university of oklahoma · ferred to the nrotc unit at the university of oklahoma to be the...
TRANSCRIPT
University of Oklahoma Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps
FLAGHOIST
Spring 2018
2
Table of Contents
Commanding Officer’s Letter 3
Battalion Commander’s Letter 4
Naval Science Staff Bios 5
Battalion Staff 11
Class Photos 12
Western Heights JROTC Drill Meet 16
Dining In 17
Colorado Drill Meet 18
Women in Naval Service Symposium 19
Joint Awards Ceremony 20
Change of Command 21
Commissioning Ceremony 22
Alumni Corner 24
3
Commanding Officer’s Letter
It is again an honor to write the update to this semester’s Flaghoist after the completion of another successful academic year. This May I was honored and privi-leged to be involved with the commissioning of six Navy Ensigns and two Marine Corps Second Lieutenants. I am confident these new Naval Officers and alumni of the University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC unit will excel in the fleet and continue to posi-tively represent the University of Oklahoma NROTC unit.
The students of the unit continued to excel this spring throughout all their events and training. The spring was highlighted with events that included the Unit Din-ing In, performing as judges for the Western Heights NJROTC Drill Meet, supporting color guard at university sporting events and participation at the University of Michi-gan Women in Naval Service NROTC Symposium where the unit XO also served as a panel member. However, the highlight of the quality and professionalism of the young leaders who make up the OU NROTC unit was when the unit won first place at the University of Colorado NROTC Drill Meet. Along with this, the unit continued to meet all other Navy and Marine Corps Training requirements, their own academic re-quirements and the physical fitness requirements.
Additionally, the staff has seen more changes as we received our new Surface Warfare Officer (LT Wes McDaniel) as well as new administrative staff including our new Human Resources Assistant (Mrs. Robin Manly) and a new Supply Technician (Mr. Reginald Pete). Additionally, I had the honor of promoting our Marine Officer Instructor, Major Ryan Kinder, to Major as he also finished his last semester with the unit and prepares to depart in the Summer.
It has again been an honor to watch the battalion and staff excel for another se-mester. It remains a true pleasure to watch this amazing team of students and staff ex-cel to higher standards. I look forward to New Student Orientation and welcoming the next group of future Naval leaders to the unit.
BOOMER SOONER!!!
CAPT Lyle D. Hall, USN
Commanding Officer
OU NROTC
4
Battalion Commander’s Letter
Given the opportunity to be the Battalion Commander for the OU NROTC pro-gram has been an honor and an experience that I will never forget. I will always re-member the first time I walked in the OU NROTC door my freshman year and had no idea what a battalion commander was or what they did. Now being the BNCO myself I truly understand what the job entails and have learned lessons that will help me grow and develop as I enter the fleet.
As the BNCO you are given the unique opportunity to drive the unit towards a goal that you feel will better the unit for future generation of midshipman. To accom-plish that goal there are several leadership characteristics that I have learned along the way. First, as a leader it is your duty to give your people the tools and training needed to be successful in everything they do. This is not just something that is only seen in a military setting but something that I believe can be utilized in civilian world as well. Second, is that you must be able to motivate people to work with you to complete your vision or goal. As the BNCO you must create an atmosphere in which people want to work with you and not against you. Third, and probably the biggest lesson I learned, is taking responsibility. As BNCO you are responsible for everything that goes on below you, if something goes wrong you are held responsible. I believe that is one of the hardest things to learn and I am glad I learned it the hard way now vice later in my ca-reer.
Overall, I will always reflect and enjoy the memories I have developed as my time as the Battalion Commander for OU NROTC. Though out my time as BNCO, I have both succeeded and failed, which has given me the opportunity to learn lessons and skills that I can use later in my career as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy.
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson, USNR
Battalion Commander
OUNROTC
5
Naval Science Staff
Captain Lyle Hall is a native of Cement, Oklahoma. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree and received his commission through the NROTC program.
