1987
CDR Kevin Hunt
Greetings - I am CDR Kevin Hunt, USN and an '87 graduate of Virginia Tech Four-Year NROTC scholarship/VTCC. As you might have noted by the date I was amongst the Virginia Tech NROTC Plankowner Class of '87. Our first CO was Captain Vanderwater (aviator) - followed by Captain Stevens (SWO). I just came across the Unit's web site and thought I'd send a note detailing where one plankowner has wound up - something you might want to share with your Midshipmen. In fact, both CDR Bruce Van Dam ('87) and I recently screened for Commander Command - Special Mission. Though a bittersweet selection for both us SWOs, we are the first Virginia Tech NROTC grads to reach this point.
If you will indulge me, I'll provide a brief history of my background: - I chose SWO from the get go. Spent my Third Class summer cruise in USS MOINSTER(FF 1097) during REFTRA in GTMO First Class cruise in USS IOWA during BALTOPS. I went back to IOWA as an Ensign and spent three years as Turret 1, Turret 3, and subsequently Main Battery Officer. I was onboard and in Turret 3 when IOWA experienced an explosion in Turret 2 on 19 April '89, killing 47 shipmates. We left Norfolk five weeks later for our scheduled six-month deployment. I decommissioned IOWA as a LT in Oct 1990, having missed participation in the first Gulf War. I then reported as DCA and plankowner for a 3-year tour in USS ANZIO (CG-68)
My experience in IOWA had a great impact on that billet selection. Next, I was OIC of the Newport, RI Fire School and Buttercup for 18 months - followed by DH school. I spent 18 months as Engineer Officer in USS KAUFFMAN (FFG-59) - followed by 30 months as Engineer Officer and plankowner in USS McFAUL (DDG-74)
I am an ARMY CGSC Grad '00 and earned an MBA from Baker University, KS in '01 while serving at OPNAV N76 as the AADC Action Officer. My XO tour was in USS ARTHUR W. RADFORD (DD-968). I am currently serving as Future Operations Officer in GWSTRKGRU. I will head out to NRD New England this summer after we return from deployment to serve as XO and then fleet-up to CO
I have always been extremely proud of my education and experience at Virginia Tech - both in the Corps of Cadets (A '87) and NROTC. A Virginia native, my father was a '63 grad (USAF Ret) - settled in Yorktown. My sister is a '98 grad (USAF). Both brothers went to VMI and are USAF as well - nothing wrong with that. Of course, mine is just one story from a relatively small initial class. I'm not too sure how many of us are still active, but would certainly be interested in knowing how they are doing. Virginia Tech was amongst the best experiences of my life and unquestionably shaped my leadership style and approach to the various stresses of shipboard life at sea. I hope the staff and Midshipmen are enjoying the time in Blacksburg as much as I did. Keep up the great work honing the Midshipmen into the fine fleet assets they are becoming. What a great future they all have to look forward to!
Major Bruce K. Brahe III, USMC
Smiled when I read a letter posted by my old roommate, CDR Kevin Hunt, and wish to add another note from a fellow plank owner of 1987. Our experience within the first NROTC class was a memorable one and undoubtedly shaped our future years of service. Most notably were friendships made, camaraderie shared, and the promise of our futures within the Navy and Marine Corps.
Most memorable were our MOI & AMOI, Major McClure and Gunny Green. My fellow Marine midshipmen, a few of whom are still active, were Al Williams, Devil Doig, Kent Trimble, Buzz Caldwell, Chip Rumsey, Phil Ryman, Bob Tobias, Mike Arostegui, Matt Nelson, Ian McNeal, Larry Smith, Howard Walton, George Riesco, Denise Schuster, and our MECEP hero Sergeant Pete Devine. Of course Kevin Hunt, my future bride, and all my buds in the Corps of Cadets are prominent in every memory.
For my classmates, many found themselves in Operation Desert Storm within a few short years after commissioning. For myself, having recently completed flight training, I joined my first flying squadron, the "Heavy Haulers", upon their return from the desert. During those years, I was glad to reconnect with several veteran classmates before they got out or were stationed close by. Good memories of sharing California Angel's ballgames with Squeege and Pete come to mind.
Later serving with several West Coast and Hawaii heavy helicopter squadrons, I made several shipboard deployments to the Western Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East, flying "Sea Stallions" and "Super Stallions" in West Coast MEUs. Out of the cockpit, the tours were just as rewarding. Serving with Marine Forces South, I traveled the rivers of Panama, Colombia, and Peru, and during OIF, I worked with coalition partners while serving with CJTF-7 in Baghdad. And now, back home in Virginia, working joint concept development for the betterment of our future forces.
While at Virginia Tech, one could never quite imagine the breadth of personal and professional experiences, our own sea stories, that we would enjoy as we embarked on our individual adventures. Although we never foresaw it then, the demands of our chosen service and growing families have likely separated many from those special bonds forged on the Upper Quad. You can't even imagine how quickly the years fly by. That relayed, I earnestly hope that unexpected reunions emerge in the future and look forward to hearing of old friends, in any form or fashion.
For the NROTC staff and the midshipmen, given these times of demonstrated service and sacrifice to our Nation, there remains no doubt that we serve noble causes far greater than ourselves, and that we will never question whether we made a difference, because we did and you will. God speed to you all!
Semper Fidelis and Ut Prosim, (Back to Top)
1988
LT Lynn Baker
I've been out of the service since 1996; I was on active duty for 3 years, followed by a 5-year reserve stint, and I chose to separate out after my 8-year obligation. I kick myself for that from time to time, since if I'd stayed with the reserves, I'd be getting close to my 20 years now.
When I was on active duty, I was assigned as the 2nd Division officer, USS Tortuga (LSD 46). It was new construction, so I joined the Precommissioning Unit in Norfolk after graduating from Tech in May 88. I spent a fair amount of time attending various schools and cross-decking to other ships heading out to sea so I could get some underway experience while waiting for the Tortuga to be commissioned, so I spent a few weeks here and there on the Portland, the Hayler, and the Gunston Hall. I got my SWO pin while on the Tortuga, and had a list of collateral duties as long as your arm--Damage Control Training Team, MWR, MWR Fund Custodian, you name it. I was with the Tortuga down in Gitmo during the first Gulf War.
