Fall 2009 1 MC

1MC SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY NROTC 2

1MC WWW.SAVANNAHSTATE.EDU/NROTC 2

1 MC STAFF:

FEATURES: THE 1-MC AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2009 VOL.7 | ISSUE 1 WWW.SAVANNAHSTATE.EDU/NROTC

• 1 MC STAFF

• CO’S WORD

• MOI’S CORNER

• NROTC UNIT HISTORY

• WELCOME ABOARD

• SUMMER CRUISE

• INFORM

• UNIT PHOTO

• BIRTHDAY BALL

• COMMUNITY SERVICE

• PHYSICAL FITNESS

• HOMECOMING

• COMISSIONINGS

1 MC ADVISOR: Major Terrance Watson, USMC MPAO/SENIOR EDITOR: MIDN 1/C Jay English ASSISTANT MPAO: MIDN 3/C Gabriel Singletary CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: MIDN 1/C Brent Bondurant MIDN 1/C David Melendez MIDN 1/C Danielle Smith SSgt Joshua Fralick, USMC MIDN 2/C Robert Nelson MIDN 3/C Adrian Chance MIDN 4/C Thomas Boucher MIDN 4/C Ryan Eichler MIDN 4/C Anthony Jarvis MIDN 4/C Richard Powell

On the cover: The Midshipman Company marches during the Homecoming Parade.

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3 SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY NROTC 1MC

3 WWW.SAVANNAHSTATE.EDU/NROTC 1MC

CO’S CORNER NOW HEAR THIS . . .

Captain Kent V. Flowers, USN Commanding Officer

SSgt Jean Durham, USMC Midshipman Commanding Officer

Major Terrance Watson, USMC Marine Officer Instructor

Greetings from The Coastal Empire! I am fortunate and blessed to celebrate a year at Naval ROTC Savannah State. It has truly been a banner year. It has been a true privilege to work along side our talented professional staff. I am in awe of our Midshipmen, officer candidates and MECEPs. They are on their way to carving a superb niche in the officer corps of tomorrow. This school year began with the largest freshman class of Midshipmen ever. We activated more than 40 scholarships for students. This is also a diverse group of students ethnically, culturally and geographically. It is great to see SSU represent a microcosm of the fleet. you a sense of how special and talented our students are. Our fall semester Midshipman Company CO was excellent. SSgt Durham will remain will

remain in charge for the spring semester. The Midshipman staff will be entirely new and will include some freshmen in the mix. I am sure they will continue to raise the bar with impressive results. In closing, I thank each Midshipman, MECEP, and OC for your service. You should each be proud of your accomplishments. My goals for next semester are simple, GETEM! Goals, Expectations, Talking, Execute and Mentor are the pillars. Let’s improve grades, improve swim/PT scores and have more fun! There will be plenty of opportunities for individuals to move up and stand out. So write out your goals and lets GETEM! I look forward to passing out more BZ Pops for superstar performance. Have a Merry Christmas! Have a Happy and blessed New Year! Warmest regards, The Captain.

Following what most likely was the largest freshman class that Savannah State University’s NROTC Unit has ever had; I am extremely proud and appreciative of the superb performance of all our students and staff personnel during the Fall 2009 semester. Beginning with INFORM, to participating in events such as Homecoming Parade, Military Appreciation Day, Veterans Day Parade, numerous color guard details, multiple recruiting trips, low income housing painting, the Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball that was highlighted by our guest of honor MGen Clifford L. Stanley (Ret.), the Midshipman Company performed in a superb manner. I challenge all of our midshipmen to con-tinue the legacy of “Leadership and Excellence.” I commend those of you who have taken on the chal-lenge and successfully embarked on this new way of life. For those of you who haven’t remember, although there will be difficulties that you face, a measurement of your worth as a student and midshipman will be based on how you face those

difficulties. With continued motivation, dedication, and teamwork, you will become part of America’s finest fighting force and earn the title “United States Naval Officer,” a title very few people in the world hold today. My personal challenge and distinct privilege of molding and setting the example for all Midshipmen is some-thing that I don’t take lightly. To help you reach your goals, I will teach you, train you, and lead you, but you must prove that you deserve the title of “United States Naval Officer.” You all have the potential to do great things with concerted effort and perseverance. I look forward to all of your future successes. Enjoy the holidays and come back next semester ready to excel. In closing I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate our most recent graduates and mili-tary officers: ENSs Cleary, Melendez, and 2ndLt Whitaker. Good Luck, God Speed, and Semper Fi!