Captain Hall most recently commanded USS VICKSBURG (CG 69) from May 2013 through July 2016, a 37- month command tour. He led VICKSBURG through her maintenance and training cycles as well as an operational deployment as Standing NATO Maritime Group Two flag-ship from December 2014 to July 2015. Captain Hall also commanded USS TAYLOR (FFG 50) from December 2009 through May 2011, leading the ship during her operational deployment to the Sixth Fleet Area of Operations in support of Sixth Fleet Theater Security Cooperation requirements. Additionally, he served as the Deputy Commodore of De-stroyer Squadron 24 from June through September 2011.
Captain Hall’s initial afloat assignment included tours as Main Propulsion As-sistant, Damage Control Assistant, and Combat Information Officer on USS FAHRI-ON (FFG 22). Additional afloat tours have included Amphibious Operations Officer (N31) at COMPHIBRON 6, Combat Systems Officer on USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59), and Combat Systems Officer (N6) at COMDESRON 28. He also served afloat as Exec-utive Officer on USS OSCAR AUSTIN (DDG 79).
Ashore, he earned a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1999. Additionally, he graduated from the inaugural class of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School at the Joint Forces Staff College in 2005 where he was awarded a Master of Science degree in Joint Campaign Planning and Strategy. He has completed two Joint assignments ashore as a Senior Strategic Pol-icy Analyst at US Joint Forces Command in the J5 (Strategy and Policy) Directorate and as the Branch Chief for Lessons Learned at US Special Operations Command.
CAPT Hall assumed command of the NROTC Unit at the University of Okla-homa in July 2016. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritori-ous Service Medal (two awards), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various campaign and unit awards.
Commanding Officer
CAPT Lyle D. Hall, USN
6
Naval Science Staff
Commander Maureen “Moe” Studniarz is a native of Middletown, Ohio and graduated from Oldenburg Acad-emy in 1993. She attended Long Island University, South-ampton, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology in 1997. After working as crew on various sailboats for a year, CDR Studniarz was com-missioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in 1999 through Of-ficer Candidate School as a Meteorology and Oceanography Officer (METOC). In 2003, she lateral transferred to the unrestricted line community as a student Naval Aviator.
CDR Studniarz reported to Naval Air Station Pen-sacola, FL for aviation indoctrination and completed Naval Flight Training in the T-34C Mentor and the TH-57B/C. She received her wings of gold in August 2003. She then reported to Fleet Replacement Squadron (HSL-41) in Sep-tember 2003 where she learned to fly the SH-60B Sea-hawk.
In 2004, she reported to her first fleet squadron, the “Scorpions” of HSL-49 at Naval Air Station North Island. While assigned to HSL-49, CDR Studniarz completed two WEST-PAC deployments and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
In 2007, CDR Studniarz transferred to The Citadel NROTC Unit where she taught Naval Science classes and became the Senior Naval Instructor. In 2009, she transferred to OPNAV to become the Protocol Officer for the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Gary Roughead.
In 2011, CDR Studniarz transferred to HSL-46, the Grandmasters, to begin her Department Head tour. Shortly after reporting, she was selected to be an Individual Augmentee and be-came the Executive Officer for Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) Uruzgan in Afghan-istan. While part of the PRT, she also served as the Female Engagement Team (FET) OIC. She returned to HSL-46 in November 2012 to become the Squadron’s Operations Officer and oversaw the completion of the Squadron’s transition from SH-60B’s to MH-60R’s. She transferred from HSM-46 and reported to the Pentagon in June 2013 where she was an Ac-tion Officer for the Navy Business Operations Office. In June 2016, CDR Studniarz trans-ferred to the NROTC Unit at the University of Oklahoma to be the Executive Officer.
CDR Studniarz's personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal (Individual Action), the Navy Commendation Medal (2), the Army Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (2).
Executive Officer
CDR Maureen Studniarz, USN
7
Naval Science Staff
Lieutenant Stephen Byrd is a 2012 graduate of the University of Louisville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Engineering in Indus-trial Engineering. As a qualified Submarine Warfare Officer, LT Byrd com-pleted a Western Pacific deployment while serving aboard the USS GREENE-VILLE (SSN 772)—a ship that won the Navy’s Battle “E” Efficiency Award for three out of the last four years.