These days, I work as a game designer and a writer. I'm employed at Wizards of the Coast, Inc., a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. I've been married since 1991 (met my wife at Tech). We have two daughters, ages 10 and 7.
LTCol. Peter J. DeVine, USMC
I graduated from Tech in 1988 with a BA in history. My one claim to Tech fame: I was the first MECEP to ever attend Virginia Tech. I was selected for the MECEP Program in 1985 and arrived as a Sergeant. Although I was not in the midshipman battalion, I was a member of the NROTC, reported to the MOI, was a member of the Semper Fi Society, and various other NROTC events. I was promoted to Staff Sergeant in 1987 and then commissioned in August 1988. I understand that Tech has one of the largest MECEP populations in the country. Oddly enough, I was the squadron XO in Okinawa to another Tech MECEP, Capt (Sel) Jason Clark.
I currently am assigned to the Defense Threat Reduction Center. I'm Chief of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START)/Nuclear Branch in the On-Site Inspections Directorate.
CDR Andrew C. Garlington
Commander Garlington graduated in May 1988 from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. He reported to Surface Warfare Officer School Command in Newport, Rhode Island, where he graduated from Surface Warfare Division Officer Course in March 1989 and was a Distinguished Graduate of the Surface Warfare Steam Engineering Officer of the Watch Course in May 1989.
A plankowner, Commander Garlington's first assignment was aboard USS WASP (LHD-1) as Electronic Warfare Officer and Forward Main Space Division Officer. In May 1992 he resigned from active duty and spent eight months in the Individual Ready Reserve, followed by two years as the Manpower and Administration Division Officer for United States Atlantic Command Naval Reserve Detachment 206 in Norfolk, VA. In May 1995 Commander Garlington graduated from Old Dominion University with a Master of Science Degree in Elementary Education and was certified to teach grades 4-8 in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
In September 1995 Commander Garlington was recalled to active duty in the Training and Administration of Reserves program. He reported in January 1996 as Navigator and Administration Assistant aboard USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD-44).
Returning to Newport, Rhode Island in April 1997, Commander Garlington was a Distinguished Graduate of Surface Warfare Officers Department Head class 148, and received the "Top Snipe" Award for attaining the highest grade point average in the Engineering curriculum.
He served as Chief Engineer aboard USS CHAMPION (MCM-4) from January 1998 to December 1999, and Staff Material and Logistics Officer for Amphibious Squadron ELEVEN, forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, from December 1999 to August 2001.
Commander Garlington next served as Commanding Officer of Naval Reserve Center Detroit from September 2001 to July 2003. He returned to Newport, Rhode Island a third time to attend the Naval War College, graduating in June 2004 with a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. He is currently assigned to the Joint Staff, J-8 (Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment Directorate) in Washington, D.C.
His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle Efficiency Award, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Southwest Asia Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (four), Navy Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO medal.
Commander William A. Weedon
Commander Weedon joined the Navy and earned his commission in 1988. He graduated from Virginia Tech and the NROTC Program with a degree in Communications.
In 1989, upon completion of the Division Officer Course at Surface Warfare Officer School, he was assigned to USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71). He held jobs in Communications, Supply and Engineering Departments, and deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
His second assignment was onboard the Cruiser USS YORKTOWN (CG 48), where he served as CIC Officer and Auxiliaries & Electrical Officer until 1994. While assigned to YORKTOWN, he made deployments to the Caribbean and South America in support of Counter-narcotics operations. He then deployed to the North Atlantic and the North Sea in support of NATO operations. His last cruise was a short notice deployment in support of the Haitian crisis and Operation Restore Democracy.
Commander Weedon completed the Department Head Course at Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, Rhode Island in December 1994. He served as the Officer in Charge, Pre-commissioning Detachment Norfolk and the Operations Officer in USS CARNEY (DDG 64). Built in Bath, Maine and eventually homeported in Mayport, Florida, CARNEY deployed to the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf. His second department head tour was as Operations Officer for Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWENTY TWO in Norfolk, Virginia and made two deployments to the Mediterranean.
Commander Weedon accepted orders to the USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) homeported in Sasebo, Japan as the Navigator for a third department head tour. The BELLEAU WOOD conducted a hull swap with the USS ESSEX (LHD 2) halfway through his tour in Japan and he completed his tour on ESSEX.
Following his tour in Japan, Commander Weedon attended the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he earned a Masters Degree in National Security Studies and Strategic Planning.
In May 2003 he reported for duty as the Executive Officer onboard USS BRIDGE (AOE 10), during which he completed an arduous FIFTH Fleet deployment to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM.