Even with prior military experience as a Marine Corps Staff NCO, I’ve learned from my experiences at this unit. I encourage all of the Midshipmen to reflect on this past semester and learn from both the success and failure; as we prepare for the Spring 2010 Semester. Before I left for the Marine Corps’ Officer Candidates School this past summer, I remember hearing this famous quote, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King Jr. The best learning opportunities arise from difficult times. As future officers, we must remember that we’re

leading America’s fathers, mothers, sons, daughters etc… At Savannah State University’s NROTC unit, small mistakes are sometimes met with strict repercussions, but humble yourself and realize that in 4 years time, our simple mistakes can cost lives. As grades come in and the semester comes to a close, take a break and be ready for next semester. The schedule is packed and much work is needed. Congratulations to those of you who are still amongst our ranks at semester’s end, find the motivation to make it through the spring 2010 semester and commissioning will be closer a day at a time.



The Naval ROTC Unit at Savannah State University (then Savannah State College) was established on 22 September 1971 with an enrollment of forty-one midshipmen. The first four officers, three Navy Ensigns and one Marine Corps Second Lieutenant, were commissioned in June 1974. That second Lieutenant is now a Lieutenant General. In December 1977, the first “cross-town” Midshipman from Armstrong Atlantic State University (then Arm-strong State College) was commissioned. To date, the unit has commissioned 235 officers into the Naval Service: 179 Navy Ensigns (38 Female, 19 AASU) and 51 Marine Corps Second Lieutenants (7 Female, 3 AASU). SSU NROTC Graduates include 1 Marine Corps Lieutenant General (0-8), several Navy Captains (0-6) and Commanders (0-5), including the first black officer to fly with and then command the Navy Blue Angels. The unit’s first black female captain retired and currently holds a flag officer equivalent rank in the Senior Executive Service with the NIA. These officers have held positions in command that include: major Marine Corps Commands, a De-stroyer Squadron, Aviation Squadrons, Ships at the 0-4 and 0-5 level in the CRUDES, AMPHIB and MCM communities, Marine Corps Units, 0-6 Major Command Ashore and other Shore installations.

INSERT PHOTO OF YNC BYERS

SUMMER TRA

Major Terrance Watson

Lieutenant Jerry Taylor

For my 1/C Aviation Summer Cruise I was stationed on NAS North Island San Diego, CAwith the HSL-49 squadron. My experience attached to the squadron was very limited due to the fact that the squadron had four detach-ments on deployment. So with most of the squadron gone we had a limited experience but a chance to learn what a pilot does when on the ground. I had a chance to get only one flight with the VRC-30 a C-2 squadron and practice twice into the helicopter simulators. After speaking with all of the sailors and sit-ting through many of the briefs I really earned an appreciation of how much work and effort it takes to keep one single aircraft crew safe while in the air. The city of San Diego was special. I had the chance to enjoy the beautiful beaches, the nation’s largest zoo, and a visit with my family. - MIDN 1/C Bondurant

MIDN 1/C David Melendez poses with a South Korean Admiral

On 29 July 2009, MIDN 1/C David Melendez left the United States of America to begin his two weeks of Summer training in the beautiful country of South Korea.

Major Terrance Watson hails to us from the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune North Carolina. Originally from Norristown Pennsylvania, he was commissioned in 1998 through the Enlisted Commissioning Program (ECP). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Masters degree in Business Administration. Since 1998, Major Watson has also been attached to the Expeditionary Warfare School-Quantico VA, Recruit Training Depot-Parris Island SC, and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Okinawa, Japan.

Lieutenant Jerry Taylor hails to us from the USS TOPEKA (SSN 754), Point Loma, San Diego. He earned a Bachelor of science degree in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and reported to Navy Of-ficer Candidates School in January 2005; earning his commission in April 2005. He completed Naval Nuclear Power School in Charleston, SC in December 2005, prototype at Nuclear Prototype Training Unit, Charleston, SC June 2006 and Submarine Officer Basic Course at Groton, CT in September 2006.

