CNO Thanks NROTC Programs For Creating Future Leaders

By Chief Journalist Walter T. Ham IV , Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) programs around the nation are creating superb naval officers to lead the Navy Marine Corps team in the 21st century, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Vern Clark said during his May 8 address at the Hampton Roads NROTC commissioning ceremony at Norfolk State University.

“If I had my way, I would in fact be commissioning every individual that raised their right hand to become an officer in the United States Navy,” said Clark. “I believe that you, as a group, represent everything that is so good and promising about the future of our services.”

Along with the 70 other NROTC programs around the country, Clark said the Hampton Roads NROTC class, comprised of students from Old Dominion University, Hampton University and Norfolk State University, is another example of the Navy’s commitment to the growth and development of its Sailors. Thirty-seven of the 47 officers in the class he commissioned had prior fleet experience.

“You are a testament to the growth and development of the young men and women that are serving in the Navy today,” Clark said. “It is our task to give the young men and women who make a decision to serve in the military the tools so that they can succeed, and as they progress, we do give them more responsibility.”

The CNO also emphasized that graduating NROTC classes now assume their new charge: the full weight and responsibility of their commissions.

“As Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants, you will focus first on mission accomplishment and victory. Everything that you have done in your life up to now has prepared you for this moment,” Clark said. “Your country and your leaders are placing special trust in your abilities and your character. We are vesting authority in you along with your commission--the authority to lead.”
“You are getting ready to lead the most impressive, the most awesome enlisted force that I have ever seen since I joined the Navy in 1968. They are magnificent,” Clark said. “This is a sacred trust, but I am confident that you are well prepared. I’m confident that you are ready.”

Clark said he was glad to receive the invitation to the commissioning ceremony, because it gave him the chance to thank not only the Hampton Roads NROTC program, but also NROTC programs around the nation.

AFCEA Hampton Roads Chapter

April 2002 Chapter News

In April, the Hampton Roads Chapter had the honor of presenting two AFCEA Educational Foundations scholarships to students affiliated with the Hampton Roads NROTC Unit. The 2002 Vice Admiral Jerry O. Tuttle Science and Technology Scholarship was presented to Navy Officer Candidate Henry Amdasue, at the Chapter's April 9 meeting. On April 13, an AFCEA Educational Foundation NROTC Scholarship was presented to Officer Candidate Ron Hemmelgarn at the Unit's Pass-In-Review ceremony.

Captain Frank Hunt, USNR, Deputy Director of the Communications Directorate of the Joint Forces Command - Homeland Security was principal speaker at the Chapter's April meeting. He described the Common Relevant Operational Picture (CROP) application being developed at JFCOM to facilitate web-enabled information sharing by Homeland Defense and Civil Support forces.

Planning is underway for the 13th Annual Golf Classic scheduled September 6 at the Bide-a-Wee Golf Course in Portsmouth, VA. Contact Committee Chairman Tony Orlando

Hampton Roads Chapter Scholarship Committee Chairman Bob Patton congratulates Navy Officer Candidate Henry Amadasue, winner of the 2002 Vice Admiral Jerry O. Tuttle Science and Technology Scholarship

Veteran’s Day 2006

Brian Scott Boone of Norfolk was honored as the Outstanding University Scholar at December commencement. The award is presented by the Alumni Association to the student with the highest academic grade point average.

Boone earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the College of Business and Public Administration and posted a 4.0 cumulative GPA. Boone, who was a Navy ROTC student, also received the Hampton Roads Navy League Council Outstanding Navy Graduate Award for the highest academic or professional standards.

An ensign in the U.S. Navy, Boone is stationed at Norfolk Naval Base. He is the son of Lori Ann Boone of Norfolk

Navy ROTC unit gets new leader

Capt. Vernon C. Huber assumed leadership of the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC), headquartered at Old Dominion, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 25 at Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base. He succeeds Capt. Patrick Hunt.

Members of a Marine Corps honor guard bow their heads in prayer during the university's Veterans Day observance Nov. 13. At left, the Alumni War Memorial plaque is unveiled in its new location on Kaufman Mall. The plaque now bears the additional names of four members of the Old Dominion family who died in the Sept. 11 attack on the Pentagon: alumnus Navy Cmdr. Robert Schlegel, and graduate students Army Spc. Craig Amundson, Navy Lt. Cmdr. Robert Elseth and Army Lt. Col. Karen Wagner.

Money raised will go to the following charities to benefit the families of those who lost their lives: Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Freedom Alliance and Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

The ROTC programs are seeking volunteers to help raise funds, run the flag or both. The Run for Freedom will culminate with a large-formation run for the last mile onto Kaufman Mall, where there will be a ceremony at approximately 12:30 p.m. on April 8. The final mile is open to anyone interested in running.

Registration tables will be set up from noon to 1:30 p.m. March 16-18, 23, 25 and 30 and April 1 in the South Mall of Webb Center.