Commander Weedon's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with 4 Gold Stars) and Navy Achievement Medal (with 3 Gold Stars). (Back to Top)
1990
Commander Davis
Commander Davis graduated from Virginia Tech in 1990. Designated a Naval Aviator in April 1992, he reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light THREE ZERO, NAS Norfolk, VA for SH-2F familiarization and was assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light THREE TWO in February of 1993, deploying to the Mediterranean aboard USS JOSEPHUS DANIELS (CG-27). CDR Davis transitioned to the SH-60B and was assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR FOUR in May of 1994. Commander Davis first served as the Operations Officer of Detachment EIGHT embarked in USS HALYBURTON (FFG-40) for a deployment to the Arabian Gulf. His next position was Maintenance Officer of Detachment FIVE embarked in USS BRISCOE (DD-977) during a deployment to the Mediterranean. Workups for the deployment, Commander Davis became the first East Coast fleet pilot to fire a Penguin anti-ship cruise missile. Commander Davis also served as Officer in Charge of Detachment NINE embarked in USS DOYLE (FFG-39) during a Counter Drug Operation to the Caribbean. During his next tour as an instructor with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR ZERO, Commander Davis' was a plank owner in the COMHSLWINGLANT Weapons Tactics Unit/Wing Weapons School, and served as the Assistant Officer in Charge and Weapons Officer. In 1999 Commander Davis reported as the Flag Lieutenant to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Group Two. During this tour Commander Davis completed a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea and Arabian Gulf onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73). Commander Davis' next deployed to the Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea as the Officer in Charge of HSL-44 Detachment EIGHT embarked in USS UNDERWOOD (FFG-36). Upon return he was assigned as the Aviation Maintenance Officer of HSL-44. CDR Davis next served on the Joint Staff Strategic Plans Directorate. During his tour he was assigned to work Afghanistan and South East Asia and as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director Politico Military Affairs-Asia, the Strategic Plans Directorate (J-5) of the Joint Staff. In August 2007 CDR Davis became the Executive Officer of HSL-44 Swamp Foxes. Commander Davis has accumulated 2600 hours with over 2000 hours in the SH-60B Seahawk. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2 awards) and various unit awards.
CDR Jamie McGrath
Commander James P. McGrath, III grew up in Rochester, New York and graduated cum laude from Virginia Tech in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. He holds a Masters Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies with Distinction from the Naval War College.
Initial assignments at sea included duty as First Lieutenant in USS VALDEZ (FF 1092) and Damage Control Assistant in USS MISSISSISPPI (CGN 40). He served as Operations Officer in USS HAYLER (DD 997), participating in Operation DESERT FOX in the Arabian Gulf, and as Reactor Electrical Assistant in USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) on her maiden deployment. He served as Executive Officer in USS HALYBURTON (FFG 40) deploying as part of Standing Naval Forces Atlantic in support of NATO's Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Commander McGrath is currently serving as the Future Operations Officer for Commander, US Seventh Fleet embarked in USS BLUE RIDGE in Yokosuka, Japan
Duties ashore include a year of nuclear power training before reporting to USS MISSISSIPPI and two years at Naval Nuclear Power School. While at Nuclear Power School, he served as an instructor and Division Director in Chemistry, Materials and Radiological Fundamentals. His most recent shore assignment was as a student in the College of Naval Command and Staff at the Naval War College where he was selected as the Honor Graduate.
His personal awards include the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Fourth Award), the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Second Award), the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War of Terrorism Service Medal, the National Defense Medal (Second Award), the NATO Medal and four Sea Service Ribbons. (Back to Top)
1991
LT Dave Powell Served 1991-1995, Surface, ASWO on DD968, Raford
LCDR Ed Parry
Lieutenant Commander Parry is a native of West Chester, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Virginia Tech in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. After graduation he was assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command and began his undergraduate aviation training. Lieutenant Commander Parry was awarded his wings as a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) in August 1992.
After earning his wings he reported to Patrol Squadron (VP) 30 in Jacksonville, Florida where he completed Fleet Replacement Training as a P-3C navigator. Lieutenant Commander Parry was subsequently assigned to the BATMEN of VP-24 in February 1993. While in VP-24, he deployed to Sigonella, Sicily; Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and Keflavic, Iceland. In March 1995 VP-24 was disestablished and LCDR Parry was transferred to the FIGHTING MARLINS of VP-40 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. He then completed a deployment to Diego Garcia, BIOT; Masirah, Oman and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. While in VP-24 and VP-40 Lieutenant Commander Parry served as the Navigation Officer, Assistant Weapons Officer, Avionics Branch Officer, and Avionics and Armament Division Officer. He also earned Navigator, Tactical Coordinator and Mission Commander designations.
In October 1996 Lieutenant Commander Parry transferred to the Naval Research Laboratory, Flight Support Detachment at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. While there, he worked with naval and civilian scientists on cutting edge technological projects. He detached around the world enabling these projects to be tested in the most suitable conditions for their development. While at the Naval Research Laboratory Lieutenant Commander Parry served as the Navigation Officer, NFO Training Officer, NFO Standardization Officer and Operations Officer. In February 1999 he was designated as a Full Time Support officer and transferred to NAS JRB Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. While assigned to NAS JRB Willow Grove, Lieutenant Commander Parry served as the Assistant Reserve Programs Director. In that position he assisted in the management of pay, travel, training and numerous other requirements for over 1,000 Selected Reservists. During this tour he also completed his Masters Degree in Business Administration from Regis University
In June 2001 he transferred to the CONDORS of VP-64. While assigned to VP-64 Lieutenant Commander Parry detached to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico; San Salvador, El Salvador and Manta, Ecuador. He served as the Administrative Officer, Training Officer, Mission Commander and Safety Officer. The highlight of this tour was leading the transition from the P-3C, Update II aircraft to the Block Modification Upgrade Aircraft, with VP-64 being the first command in the United States Navy to operationally deploy this exciting new platform.
In September 2003 he reported on board VP-94 in New Orleans, Louisiana. While attached to the CRAWFISHERS he served as the Training Officer, leading the squadron in the transformation to a Counter Narcotics squadron. Detaching to Manta, Ecuador; San Salvador, El Salvador and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Lieutenant Commander Parry led his crew as the Mission Commander in numerous operational successes.
Lieutenant Commander Parry's awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and numerous unit commendations including the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Navy Battle "E" award.
Lieutenant Commander Parry is married to the former Jean Ann Wroblewski of Arnold, Maryland. Together they have three sons: Brian, Douglas and Justin. (Back to Top)
1994
LCDR Jason "Velvet Elvis" Velivlis
After commissioning, I worked at the VPI & SU NROTC Department as the Navy ROTC liaison officer to the University Admissions Office, fielding calls and giving guided tours to prospective freshmen who displayed interest in the Corps of Cadets and the Navy ROTC department.
After departing Blacksburg, I reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida for 6 weeks of Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination (API) and then subsequently to the "Doerbirds" of Training Squadron 2 at NAS Whiting, in Milton, FL for 8 months of Primary Flight Training in the Beechcraft T-34C "Turbo Mentor."
