest Navy (NWN) was a good year. The academics team was full of energy and we really wanted to win, which made us a team with high hopes coming off of last year’s defeat. The team consisted of MIDN Cox, MIDN Cecil, MIDN Wulff‐Morrison, MIDN Bates, MIDN Sorenson, MIDN Lambert and myself. In prepping for NWN, I had my team divided into sections so the MIDN Bates and Sorenson took naval weapon systems and naval engineering, MIDN Wulff‐Morrison and Lambert took all things Marine Corps, MIDN Cecil understood Navigation and MIDN Cox and I knew Naval History. This worked out to be a sound strategy and lead us to do well at Northwest Navy. However, on game day a different story occurred in the first match against Utah we lost by a slim margin. When we went up against University of Washington we lost by quite a bit. In the final game against Oregon State we pulled a victory out took third in the overall completion.

Reflecting on the overall team performance, we did well and we moved up a place from last year. Being a team captain was hard work and I had to make some to tough calls about who to put in based on the opponent we were facing.

Overall, I learned who I can depend on for quick reaction times on the answer to the question and show up on time for the event. Overall, my team performed well and we had fun competing to answer a myriad of different questions.

Midshipman John McKay

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Color Guard Of the events for Northwest Navy, two are drill based. The first was the regulation drill competition and the second being the color guard competition. The color guard completion consists of completion of set drill card based off of the Marine Corps Drill Manual. The purpose of the event is to test the ability of the respective NROTC’s Color Guard unit of precision execution of the color guard movements, and to showcase their schools in doing so. In the months leading up to Northwest Navy, the color guard team would consistently put in several hours of practice a week leading up to the actual competition. We would practice the drill card ad nauseam and clean up every minor detail.

The competition was tough, and ultimately the color guard unit took third. That being said, the color guard team’s execution and precision in movements left quite an impression amongst the judge and spectators alike. The team members for the 2015 Northwest Navy Color Guard team were: MIDN 4/C Reid, MIDN 3/C Everts, MIDN 4/C Craig, MIDN 2/C Matias, and MIDN 2/C Cotten. All members of the team executed to their fullest potential that day, and did the University of Idaho/ Washington State University NROTC unit proud. The biggest lessons in which I learned from the experience of leading the Northwest Navy Color Guard team was that every little detail matters. No matter how well you and your team execute, the smallest of things can be your downfall. I also learned that surrounding yourself with people that are well versed and experienced in the subject will ultimately set you up for success in the long run.

We will be ready to compete next year, and take our rightful spot at the top at the 2016 Northwest Navy Competition. I would like to give a special thanks to 1st Sgt Castillo, our Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and main advisor, and MIDN 1/C Wulff‐Morrision, the former Color Sergeant and student advisor. Without your help, the color guard would not have looked as good as it did at Northwest Navy.

Midshipman Paul Everts

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Combat Fitness Test The Combat Fitness Test, also known as the CFT, is one of the physical tests that the Marine Corps uses to evaluate the fitness levels of Marines.

It is a three staged event that is designed to simulate the rigors of combat. First, participants make an 880 yard run in combat utilities. Next they press thirty pound ammo cans as many times as is possible in two minutes. Finally, they run the maneuver under fire, wherein contestants must carry a fellow Marine, two thirty pound ammo cans, and hit a target with a dummy grenade, among other tasks. Needless to say, this is a difficult test that requires a great deal of speed and stamina to complete.

In order to train for this event, the CFT team trained for four weeks prior to Northwest Navy. Mondays and Wednesdays featured interval sprints combined with a number of shoulder exercises. On Tuesdays, the team practiced the maneuver under fire course. On Thursdays the team completed a recovery run and on Fridays they worked on their speed with short sprints. All seven of us put a lot of work into the practices before the day of the competition.

On the day of the competition the seven members of the CFT team made an outstanding performance. In spite of the rain, wind and cold, they put out 110%. The team came in second place, closely following the lead set by UW. Midshipman Poirier boasted the highest score on the team, and Midshipman Andres held the highest score for the two females on the team. While their effort was not enough to secure first place, they did a fine job of representing University of Idaho and Washington State University.

Coaching the CFT team was a valuable leadership experience. In it I was required to develop a comprehensive physical training program for seven individuals. I then had to coordinate the workout times so most of those individuals could attend training. Furthermore, I had to maintain accountability of those who were unable to work out with the team because of scheduling. This experience helped me develop a plan and hold all the members of the team accountable for what they did, or did not do. The CFT team did not disappoint.