LT Byrd is qualified “engineer” on the Navy’s 688 class of nuclear powered submarines—part of the Navy’s robust Nuclear Propulsion Program which maintains a perfect safety record for over 50 years.
In June 2017, LT Byrd departed GREENEVILLE to execute orders to the Uni-versity of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor in Naval Science. Here he teaches Naval Weapons Systems and Naval Engineering and acts as the Junior, Senior, and Officer Candidate advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.
LT Byrd’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3).
Lieutenant Tony Dunlavy enlisted in the Navy in November of 1998. Follow-ing completion of boot camp, LT Dunlavy reported to Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, located in Goose Creek, SC, to begin the nuclear power training pipe-line. Upon completion of Electrician Mate “A” _School, Nuclear Power School, and Nuclear Power Training Unit he reported to the USS Portsmouth (SSN 707) as an nu-clear electrician from 2000-2005. While on Portsmouth he completed one and a third deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
LT Dunlavy’s second tour was as a Nuclear Planner from 2005-2008 at Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston. LT Dunlavy’s third tour was as the Electrical Di-vision Leading Petty Officer onboard USS MISSOURI (SSN 780). While onboard he completed his Bachelors of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering Technology and was accepted to two commissioning programs. Prior to reporting to Officer Candidate School he was selected for Chief Petty Officer.
After receiving his commission, LT Dunlavy received orders to the USS NICHOLAS (FFG-47), home ported in Norfolk, VA, where he served as the Combat Weapons and Force Protection Officer. During his tour NICHOLAS deployed to SOUTHCOM in support of Operation Martillo and to AFRICOM in support of Opera-tion Active Endeavor as part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
LT Dunlavy’s second division office tour was at Coastal Riverine Squadron TWO, where he served as a Platoon Commander. LT Dunlavy deployed as the Assistant Officer in Charge for Commander Task Group 68.7 responsible for Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Maritime Operations in three areas of responsibility.
In May of 2015 LT Dunlavy reported to the University of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Pro-fessor in Naval Science. He taught Naval Operations and Seamanship as well as Chart Navigation, and he acted as the Freshman and Sophomore advisor to the Midshipman Battalion. He was relieved by LT Wesley McDan-iel, USN, in May 2018.
LT Dunlavy’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), and the Navy Good Conduct Medal (4).
Freshmen/Sophomore Advisor
LT Tony Dunlavy, USN
Junior/Senior Advisor
LT Stephen Byrd, USN
8
Naval Science Staff
Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval enlisted in January 2002 and attended recruit training at 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Fox Company, Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Die-go, CA. After graduating from Recruit Training as a squad leader he was meritoriously promot-ed to Private First Class. Upon completion of recruit training, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval attended and completed Marine Combat Training at the School of Infantry West, Camp Pend-leton, CA. In May 2002, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for Motor Transportation Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) School. In June 2002, Gun-nery Sergeant graduated from Motor Vehicle Operators Course (MVOC) and earned the MOS of 3531, Motor Transportation Opera-tor. Upon completion from his MOS School, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment in Camp Lejeune, NC. Upon his arrival to 1/8, he was assigned to Truck Company and was promoted to Lance Corporal in November 2002. In May 2003, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval was assigned to 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Anti-Terrorism Battalion in Camp Lejeune, NC. He was pro-moted to Corporal in August of 2003. In February 2005, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this deployment he was promoted to Sergeant in June of 2005 and served as a Personal Security Detail (PSD) member for II Marine Expeditionary Force, Commanding General and Sergeant Major.