After finishing Primary Training, I was selected for the jet training pipeline and reported to the "Professionals" of Training Squadron 23 at NAS Meridian, Mississippi for Intermediate Jet Transition training in the Rockwell T-2C "Buckeye."
After completing jet transition training in Meridian, I moved to NAS Kingsville, Texas to complete the advanced phase of jet training with the "Red Hawks" of Training Squadron 21, flying the McDonnell Douglas T-45A "Goshawk." I earned my "Wings of Gold" on 27 June 1997 and was selected to fly the McDonnell Douglas FA-18C "Hornet."
I moved yet again to Jacksonville, Florida and reported to the "Gladiators" of Strike Fighter Squadron 106 at NAS Cecil Field, where I completed a year of Fleet Replacement Pilot Training, learning to fly the FA-18 "Hornet" and employ its combat weapon systems.
After completion of the FRS training, I was assigned to my first deployable, sea-going FA-18 squadron, the "Golden Warriors" of Strike Fighter Squadron 87 originally based at NAS Cecil Field, but later relocated to NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA after Cecil Field was closed by the BRAC process. During the 3-year tour with the "Warriors" I made two 6-month deployments, one aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71) and the second aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). I participated in combat operations as part of Operation ALLIED FORCE in Kosovo (1999) and Operation SOUTHERN WATCH in southern Iraq (2001). I had many collateral duties during this tour, including squadron Landing Signal Officer (LSO). At the conclusion of my tour, I was selected to attend the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) in NAS Fallon, Nevada. I detached from the squadron on 3 September 2001, 8 days before the tragedy of 11 September 2001.
I spent nine weeks in Fallon as part of TOPGUN Class 02-01, enjoying (without a doubt) the greatest air combat flight training I've ever experienced. I graduated on 14 December 2001 and earned my qualification as an FA-18 Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI).
After TOPGUN I returned to NAS Oceana, VA to begin my first shore duty assignment as an Instructor Pilot at the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic. I spent two and a half years providing pre-deployment air-to-air and air-to-ground tactical training to FA-18 squadrons of the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet.
Upon completion of shore duty at SFWSL, I returned to fleet duty once more, this time with the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron 83, based at NAS Oceana, VA. I joined them during a 6-month deployment to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. I am currently serving as the squadron's Training Officer, responsible for ensuring that our aircrew remain tactically prepared for all upcoming deployments. We are currently scheduled to deploy as part of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN and the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) battle group in the Fall of 2006. I am also scheduled to remain aboard VFA-83 for my 3rd Sea Tour as a squadron Department Head, beginning in June of 2006.
During my 11 years of service thus far, I have been deployed three times (6 months each) during which I have flown 65 combat missions over Kosovo and Iraq. I have accumulated over 2,000 flight hours, over 1,600 of which are in the FA-18 Hornet, and I have logged 423 arrested carrier landings. (Back to Top)
1995
MAJ David Sadlier
MAJ David Sadlier is a 1995 graduate of Virginia Tech. After attending The Basic School and Flight School MAJ Sadlier was assigned to HMT-204 from 12/97 till 4/98. Upon leaving HMT-204 MAJ Sadlier reported to HMM-365 from 4/98 till 6/02. While with HMM-365 MAJ Sadlier was a CH-46E pilot, flying missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan. After a year at Expeditionary Warfare school in Quantico, VA MAJ Sadlier reported to Heltraron Eight (HT-8) where he was an instructor pilot from 6/03 till 6/05. Currently MAJ Sadlier is attending the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA where he is in the Operations Research (Analysis) program. (Back to Top)
1997
LT Matt Cosner
I'm actually leaving the Navy in summer 2005, and living and working in the DC area. However, I plan to stay in the Reserves. I'm a VP NFO by trade... did my first tour at VP-47 in Kaneohe Bay, HI. I highly recommend any graduating Ensign to get to Hawaii if they can! I qualified as Navigator/Communicator, Tactical Coordinator, and Mission Commander, and did two deployments (Japan and Diego Garcia/Bahrain.)
The thing I liked most about VP was the flexibility and autonomy. We're classified as an anti-submarine aircraft. That's still our primary mission (and it is a ton of fun) but we can do just about anything else: search and rescue, martime strike, mining, even overland reconnaissance. And we're pretty much self-sustaining... you can pack a 11-man aircrew and all the maintenance folks onto one Orion and det for weeks at a time. As far as autonomy, it's also pretty unique. The CO gives the mission commander (sometimes an O-3) the "keys" to a $100 million dollar aircraft and tell him to go out there and do his mission, sometimes hundreds of miles away from the front office.
A word of advice to future aviatiors... your "ground job" is important. There's a misconception that your performance is based solely on how you do in the air. The Navy expects that you'll be a good aviator... they give you the best training in the world. But you have to remember that at least 75% of any squadron are non-aircrew... the squadron wouldn't function without junior officer leadership on the deckplates. I was the crypto officer,avionics branch officer, and tactics officer... I learned alot from all three jobs, but I think I enjoyed working with the AT's the best.
I did my second sea tour at Tactical Support Center - Diego Garcia. I wanted to stay active and operational in the community, and a year in the Gulf seemed more interesting than Sigonella or Roosevelt Roads. I was there in 2002-2003, and got to spend time in Kandahar during OEF, and Kuwait during OIF. I really enjoyed this tour - ended up doing a lot of stuff that most VP guys don't get to do. The timing of my tour meant that there was an awful lot going on.
July 2003 rolled around and it was time for shore duty. I knew I wanted an NROTC.... but VT was taken! So I spent two years in beautiful Worcester, MA at NROTC Holy Cross.
I have to say that I was initially frustrated at how different a civilian NROTC is from a military college. 2 classes and a lab make it hard to do all the Navy stuff and give them the equivalent day-to-day leadership that we got in the VTCC. So I would say that folks coming from VT definitely have a leg up in several areas over "civilian" NROTC: peer leadership, scheduling, teamwork, and discipline.