Midshipman Wulff‐Morrison

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Tug of War

For the 2015 Northwest Navy competition, I was in charge of the Tug of War team. Our team was hand selected to be the biggest and strongest individuals from our Battalion. The team consisted of eight males and two females, all of which had been lifting weights throughout the semester leading up to the competition.

The tug of war competition was the final event of the day and we were excited to challenge the three other unit’s teams. Immediately following drill, I set out the rope and cones that would mark the boundary of the tug pit. By the time the teams had gathered and the remaining personnel had arrived from the other units, the anticipation was growing.

The team captains finished drawing for bracket position, and the first bout commenced. The large crowd that had gathered consisted of many Midshipmen, Marines, and Officers and was thunderously loud. The competition consisted of all teams playing one another and the winner being determined based on the number of wins they had at the end.

When it was our turn to step up to the rope, our first opponent was the Husky Battalion. Right off the bat, their team lurched our team about a yard into their territory before a stalemate occurred. After a few moments of deadlock, the observing members of the UI/WSU Battalion began to chant, “Tug, tug, tug!” Our team got into an excellent rhythm and began to slowly move back. After what seemed like forever in a slow backward advance, the whistle finally blew and the first round was won by our team. Our next bout was against the Beaver Battalion. When the initial whistle blew both teams jumped up and began to pull. In this round, our team was quick to the rope and immediately gained some ground. After the initial surge, the progress slowed and the rest of the way to the finish was a battle. When the final whistle blew we were once again victorious. All that now stood between us and tug of war champion status was the Utah Battalion. When the bout began, our team ferociously grabbed the rope and within ten seconds had brought the other team into our territory, cementing our title as undisputed tug of war champs. When the rope was dropped we all began to celebrate amongst ourselves as well as our fellow battalion members.

Overall, the Tug of War competition was a huge success. It was simple, but still brought about a good sense of competition. I can personally say that it was the highlight of my Northwest Navy experience and is sure to be the topic of discussion for many days to come.

2nd Lieutenant Roy Handley United States Marine Corps

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Northwest Navy Awards Banquet

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Spring Awards Banquet

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Battalion Members

Sailors and Navy Option Midshipmen

Andres

Bates

Bailey

Cecil

Cotten

Cox

Dakis

Delmas

Everts

Flack

Fletcher

Fornelius

OC Harlow

Hintze

Korver

Lanfear

Mander

Mattias

McKay

Meagher

Oliver

Patzer

Piersall

Platt

Reid

Stachura

Vaught

Hoeffner

Vossler

Walker

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Wilson

Marines and Marine Option Midshipmen

Sgt Armstrong

Dugan

Baker

SSgt Barrios

SSgt Brown

Craig

Davis

Haeg

SSgt Latrell

Odell

Poirier

GySgt Smith

Tootill

Wulff‐Morrison

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Fall Commissioning

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Spring Commissioning

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University of Idaho / Washington State University Newly Commissioned Officers

Ensign Alex Ackerman Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho. His first assignment is Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida.

Ensign Taylor Barrett Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University. His first assignment is Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida.

2nd Lieutenant Michael Smargassi Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing from the University of Idaho. His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.

Ensign Sydney Osterloh Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho. Her first assignment is Naval Station Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the USS CHUNG‐ HOON (DDG 93).

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2nd Lieutenant Roy Handley Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Systems Management from the University of Idaho. His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.

Ensign Greg Turner Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University. His first assignment is Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida

Ensign Steven MacIntyre Bachelor of Science Degree in Geological Science with a minor in Naval Science from the University of Idaho. His first assignment is Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida.

Ensign Daniel Schuerman Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations from Washington State University. His first assignment is to Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on the USS GONZALEZ (DDG 66).

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Ensign Travis Sorensen Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Washington State University. His first assignment is Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida

Ensign Josiah Phinney Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from Washington State University. His first assignment is Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina.

2nd Lieutenant Nathaniel Lambert Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Psychology with a minor in Russian from Washington State University. His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia

2nd Lieutenant Justin Wilkison Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Movement Sciences from the University of Idaho. His first assignment is The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia

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Donations

To make an online donation please visit: https://www.sites.uidaho.edu/giving Type in Navy ROTC into the “Search Funds” box and follow the instructions to donate to the UI/WSU Naval ROTC Battalion.

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