SSgt Joshua Fralick



AINING PREPARES MIDSHIPMEN “When I first found out I was going to South Korea I wasn’t too sure of what to expect but I was thoroughly excited for training this Summer.” MIDN Melendez showed up to South Korea exhausted from his full day of traveling but was ready for his time in a new country. “Two officers from the South Korean Navy escorted myself and MIDN 1/C Popa from Vanderbilt University around Pusan, the second largest city in South Korea.” After a tour of Pusan, they were brought aboard the FFK-953, which is a South Korean Frigate, and departed for their 10 days of coastal. I asked MIDN 1/C Melendez what his favorite part of the trip was and he said that it was when he visited the Korean War Monument. “Before I went to the monument I had no idea how much our help meant to the South Kore-ans. Going to the monument gave me a great respect and even deeper appreciation for those

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who have gone before me.” MIDN 1/C Melendez left Korea with new friends and life-long experiences that he will never forget but there is one thing he won’t miss….the food! “The food was definitely not my favorite. We had rice and soup for every meal. I was defi-nitely happy to return and get some American food.” -MIDN 1/C David Melendez

I spent six weeks at the Naval Science Institute (NSI) in Newport Rhode Island. MIDN 2/C Putnam and I attended an accelerated

program at the Officer Train-ing Command which counts as 12 credit hours of Naval Science courses; this classi-fies us as MIDN 2/C. Candi-dates also undergo constant general military instruction as well as a rigorous physical training program. I graduated on 2 July 2009. We walked across the stage in our whites and shook our instructors’

hands. Their departing words to us were, “you are no longer offi-cer candidates, you are Midshipmen and leaders among your units.” -MIDN 2/C Nelson

The mission of Officer Candidates School is to edu-cate, train, evaluate, and screen officer candidates to ensure they possess the moral, intellectual and physical qualities for commissioning. It also evaluates leadership potential to serve successfully as company grade officers in the Operating Forces. The 6 weeks that I spent in Quantico, Virginia were some of the most memorable days of my life. No amount of training could have fully prepared my body, or my mind for what was to come ahead. Graduating OCS is easily the highlight of my college and military career. For a Marine Option this may seem very grueling because the only time to study is after lights out. The training schedule has such a demand on time that there is no time for studying. The best thing to do is to prepare before checking in at OCS. This summer was a time to be humble as a MECEP. Officer Candidate School

MIDN 2/C Robert Nelson

MIDN 1/C Brent Bondurant

MIDN 2/C Smith D.

USS GONZALEZ, DDG 66

Yokosuka, Japan

USS CARNEY, DDG 64

Mayport, FL

USS VIRGINIA, SSN 774

Groton, CT

Mountain Warfare Bridgeport, CA

MIDN 1/C Dotson E.

MIDN 2/C Jackson J.

CORTRAMID San Diego, CA

MIDN 3/C Randolph S.

MIDN 3/C Litchfield M.

challenges you in different ways than Boot Camp does; most prior enlisted candidates already posses some leadership qualities from being non-commissioned officers, but OCS develops and tests how potential officers will perform under stress. Much of OCS is peer evaluated, meaning, the people that you train with are ultimately the same individuals that decide whether a candidate graduates, or gets sent home. My advice to future OCS candidates, put your pride aside and enjoy the ride, it’s over in six weeks. The best part of OCS is when weekend liberty kicks in. From this point, the training gets harder, but your mind has time to kick back and regroup. Then you’re ready to train that week until the next liberty call. The next thing that happens is graduation before you even realize it. -SSgt Joshua Fralick

FFK-953 South Korean Frigate



Gunnery Sergeant J. L. Wright Jr., Assistant Marine Officer Instructor, explains what is expected of the Midshipman Candidates at INFORM.

During INFORM, MIDN Candidates receive hours of instruction . MIDN 4/C Reigart asks Gunn



t 0900 on Sunday, 2 August 2009, a record forty-five hope-

ful Midshipman Candidates drove onto the Savannah State University campus to meet at the NROTC McGlockton Building for the Indoctrination for Midshipmen (INFORM.) Among those potential Midshipmen was Midshipman 4/C Ryan Eichler. “I expected INFORM to be a simple, boring, laid back instruction on how the NROTC operates on campus. I couldn’t have been more wrong.” The Midshipmen Candidates bid their families farewell and began what many of them consider to be the most challenging week of their lives. INFORM is designed to put students in a stressful environment and teach them how to overcome mental and physical obstacles as a team, despite the environment. Candidates are thrust into an environment where seriousness and a military mindset are of the highest importance.