Hope this helps. If there are any aspiring NFO's, I'd be happy to answer further questions. (Back to Top)
1998
LT Chad "Nutz" Underwood and LCDR Kevin "Bugs" Aanestad
Flying F/A-18F Super Hornet's and the Hokie flag over Iraq. LT Underwood and LCDR Aanestad are squadron members of VFA-41, the "Black Aces". Their squadron was part of the first wave of Super Hornets to fly into Iraq at the start of the war. Both Tech alumni took part in the flyover during the Virginia Tech Miami game on 1 November 2003.
LT Joe Strassberger
Graduated from VT in May 98 and headed to Vance AFB for Primary Training with FTS 8 and Eric Wyatt 98. This was not expected, training with the Air Force instead of the Navy. I survived the Air Force and headed to NAS Whiting Field outside Pensacola FL for helicopter training with HT-8. With Adam Schultz, I graduated with my wings in Dec 99.
From flight school I headed out to San Diego and HC-11 to fly the H-46 Sea Knight with Larry Livingston, 96. I spent two cruises on USS Sacramento (AOE-1) with HC-11 Det 8. We pulled into the Gulf on Sept 11 and were the first battle group to send strikes into Afghanistan. It was great moving people and supplies around the battlegroup actually doing my job every day instead of simulating an attack on subs or sitting in Starboard D. The combat Vertreps were exciting since the bombs we delivered went straight from our aircraft onto F-14/18's and launched on combat missions. Often our supplies never went into holding. This was a big difference over my second cruise. In 2003 we deployed to the Western Pacific to watch over Korea while the Kitty Hawk battlegroup went to Iraq. While we were not in the show, we were busy visiting ports and spending money. We spent time in Guam, Sasebo Japan, Pusan S. Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Perth Australia, and Pearl Harbor. Midway through we were told it would be a 10 month cruise, the third longest in over 20 years. It ended after only 8 months, not fast enough for most of us.
After flying my aircraft to the bone yard at Davis Monthan in Tucson, I headed back to HT-8 at Whiting Field to become an instructor. I have been enjoying my time here. I was working with Dave Sadlier 95 and meeting many VT grads coming through the program. I am finishing up my MBA through Naval PostGrad School, hoping to be complete in Sept. If any alumni come through HT-8 before 2007 and want to get back to Tech let me know.
LT Adam Schultz
Is currently on shore duty in Hawaii. The middle picture is of a Sea King during a medevac over a cruise ship. Two divers were run over by a tour boat and needed immediate medical attention. One lost a leg and the other lost most of his arm. Both survived and the person who lost his leg is still diving with his prosthetic limb. The picture was forwarded from the ship's doctor.
LT Marc Johannsen
Graduated from VT Dec 98. Went to SWOS in May 99. In Nov of 99 I reported to USS Deyo (DD-989) out of Norfolk, VA as the Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer (ASWO). I deployed to the Mediterranean in Nov of 00 as part of Standing NATO Forces Med (SNFM). We returned to Norfolk in May of 01. I met my wife that month (the younger sister of another NROTC 98 grad from VT, but that is a whole other story). Following Sept 11th 2001 I was reassigned to Commander Amphibious Squadron Three out of San Diego. I reported to COMPHIBRON THREE aboard the USS Bonhomme-Richard (LHD-6) in Nov 2001. There I was the Assistant Operations Officer (AOPS). We deployed for Operation Anaconda in DEC 2001. During operation Anaconda we sent Marines into Afghanistan. We returned from Deployment June 2002. In May of 2003 I reported to Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Command were I became a course manager for ASW training and an instructor for Battle Group Training. In Feb of 2004 I was selected for a Naval Scholarship to Medical School. I am now in my first year of medical school in Philadelphia. After I graduate (3 more years) I will become a naval doctor.
LTCDR Anthony Hughes
Graduated May of 1998 and assigned to Surface Warfare Officer School in June. In November of 1998 assigned as Electrical Officer onboard the USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG-48). In May 2000 assigned as the Engineering Department Administrative Officer until release from active duty in April 2001. Augmented to Fleet Support (1105) in October and joined the Ready Reserve, assigned to Commander Naval Forces Korea from October 2001 until the spring of 2004. Transferred to the Naval Coastal Warfare community and served as Supply Officer and Admin Officer of IBU 14 until the fall of 2004. Transferred to MIUWU-112 during its augmentation to a temporary IBU for deployment. Deployed to the Middle East from June 2006 to July 2007 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and qualified as a Small Boat OIC. Released from Active Duty in August 2007 and transferred to ESG-7, a reserve detachment of CTF-776. Selected for Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Naval Reserve, August 2007 as well as augmentation to the designator 1205 (Human Resources). Anthony Hughes's civilian occupation is as a military historian with the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, Missouri.Contact e-mail: admin.112@hotmail.com (Back to Top)
1999
LTJG David Walter Britton
LTJG David Walter Britton returned to campus and the Blacksburg airport on 19 November flying the newest aircraft in the Navy's inventory, the MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter. Sharing his personal observation in the aviation training pipeline and squadron duties, he was a highlight on the Naval Aviation Professional Laboratory conducted on the airport ramp along with other squadron members of HC-6 and VF-101. Bravo Zulu, Dave!
LT Paul Fischer
After 5 months of school in Newport, RI, I reported in October for my first sea tour in aboard USS DEYO (DD 989), a SPRUANCE-class destroyer based in Norfolk. For the next two years I served as the ships Fire Control Officer. From November of 2000 through May 2001 the ship deployed to the Mediterranean and operated as the American representative to Standing Naval Forces Mediterranean (SNFM), a multi-national surface task force usually made up of eight warships, each from a different NATO nation. I detached from DEYO in January of 2002.