In July 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval received orders to Drill Instructor School at MCRD San Diego, CA. After graduating as Honor man, he was assigned to Charlie Company,
1st Recruit Training Battalion where he served as a Drill Instructor, Senior Drill Instructor, Chief Drill Instructor, and Battalion Operations Chief. While serving as a Drill Instructor he was promoted to Staff Sergeant in January of 2009. In February 2012, Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval reported to Combat Logistics Regiment 1 in Camp Pendleton, CA where he assumed duties as the Regimental Operations Chief and Motor Transportation Chief. Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval served as the Combat Operations Center Watch Chief for Exercise’s Dawn Blitz, Steel Knight, Desert Scimitar and Pacific Horizon aboard Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twenty-nine Palms, CA. Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval currently serves as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma. Gunnery Sergeant Sandoval is a graduate of National University (2014) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Crimi-nal Justice. His personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with gold star in lieu of second award, and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars in lieu of third award.
Major Ryan Kinder was born in Dundee, Scotland. He graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 2008. After completing The Basic School in December 2008, he attended Assault Amphibious Officer Course in Camp Pendleton, California. In December 2008, he reported for duty with 3D Assault Amphibious Battalion, 1st Marine Division in Camp Pendleton, California where he went on to serve as Platoon Commander, Mobility/Counter-Mobility Platoon, Headquarters and Service Company and Platoon Commander, Company C. In July 2010, his platoon independently deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program. During the deployment, his platoon prepared and maintained a company’s worth of vehicles, weapons, and equipment, valued at over $70 million, in preparation for the resumption of company-level Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV) deployments to the Pacific. In addition, his platoon successful-ly completed three bilateral training exercises with various militaries in the region. Following his return from deployment in January 2011, Major Kinder was as-signed as Executive Officer, Company B where he participated in 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade Exercise PACIFIC HORIZON 2011 and Exercise URBAN THUNDER 2011, a 7th Marine Regiment combined-arms exercise. In May 2011, he deployed to the Republic of Georgia where he served as a platoon-level tactics advisor and observer/controller-trainer to the 31st Light Infantry Battalion in support of their upcoming deployment to Afghanistan.
He graduated with honors from the Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School (2011) and the United States Army’s Maneuver Captain’s Career Course (2015). Major Kinder assumed his current duties as Marine Officer Instructor at the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit, University of Oklahoma in March 2015. He was promoted to Major in March 2018. He will be relieved by Captain Jayson Rimer, USMC, on 16 June 2018. His personal decorations include: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achieve-ment Medal with two gold stars in lieu of third award, and the Army Achievement Medal.
Marine Corps Officer
Instructor
Maj Ryan Kinder
Assistant Marine Corps
Officer Instructor
GySgt Julio Sandoval
9
Naval Science Staff
Lieutenant Wesley McDaniel is a native of Lubbock, Texas and attended Lubbock Christian University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in 2011. After working in Law Enforcement for over eight years, he was selected to attend OCS in Newport, Rhode Island, where he was commissioned an Ensign in January 2014.
After receiving his commission, LT McDaniel received or-ders to MCM CREW DOMINANT onboard the USS CHAMPION (MCM-4), home ported in San Diego, CA. While on the CHAMPI-ON, he served as the Electrical Officer, the Engineering Training Officer, the Assistant Chief Engineer, and eventually the Training Officer for the command.
LT McDaniel’s second Division Officer tour was onboard the USS SOMERSET (LPD-25), home ported in San Diego, CA, where he served as the Assistant First Lieutenant. LTMcDaniel was with the SOMERSET on her 8-month maiden deployment through the Sulu Sea,the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.
In May of 2018 LT McDaniel reported to the University of Oklahoma NROTC unit as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science. Here he teaches Naval Operations and Seamanship as well as Chart Navigation, and serves as the Freshman/Sophomore advisor to the Midshipman Battalion.
LT McDaniel’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Oncoming Freshmen/
Sophomore Advisor
LT Wesley McDaniel, USN
10
Naval Science Office Staff
Jennifer was born in Hollywood, Florida and later moved to Michigan and then Oklahoma. She graduated from Norman High in 1993. Jennifer joined the Air Force in March 1994 and served until July 2001. She graduated from Oklahoma City Community College December 2010 with an Associate’s Degree Diversified Studies of Science and again in May 2013 with an Associate’s Degree in Psychology. She transferred to the University of Oklahoma in fall of 2013 and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Multidisciplinary Studies May 2017. Jen-nifer is married with two boys.