said, efficiency was the name of the game during INFORM, eating was done quickly and silently, GMT’s would cover a great deal of informa-tion in a short time frame, and Naval knowledge was to be learned in the time between. Stepping-it-out was the main mode of transportation, candidates marched in formation to every corner of the campus with a purpose; stretching their legs as far and as fast as they would go, all while sounding off. Drill was introduced to candidates as GySgt Wright taught them the importance of drill and some basic movements, with and without rifles. Some candidates had never touched a rifle until INFORM, MIDN 4/C Kayinamura commented “I had a very tough time learning the movements at first, but GySgt Wright is a good teacher.” INFORM ended with a graduation ceremony; taking an oath to defend our Constitution and officially becoming a Midshipman. [Contributing writer– MIDN 4/C Ryan Eichler]

Welcome Aboard Shipmates

RECRUITING YIELDS LARGEST CLASS Gunnery Sergeant Wright said the first day , “you are here so these men and women don’t die” while holding up a picture of the Marines and Sailors who have died in combat. “GySgt’s message made many of us realize that it is our job to bring home America’s brothers,

sisters, fathers and mothers.” MIDN 4/C Danielle Cavallari stated. Candidates were subject to detailed criticism and blunt orders. “At first I felt like I couldn’t do anything right, then I realized that there is a reason for the attention to detail.” MIDN 4/C Dominique Crumbly

“INFORM was an important part of me becoming a successful Midshipman in this unit” -MIDN 2/C Darrius Smith

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nery Sergeant Wright a question .

[Right] MIDN 1/C Michael Whitaker corrects Candidate Thomas Boucher’s position of attention.



Celebrating 234 Years of Service Unit celebrates Navy and Marine Corps Birthday

On 13 November 2009, Savannah State University’s NROTC Unit celebrated the 234th Navy and Marine Corps Birthday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Downtown Savannah. Nearly 100 people were in attendance at the ball; active-duty military, Midshipmen and their guests all sat quietly as the guest of honor, Major General Clifford L. Stanley (Ret.), a graduate of South Carolina State University, delivered an inspiring, and memorable message to the Midshipmen Company. He spoke about his time in the Marine Corps and the importance of the oath that is taken before being commissioned as an officer. He commended the Midshipmen for leading this generation in the right di-rection. “ It is a good feeling to have someone as distinguished as the Major General appreciate and compliment on all of the hard work that went into planning this event,” said MIDN 1/C Brent Bondurant. During the Birthday Ball, guests enjoy a military ceremony, dinner and of course, dancing. The ceremony included the presentation of colors, a cake cutting, and remarks from the guest of honor. Traditionally, the youngest and oldest members of the unit are the key members in the cake cutting ceremony and receive the first pieces of cake. “This was my first military ball and I loved it, I have a greater appreciation for the traditions of both services,” said MIDN 4/C Rebecca Wright. MIDN 1/C Robert Cleary said, “ I en-joy watching the satisfaction of the midshipmen staff as they realize all of their planning was worth the effort. Good job ladies and gents.” [Contributing writer– MIDN 1/C Danielle Smith]

MIDN 1/C Robert Cleary and David Melendez pose with Major General Cifford L. Stanley (Ret).

[From Left] MIDN 4/C Denequio Jones, Diane Cowling, GySgt Wright, SSgt Johnson, MIDN 4/C Janesia Anderson and Gracia Kayinamura.

4/C Midshipmen enjoying their first military ball as they take over the dance floor.

MIDN 4/C Denequio Jones, SSgt Phakousonh and MIDN 1/C Danelle Smith enjoying social hour.



The NROTC Midshipman Company continues its tra-dition to participate in the City of Savannah Housing Authority’s Beautification & Outreach Program. This program contracts local organizations to paint the houses of low income families. On 3 October 2009, the unit participated in 2nd house painting of the se-mester. At 0730, a detail of thirteen midshipmen and SSgt Joshua Fralick proceeded to paint the site until 1700. “I don’t mind volunteering on my weekends to help the community,” said MIDN 3/C Najeeb Carter. This program allows junior midshipmen to experience planning a detailed event. They are responsible for co-ordinating through the Housing Authority and drafting a detailed plan which ensures safe mission accom-plishment. “The challenge is seeing the big picture: transportation, food, environment, money, etc… Much more than paint and a house go into these projects.”- MIDN 3/C Chance. [Contributing Writer– MIDN 3/C Adrian Chance]

idshipmen support the University by assist-ing Savannah State University with parking

during football games. MIDN 4/C Andrew Cox commented, “ It gets crowded quickly and hectic during the games.” As fans of both football teams flood the campus, midshipmen stand watch at all of

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[above] MIDN 4/C Brian Waymyer and Curtis Ryner paint portions of a house.