While I was aboard DEYO we visited several US ports, including Puerto Rico (4 or 5 times), New Orleans, Ft. Lauderdale, and Mayport (FL); several ports in Spain, including the Canary Islands, Palme de Mallorca, and Barcelona; Italy (twice), Toulon, France and Souda on the island of Crete (Greece). Other Hokies with me aboard DEYO were Marc Johannsen (?98), our ASW Officer, and Charlie Allison (?96, an ECP), who was one of our helo pilots from HSL-44.
From January to May of 2002 I attended training on the Aegis weapon system in Wallops Island and Dahlgren, VA. In June I got on a plane and flew to Bahrain to begin my second sea tour, this time aboard USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DDG 56), an ARLEIGH BURKE-class destroyer based with Forward Deployed Naval Forces in Yokosuka, Japan (about 30 miles southwest of Tokyo); Initially I served as CIC Officer, and later as Auxiliaries Officer. While I was aboard the ship made 3 operational deployments: Two to the Arabian Gulf, including combat support operations during the initial phases of IRAQI FREEDOM, and one WESTPAC ?Patrol?. I detached from JOHN S. McCAIN in May of 2004.
While I was aboard JSM we visited only two US ports, Guam (several times), and Saipan; several ports in South Korea, including Inchon and Chinhae; Phuket and Pattaya Beach in Thailand; the island of Bali (Indonesia)?2 months before the terrorist bombed it; Bahrain; Jebel Ali, U.A.E.; and Darwin, Australia. While there were no other Hokies with me aboard JSM, Yokosuka is a small naval community and I ran into several friends from Blacksburg who were serving aboard other ships. These included Raphael Castellejo (?99), Jon Powers (?00), Iris Andino (?00, I think), Keisha Marable (again, ?00, I think), Kevin Casagrande (?99), and a handful of others who were passing through. Additionally, when the ship operated in South Korea I was able to visit with Judd Strom (?99) and Michelle Gettier Medwick (?01).
Since June of 04 I've been a student at Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, studying for a master?s degree in Systems Engineering. I should finish in June of 2006 and then head back to Newport for Department Head School, and then another ship. There are several other Hokies here at NPS, over 20, and we?ve developed a great mini-alumni chapter.
CAPT Eric Keith
I am currently stationed at MCAS New River, in Jacksonville, NC. I am a CH-46E pilot in HMM-266, The Fighting Griffins. My experiences in the fleet have been a deployment to Afghanistan and I will leave for Iraq in a month. I'm sure that will be much fun. Go Hokies,
LT Arthur Kelley
My name is Arthur Kelley, and I am a graduate from 1999. As far as what I am up to, I am currently stationed at US Transportation Command at Scott AFB, ILL. What I am doing is transportation analysis (moving personnel and equipment wherever they are needed).
Sea story, When I was on USS Underwood (FFG 36) out of Mayport, we were in a ModLoc box about 45 miles off Jacksonville, when we heard over Bridge to Bridge that there were 2 missing divers. So we found the position on the chart, and it was about 13 nm away. So we called the Captain, and he decided that we should help. Anyway, we get to the position, and there are Coast Guard cutters and helicopters flying around looking for these divers for the past 4 hours. The first thing that happens after a ship reports to a SAR Commander is that he will give you a heading to drive. So we get our 270 heading for about 8nm. About 3 nm down the first track, a midshipman spotted the diver with an orange flipper attached to a spear gun (lots of sharks in that area). So we get our SAR people to help save these guys, and their boat had drifted from them. The good thing is that these people were in the Atlantic where the water temp is above 80. If they were in the Pacific (water temps stays at around 55), they would have died. Those divers were lucky, not all lost divers get found. (Back to Top)
2000
LT Erika Digel
I am a 2000 grad who spent four years in Navy ROTC at VT. I am currently an NFO, specifically an ECMO (Electronic Counter Measures Officer) flying EA-6B Prowlers out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, WA. I am currently in VAQ-137, the Rooks, until I transfer to a shore tour next January. I joined the Rooks just before workups, and did an entire work-up cycle and deployment with CVW-1 and USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). We were in the Gulf, and also sent a Prowler detachment to Bagram AFB, Afghanistan for almost a month in December 2003. I spent Christmas and New Year's in Afghanistan that year, which was quite an experience. Otherwise, we are getting ready to start work-ups again and are the second squadron to transition to the newest Prowler version, the ICAP III. Same basic jet, whole new avionics; it's the precursor to the EF-18 Growler. If you have any midshipmen interested in Prowlers (although the Prowler will probably be gone by the time they get here) I would be glad to answer a few questions if they have them.
LT Steve Shauberger
(VT 99) was also in my squadron and just transferred to VAQ-129. LT Kevin McHugh (VT 2000) is also out here, I think in VAQ-139. How small the world is in the Navy!
LT Kevin McHugh
Prowler ECMO with VAQ-139, now in my 3rd year with the squadron. I graduated from VT in 2000 and am currently stationed at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington
LT Jim Paffenroth
Fire Control Officer on USS Nitze, DDG 94. (Back to Top)
2001
LT Thomas Brantley
It is with great regret that we report the loss of Navy Lieutenant Thomas N. "Nick" Brantley, Class of 2001. Lt. Brantley was lost on training operations off the North Carolina Coast on Saturday night, 24 Sep when communications were lost with his SH-60B Seahawk helicopter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family.
1LT George Flynn
Company G, 2nd Battalion 8th Marines, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Currently my battalion is Battalion Landing Team 2/8 serving with the 26th MEU. We have been deployed since March and should be back sometime this fall. I have been here for about three years and will be bugging out to Quantico when I get back.Non Concedo
ENS Suzanne Schang
on duty in the Engineering Central Control Station aboard the Arleigh Burke Class guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG-70).
CAPT Nicholas Lozar
After graduating and accepting my commission in May of 2001, I reported to Delta Company '01 at The Basic School in Quantico, VA, followed by Logistics Officer Course at Camp Johnson, NC. After reporting to Camp Pendleton, CA I served two tours in the Middle East, including the initial offensive for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following my deployments I was assigned as the Aerial Delivery platoon commander at 1st FSSG, Camp Pendleton, affording me the opportunity to attend Basic Airborne School and Parachute Rigger's School.