Robin was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from Northeast Highschool in 1997. Robin joined the Air Force in June 1997 and served honorably until retirement in 2017. She graduated from the Community College of the Air Force in 2012 with an Associates in Information Management and is currently attending University of Maryland to complete her Bachelors in Human Resources. Robin is married with two children, one boy and one girl.
Pete was born in Jacksonville, North Carolina and grew up in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He graduated from Douglass High School in 1998. He joined the United States Navy in March of 2000 and served until 2007. He graduated from the University of Phoenix with a degree in Health Care Administra-tion/Management in 2014.
Jennifer Ille
Admin
Robin Manly
Human Resource Assistant
Reginald Pete
Supply
11
Battalion Staff
Battalion Commanding Officer
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson
Battalion Executive Officer
MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore
Alpha Company Commander
MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa
Battalion Sergeant Major
MIDN 1/C Matthew Farrar
S-1 Administration
MIDN 2/C Savanah Pipkin
S-3 Operations
MIDN 1/C Austin Catlin
S-4 Supply
MIDN 2/C Megan Jack
S-5 Public Affairs
MIDN 3/C Annalee Blake
12
Senior Class Photos
MIDN 1/C Dakota Boxwell
Noble, OK
Criminology
MIDN 1/C Micah Burge
Kirbyville, MO
Multidisciplinary Studies
MIDN 1/C Austin Catlin
Tulsa, OK
Political Science
MIDN 1/C Matthew Farrar
Alma, AR
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson
Fort Collins, CO
Aerospace Engineering
MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa
Fort Smith, AR
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 1/C Jacob Maloley
Grand Rapids, MI
Arabic
MIDN 1/C Mitchell Moore
Joshua, TX
Political Science
MIDN 1/C Sterling Orren
San Diego, CA
Industrial and Systems Engineering
MIDN 1/C Cole Watson
Loveland, CO
Aerospace Engineering
13
Junior Class Photos
MIDN 2/C Sean Authelet
Broken Arrow, OK
Civil Engineering
MIDN 2/C David Carris
Dallas, TX
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 2/C Chris Cartwright
Yorba Linda, CA
History
MIDN 2/C Nathan House
Enid, OK
Mathematics
MIDN 2/C Megan Jack
Edmond, OK
Multidisciplinary Studies
MIDN 2/C Matthew Lauck
Keller, TX
Business Administration
MIDN 2/C Michael Mattei
Fairview, TX
Environmental Sustainability
MIDN 2/C Kelsey Nelson
Italy, TX
Criminology
MIDN 2/C Savanah Pipkin
Bethel, CT
Biomedical Engineering
MIDN 2/C Michael Voeller
Norman, OK
Aerospace Engineering
MIDN 2/C Colin Wenger
Tulsa, OK
Chemical Engineering
14
Sophomore Class Photos
MIDN 3/C Cameron Berry
Flower Mound, TX
Health and Exercise Science
MIDN 3/C Annalee Blake
North Oaks, MN
Multidisciplinary Studies
MIDN 3/C Alex Dines
Luling, LA
History
MIDN 3/C Zane Fortunato
Keller, TX
Business
MIDN 3/C Alexis Franco
Clearwater, KS
Political Science & Spanish
MIDN 3/C Alexander Lee
Madison, MS
Business Management
MIDN 3/C Megan McAlester
McAlester, OK
Computer Engineering
MIDN 3/C Anthony Reimer
Coeur d’Alene, ID
Computer Science
MIDN 3/C Coral Rios
Springfield, MO
Sociology
SSgt Antonio Ruiz
Hooker, OK
Petroleum Engineering
MIDN 3/C Dylan Singleton
Bryant, AR
International Security Studies
MIDN 3/C Jamie Warren
Owasso, OK
Economics
15
Freshmen Class Photos
MIDN 4/C Patrick Castleberry
Tulsa, OK
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C Robert Donahue
Jacksonville, AR
Health and Exercise Science
MIDN 4/C Tyler Goehler
Owasso, OK
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C John Lovett
Norman, OK
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C Keelan Mathews
Oklahoma City, OK
Biology
MIDN 4/C Davis McDermott
Piedmont, OK
Meteorology
MIDN 4/C Jake Reynolds
Edmond, OK
Mechanical Engineering
MIDN 4/C Cole Shipes
Yukon, OK
Aerospace Engineering
SSgt Phillip Voss
Applevalley, CA
Computer Science
16
Western Heights Junior ROTC
Drill Meet
Western Heights High School
Oklahoma City, OK
“Midshipmen from the University of Oklahoma NROTC were given the privilege of serving as judges for events in the Western Heights drill meet. Our Mid-shipmen got a chance to represent the unit while watch-
ing some great JROTC teams compete to win. The event allowed us to give back to the community while
helping further development of our Midshipmen as they managed multiple events throughout the day.”