Midshipman 4/C Jackson selling a parking decal.

MIDN 4/C Meatrice Starr and Anthony Jarvis selling parking decals at the Jasmine Gate.

Thunderbolt Fire dept. supports NROTC

Since 2005, MIDN 3/C Sean Randolph has volunteered his time as a volunteer firefighter. When asked why, “I do it to help people,” is all he says. Since attending SSU, MIDN Sean Randolph has been volunteering at the Thunder-bolt Fire Department for the past one and a half years. The Thunderbolt Fire Department has supported the NROTC unit countless times, providing EMT personnel for the final PRT and other training evolutions.

the campus entrances; ensuring that eve-

ryone on campus has purchased a parking

decal. A portion of the parking sales goes

towards the Midshipman account. “ Its

hard work, but it pays off,” said MIDN 4/

C Curtis Ryner. Homecoming attracts at

least three times the crowd, requiring

more patience and hard work from the

Midshipman. “Bravo Zulu.” - MIDN 2/C



MIDN 2/C Michael Litchfield lead Savannah State University’s NROTC unit to a second place trophy in Jacksonville University’s NROTC’s annual sailing regatta. The A team consisted of MIDN 1/C Robert Cleary and MIDN 1/C Jay English. The B team consisted of MIDN 1/C Michael Whitaker and MIDN 2/C Michael Litchfield. “The winds weren’t ideal for hard racing, maybe we’ll win next year’s regatta.” -MIDN 1/C Cleary. All of the first class Midshipmen on the team have been sailing and competing since their freshman year; with their graduation scheduled for December 2009, its time for the underclassmen to step up and continue winning trophies at NROTC sailing regattas.

Motivated Marine Option students leading the company ru

The Midshipman Company preparing for the highly anticipated Annual Halloween Company run around the University, showing that we can work h

MIDN 1/C Robert Cleary poses as he finishes his race.



un.

Looking back on how the incoming fourth class students of the NROTC program at Savannah State University started off, there has been major improvements when it comes to physical training. The swimming aspect of PT is the most recognizable. Half of the freshman class was unable to pass

the third class swim qualification. But gradually, that size was diminished to only a few students. Now, we must push forward to achieve the highest potential that we can in the water because swimming is such an important factor of being commissioned as a Navy/Marine Corps Officers. At the beginning of the semester I knew that swimming was not my strongest physical trait. So enrolling in a swimming course at the university seemed to me as a well executed move. It has given me the double workout I needed in order to succeed and become third class swim qualified. When it came to swim PT for the NROTC unit, I learned new strengths that I had not used in my body. According to the most recent PFT, I realized that I was able to do more pull-ups than in the previous. Being on tier one helps Midship-man take the time to run on their own and workout at their own pace. [Contributing Writer– MIDN 4/C Anthony Jarvis]

On Monday, 9 November 2009, the midshipmen went on a motivating run. It was divulged prior to lining up where our destination would be. The Wilmington Pass Bridge! First we split up into two ability groups; the fast being led by motivated Major Watson and the fastest by a determined Gunnery Sergeant Wright. I personally was in the fastest group directly behind GySgt. We quieted our cadence for respect to the neighborhood but continued running. It was approxi-mately a mile-and-a-half to the bridge at a moderately fast pace. We started our ascent up the bridge and

slowly midshipmen started to break mentally, then physically. The challenge and purpose of this run was to teach midshipmen to push pass their mental barriers and to keep performing despite being tired or being in pain. That day I learned not to show weakness or pain. As a leader, people are going to watch you at all times. If my people see me quitting because it is too hard, then they will too. Leadership is painful. [Contributing Writer– MIDN 4/C Thomas Boucher] hard and play hard.

MIDN 2/C Darrius Smith practicing his freestyle stroke.

Navy Midshipmen gather at the starting line for the final Physical Fitness Test (PFT).