After PCSing in Fall of 2005, I was assigned as the S4 Officer, Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron-18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Okinawa, Japan. I have deployed once to the Korean peninsula in support of Exercise Ulchi Focus Lens (UFL) 2006.
1LT Joe McAlarnen
Since leaving Tech, I attended TBS as a part of class D-01. I reported to Pensacola in Jan 2003 for flight school. I went through VT-3 for T-34 training, then HT-8 for helicopter training. I was winged July 2004 as a Naval Aviator to fly AH-1W Super Cobras. I attended SERE school in August with EWTGPAC and then checked into HMT-303 for the FRS. In Jan 2004, I checked into HMLA-169 "Vipers" stationed at MCAS Camp Pendleton and subsequently supported CAX and Desert Talon. The Vipers deployed in August ISO OIFII.2, where we worked out of Al Asad, Duke, and Al Qaim until our redeployment at the end of Feb.We are prepping for our upcoming deployment ISO OIF ?.1. We head back to Al Asad in Feb to provide CAS, Overwatch, AR, Convoy Escort, and Medevac Escort. I am currently an Attack Helicopter Commander (Viper 25) and finishing up my Functional Check Pilot syllabus. (Back to Top)
2002
ENS Celena Burkhart
ENS Burkhart finished T-34 Intermediate Training and will be starting Helo Advanced.
LTJG Ryan Campoamor
I came to Mayport from Pensacola, FL. I went to API in May of 2003, started Primary at VT-6 at Whiting Field in June 2003, and completed primary in November 2003. I then started intermediates again at VT-6 and that took me about 3 weeks to complete. I did a really awesome cross country to Las Vegas. We did tac forms over the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Then a started Advanced January 2004 with HT-8 at Whiting Field, FL. Then I got winged on July 30th, 2004 which was by far the best accomplishment I have experienced.
I am currently the Ground Training Officer here in HSL-48 "Vipers", in Mayport, FL. I fly God's Chariot; the mighty SH-60B. I actually just got back from the Gulf Coast as we were tasked to help out a lot of displaced families and people from the recent Hurricane. We were flying out of NAS P-cola for a week, then transferred to the USS Truman for another week and a half. We would fly to New Orleans, Gulfport, and other Gulf Coast cities to pluck people from rooftops, deliver food and water and transport MEDEVACS to hospitals. It was a great experience to be able to help people out first hand. As of now I am scheduled to deploy early May to the Med, Gulf and to the western pacific on the USS Nichols with the Enterprise Strike Group. If anyone has any HSL community related questions feel free to contact me. Hope all is well in Blacksburg! Go Hokies!
ENS Sean Kennelly finished T-34 Intermediate Training and will be starting Helo Advanced.
LTJG James Kotora
I'm in HSC-25 based out of Anderson AFB in GUAM. I fly the MH-60S and just came back from the Gulf. I actually think I spent a couple nights on the ABE while it was off the coast of Sumatra helping with the Tsunami recovery and relief supplies. As far as my experience goes, I've flown a bit, and went through the aviation pipeline so any questions about that I have connections in all stages.
For my first deployment operational squadron I completed SERE, had a week of simulator training and then flew out to Guam. Within like 3 weeks I was sent with my detachment to Bahrain where I flew onboard the USS Essex. Later I would learn that Mike Steffens and his wife Meg Ryan were on other ships in the same ARG. We would fly into and out of Kuwait moving passengers and cargo and also flew a mission patrolling around 2 oil platforms stemming out of Iraq. Then after Christmas we were moved down to Sumatra where we helped move supplies from airports, where C-130's would fly in the cargo, to different landing zones.. aka villages. This flying was very satisfying because of the instant gratification of smiles and thumbs up from the locals who needed the food and water. Then we went back up to Iraq, picked up a bunch of Marines and then sailed back to Sasabo Japan. I am now back on Guam and in the final stages of completing my Helicopter Aircraft Commander board (HAC).
LTJG Benjamin Lung
During our last deployment the USS Alexandria circled the world via the North Pole and around the Eur-Asian continent, and then through the Suez Canal to the Med. We visited many different ports such as: Yokosuka (Japan), Guam, Singapore, Goa (India), Crete (Greece), and Rota (Spain). We were the first Atlantic fleet submarine to transit via the arctic for a western Pacific deployment. Also the first submarine in decades to circle the world, and the first nuclear powered submarine to ever visit India.
ENS James Malvasio is in Helo Advanced and is in HT-8. He is currently in the Basic Instruments phase.
LTJG Nick Meyers
I am a December 2002 graduate and I'm now stationed in Pearl Harbor on the USS Columbia (SSN 771). We have some MIDN coming next week for summer cruise, but they are academy-guys.
I'm pretty sure I remember your name from my Freshmen and Sophomore years, but I'm not sure we really met. I hope to send a few pictures your way one of these days for our website. I attached one from our wardroom with our Captain from my promo to JG... but I'll send some more action shots when we head out. Mike Steffens is a great source of action photos as he's out to sea right now and he likes to send them out by e-mail.
I'd welcome the chance to get to meet some Hokies out here and stay in touch. I'll be leaving for a shore tour in about 2 years, and I would LOVE to head back to Blacksburg for a ROTC job -- CONGRATS on landing the greatest shore tour possible
LTJG Travis Phillips
Currently Stationed with HSL-42 in Mayport, FL Flying the SH-60B. I have been in training commands until April of this year. I just checked in with my first fleet squadron. I will be sent on my first deployment next June (tentative
LTJG Brian Rhodes
Currently, I am stationed in Mayport FL with HSL-40. 40 is the FRS for east coast HSL. I fly the SH-60B here, and I have 2 flights left before I am done in the FRS, and move down the hall to HSL-44, The Swamp Foxes, which is the Fleet Squadron. I've been here in Mayport since November, arriving here after receiving my wings with the completion of advanced flight training at NAS Whiting Field in Milton FL, on August 27 2004.