MIDN 1/C Justin Keohacksa
Event OIC
17
Dining In
“Dining In is our time as a unit to build comradery by
retelling stories of events, and each other, in a comedic
light. We also take this time to observe the long stand-
ing Navy and Marine Corps traditions of a ‘Mess
Night’, and remember those who have gone before us
and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Amidst
the friendly jabs and witty jeers we can see the many
personalities of the unit come together cohesively in a
night of fellowship and remembrance.”
MIDN 2/C Sean Authelet
Event OIC
“When I first heard about dining in and began reading
the massive list of traditions and rules, my class mem-
bers and I were intimidated. We were nervous about
what the night would hold right up until Midshipman
Keohacksa, our Mr. Vice, brought out the beef. The
most laughs of the evening came from the hilarious
videos made by each class and the charges came in
close second. The experience left me feeling closer to
my shipmates and proud to be part of the unit.”
MIDN 4/C Tyler Goehler
Second-Class Midshipmen table.
The entire Third-Class sent to the grog for tapping feet and
disturbing the mess.
Midshipmen always enjoy listening to their shipmates being
fined.
MIDN 1/C Watson and MIDN 2/C Authelet share a
cup of grog for their “lack of attention to detail”
when misspelled nameplates were discovered by their
fellow Midshipmen.
18
2018 Colorado Drill Meet Champions!
The Sooner Battalion brought home a victory.
“The 2018 University of Colo-
rado Drill meet provided the
chance to test OU NROTC in
the areas of Drill, Endurance
Team, and Rifle/Pistol Teams.
All of the hard work paid off
with many individual team tro-
phies and the biggest one of
all, Meet Champions. This was
a great year for our teams as
they overcame many challeng-
es and proved to themselves
and everyone across the coun-
try why OU NROTC continues
to be one of the top units.”
-MIDN 1/C Micah Burge
Event OIC
“The Rifle/Pistol team
pulled out all the stops for
this year's competition. With
the help of unit staff, the
team completed a grueling
month-long work up, prac-
ticing around the clock. As a
result, the team placed sec-
ond in the rifle event, first in
the Pistol event, along with
the top individual score in
the Pistol event. The team
went out with a bang.”
-MIDN 2/C David Carris
Pistol Team Captain
Top Shot for the pistol com-
petition.
“Drill team’s success is attributed to the effort and long hours put in
by the entire team as well as the dedication of SSgt Ruiz, SSgt Voss
and GySgt Sandoval as instructors. We beat every team because we
were worked harder than every team. Simple as that.”
-MIDN 3/C Alexis Franco
Drill Team Commander
19
Women in Naval Service
Symposium
Executive Officer CDR Studniarz and three
of our Midshipmen attended the Women in
Naval Service Symposium sponsored by
University of Michigan Naval ROTC in
March. CDR Studniarz spoke on her avia-
tion career and facilitated a question and
answer panel made up of officers from a
variety of communities. Rear Admiral Sara
Joyner, the first female commander of a
carrier air wing (CVW-4), was also a fea-
tured speaker.
From Left: MIDN 3/C Annalee Blake, CDR Studniarz,
MIDN 3/C Megan McAlester, MIDN 2/C Megan Jack.