A Home Coming Tradition Thousands of Savannah State University’s students, alumni and friends crowd the 165 acre campus as Halloween marks this year’s homecoming game. SSU played against Edward Waters College from Jack-sonville, Florida and won with a score of 26 to 21. Schools all over the nation host homecoming games which welcome home its alumnus, traditionally, the Midshipman Company plays an important role during homecoming. Preparation begins in August, MIDN 1/C Dotson said,” the months of planning and preparation were worth it. All evolutions were executed suc-cessfully.” Between participating in Miss SSU’s coronation, marching in the homecoming parade, presenting the colors for the game,

[Above] The Midshipman Company prepares to lead the Homecoming Parade from the front.

[Left] MIDN 1/C Smith, D. (Miss NROTC) and MIDN 3/C Singletary prepare to perform the waltz at coronation.

Members of the company relaxing at the tailgate.

working the gates for parking, assisting with concessions and hosting the NROTC cookout, every member of the company was busy. “ I knew I had a lot of work to do, so I made sure that I finished all of my academic obligations as early as I could.”- MIDN 4/C Powell. “ Events like this are paramount parts of our training, the con-cept of prior planning prevents poor per-formance, made this years homecoming a success.” -MIDN 1/C Jordan. MIDN 1/C Danielle Smith was voted as Miss NROTC and represented the unit in the coronation’s waltz with MIDN 3/C Gabriel Singletary as her escort. “It was a good experience, but I’m glad that the weeks of late night practices are over.” MIDN 1/C Smith [Contributing Writer– MIDN 4/C Richard Powell]

[Right] OC Andrew Veilleux drives Miss NROTC, MIDN 1/C Danielle Smith and Captain Kent Flowers in his Audi during the Homecoming Parade.



Commissioning, the easy part is over Savannah State University hosted its 175th Commencement ceremony December 12th, 2009. At the end of the graduation ceremony, the Navy and Marine Corps welcomed the newest officers amongst its ranks; as Ensign David Melendez and 2nd Lt Michael Whitaker take the oath of office. Ensign Robert Cleary is a cross-town student at Armstrong Atlantic State University, earning his commission during the AASU’s commissioning ceremony December 11th. Family and friends gathered at the NROTC McGlockton Building’s quarterdeck to witness the official signing of documents.

Farewell messages:

Ensign David Melendez and 2nd Lt Whitaker taking the Oath of Office. Captain K. Flowers swearing in Ensign Robert Cleary at AASU’S Commissioning Ceremony

The newly commissioned officers sign their official documents.

“College days swiftly pass imbued with memories fond,” I will never forget my college experience at Savannah State University NROTC unit. This program and the people I met during my matricula-tion have been a direct influence on me personally and professionally. The NROTC unit has devel-oped me and molded me into what I am today.

I would like to personally say, thank you for the good times and the bad times. I am grateful for the time that I spent here and will take the life lessons I learned to heart. This may be a farewell to Savannah State University NROTC Unit but this is only the beginning of a journey and experience that I have been waiting to begin since I started. –2nd Lt Michael Whitaker, USMC

“The road to the fleet is long and challenging. You will encounter hardships that seem unbearable and tasks that seem impossible to complete. However, at the end of the day we remember why we came to Savannah State University, to become an officer in the military. My time here at the NROTC unit has changed me forever and I am thankful for where my life has gone. To the active duty staff I thank you for the lessons that you have taught me. To the Midshipmen/OCs/MECEPs I thank you for serving by my side, it has been my honor. I cant wait to see you all out in the fleet.” -Ensign David Melendez, USN

“Fellow Midshipmen, I have learned many things from this training command and created bonds that will last my entire life. As you progress through the years here at Savannah State University’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, you will learn different things that will stay with you and you will also create strong links of friendship. Graduating from this program has encouraged me to continue doing great things in my life. I intend on using the quality training that I received here to make the Navy a better place. I am eternally grateful for the staff and the friends that have helped me through the program. Fair Winds and Following Seas.” -Ensign Robert Cleary, USN



It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He should be as well a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor. He should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, and charity. No meritorious act of a subordinate should escape his attention or be left to pass without its reward, even if the reward is only a word of approval. Conversely, he shouldn’t be blind to a single fault in any subordinate, though at the same time, he should be quick and unfailing to distinguish error from malice, thoughtlessness from incompetence, and well meant shortcoming from heedless or stupid blunder. In one word, every commander should keep constantly before him this great truth, that to be well obeyed, he must be perfectly esteemed. -John Paul Jones

Qualifications of a Naval Officer

Fall 2009 1 MC

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