University of Michigan Naval ROTC
Ann Arbor, MI
CDR Studniarz facilitates a
question and answer panel.
20
Joint Awards Ceremony
The Joint Awards Ceremony is a great opportunity to recognize Midshipmen for their hard work and dedication to the program each year. We are very grateful for the many
organizations and families who present the awards in support of our mission.
21
Change of Command
“The University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC program has a historic tradition of excellence.
The best way to describe how I feel about becoming battalion commander is that I am in-
credibly fortunate that over the course of my three years in the unit that I have been trained
and mentored by the finest Midshipman and active staff that an aspiring officer could be
exposed to. I fully believe that myself and the outstanding Midshipmen staff that I get to
work with will lead this unit in the right direction. I am humbled an honored that I get the
opportunity to lead my peers and put forth the training and wisdom that has been instilled in
me to make the Unit continue that tradition of excellence.”
-MIDN 2/C Matthew Lauck
Fall 2018 Battalion Commander
MIDN 2/C Matthew Lauck assumes command from MIDN 1/C Colton Johnson
22
Commissioning Ceremony
The University of Oklahoma Naval ROTC Unit commissioned six Ensigns and two
2nd Lieutenants on 11 May 2018.
Ensign Micah Burge
Surface Warfare
2nd Lieutenant Austen Catlin
USMC
Ensign Matthew Farrar
Surface Warfare
23
Commissioning Ceremony
Ensign Colton Johnson
Naval Aviation
Ensign Justin Keohacksa
Surface Warfare
2nd Lieutenant Mitchell Moore
USMC
Ensign Sterling Orren
Naval Aviation
Ensign Cole Watson
Naval Aviation
24
Alumni Corner
Let us know what you are doing. You can contact us at (405)325-2021 or email at [email protected].
Our Alumni organization is The University of Oklahoma Naval Alumni League Inc. (incorporated in 1990). The League is dedicated to supporting the Naval ROTC Unit at the Uni-versity of Oklahoma. We do this through financial support of the Unit's activities, scholarships, and using our collective resources to further the Unit's goals. This Unit is our collective heritage and we intend for it to be the best in the nation. Furthermore we are committed to all OU Naval ROTC Alumni, Staff, and friends of the unit through net-working and mutual support. You can engage with the Alumni effort by contacting the Armory at (405) 325-2021. Also connect on:
Facebook: OU Naval ROTC Alumni Alumni web page: www.ounrotcalumni.org OU NROTC web page: We have a page for Alumni and links to the FB page & Alumni
web page.
Executive Board Members Mr. Dan Churchman, Chairman Class of ‘82 Mr. James H. Spann, Jr, Vice Chairman Class of ‘82 Mr. John D. Rickards, Class of ‘68 Mr. Tim Stanley, Class of ‘69 CDR Alfred Mitchell, USN-R Class of ‘72 CAPT Rod Clark, USN-R Class of 84 Mr. Jay Senter, USMC, Class of 90
Mr. Kevin Abbey, Class of ‘92 Mr. Jeremy Nikel, USN, Class of 93
CAPT Lyle Hall, USN Professor of Naval Science
(Looking for new members from the 2001-2010 period. If you are interested, send an
email to Dan Churchman ([email protected]).
found on the alumni website (www.ounrotcalumni.org).
25
Alumni Corner
Annual Reunion BBQ September 7, 2018 The Annual Reunion is planned for the week of the UCLA game this year. We will be having a catered meal and accepting donations at the door. Please plan to join us. More details can be found on the alumni website (www.ounrotcalumni.org).
Fund Raising Support Needed The OU NROTC Naval Alumni League (NAL) has an Endowment Fund established with the OKC Foundation. The Oklahoma City Community Foundation Endowment Fund directly sup-ports midshipmen scholarships. This past year, we were successful in participating in a match-ing campaign. We were able to raise $20,000 and received a match of $60,000. A huge thank you goes out to everyone that contributed. We invite all NROTC alumni and friends of the Unit to participate in raising funds to support scholarships for the unit.