1LT J.B. Simpson
I am an infantry officer with 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. I'm a CAAT platoon commander(Combined Anti-Armor Team) in a Weapons Company. .50cal and Mk19's mounted on HMMWVs.
I'm about four months into a seven month deployment in Fallujah, Iraq. I don't have too much time to write or send photos but I'll give a quick summary. I entered the fleet in March of 2003 and completed about a sixth month work up for the 22nd MEU. We deployed in February of 2004, had a short stop in Croatia and Qatar on the way to Afghanistan where I spent about four months in the Kandahar and Oruzgan provinces. We returned to the States in September of 2004 of and we departed for Fallujah again this March 2005. We are due to return mid October of this year. I'd be happy to share some photos or any other information for anyone interested in a similar field. I don't have a great ability to communicate but I'll eventually return the email. Semper Fi
ENS David Sithibandith
is now in Helicopter Advanced Training at NAS Whiting Field South. He is assigned to HT-8 and is currently in the Basic Instruments phase of training.
ENS Trey Walker
is in Helo Advanced and is in HT-18. He is currently in the Basic Instruments phase
LTJG Brian Fichter
I am currently stationed in NAS Jacksonville with the "Mad Foxes" of VP-5 as an NFO, flying the mighty P-3C Orion. After graduating from VT in May 2002, I received my wings in August 2003 and then joined the fleet in May 2004. I completed my first deployment in June 2005 to Italy and Bahrain, flying around Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It was a great experience supporting the Global War on Terrorism, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, as well as conducting antisubmarine warfare in a number of ASW exercises. (Back to Top)
2003
ENS Nick Buls
on his last underway. The first two shots are of the Uraga Suido Traffic separation scheme and the route past Izu and Sagome. The third shot is of ENS Buls on an exercise with the USNS Yukon...Yar!
ENS Chris Morton
I am currently stationed in Mayport, Florida onboard the USS HUE CITY (CG 66). I will be here until May of 2006. My email address is above. I have learned a lot over the past 18 months (I graduated in December of 2003), and there are a few things I would like to share ESPECIALLY with the Mids that are interested in SPECWAR/SPECOPS. I learned a lot and have spoken with a lot of people about the selection process, and all of it is stuff that I would have LOVED to have learned in college. NROTC, in general, does not have the knowledge network or support structure in place to help the students that want to do the SPECOPS/SPECWAR, and the selection process is so tough that these guys are the people that need it most. I am not all knowing nor am I claiming to be, but I would be more that willing to share that information to anybody that wanted to contact me. Also, I have a question that you may be able to help me with. I am trying to track down Kirk Anderson, would you happen to know his email address. He is stationed on the George Washington. Thanks.
ENS David Nichols
has completed Navy Dive school, NNPTC, NPTU, and Sub School. He is currently stationed on the USS Miami biased out of New London, CT
ENS Pat RonanI
graduated in 03 and am currently stationed at NAS Jacksonville at VP-30 (the P-3 FRS). I am fresh out of flight school, so if anyone has specific questions about becoming a P-3 NFO, and what the pipeline is like, just give me a shout.
ENS Mike Steffens
Sir, Pls share the info with whoever you like. Additionally, Fort McHenry is a great place for SUMMER CRUISE. Lots of UNDERWAY time and we hit all sorts of foreign ports. Anticipate operating with some foreign navies this summer although some people think AMPHIBS are BORING, I think they are great -we don't sit around all day waiting to SHOOT a missile (which are rarely done anymore now that there are SIMULATOR missiles) - we actually do stuff!! Drive close into the beach, launch some marines/helos/rhibs/LCACs and are always pulling into ports to onload/offload marines (Did mention we do all of this at night??) Between anchoring about 40 times in my first year onboard and working with Korean, Australian and Philippines Navies (to name a few) we stay very busy; it took me 14 months to earn my SWO pin. I recommend Japan (and Fort McHenry) for anyone who is SINGLE and is looking to doing some sailing. V/R ENS Steffens
ENS Matthew P. Wallen
I am currently assigned to the USS Seattle and we are on our final 6 month deployment. We have been underway for a little more than a month and have been very busy keeping the other ships of the 5th Fleet fueled and supplied. I have been made the Communications Officer on the ship and we will be decommissioning in March 2005. We average about 1 UNREP per day and stay very busy going back and forth in support of the War On Terrorism. I am quickly working on my qualifications to receive my SWO pin and plan on going to SWOS immediately after our return to Norfolk in December. I should have my OOD Letter by September by the latest. All of the classes taught to me during my time at Virginia Tech are vital and I wish that I would have put more time into studies. During one of the previous UNREPs off the coast of South Carolina I was the Conning Officer alongside the USS Carney and saw MIDN Sansbury standing on the bridge wing and seemed very interested in learning the process. Anyhow sir, I just wanted to let you know that things are going great and the Navy is treating me well. I wish the Unit well and I continue to hear good things about VTNROTC.
LTJG Mark Hamilton
Experiences:
-PMA '04: 4-month yard period at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
-Surge Lift Mission 2004: 2-weeks notice for 3-month surge lift mission in support of OIF
-Complete Work Up Cycle
-Ammo Onload at Earle, NJ for deployment and via Vertrep for Surge '04
-Deployment 2005: Regularly scheduled deployment with ESG-6 (USS Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group) in support of OIF and OEF
-Overseas Port Visits: Souda Bay, Malta, Palma, Bahrain, and Jebel Ali
Last September I finished a deployment with the Kearsarge Expeditionary Strike Group which deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. I had the great pleasure of deploying with 3 other Hokies: LTJG Matt Wallen, 1LT George Flynn, and LTJG Adison Daniel. Unfortunately during our offload of the 26MEU off the coast of North Carolina in September we received word that contact with a SH-60B had been lost. It wasn?t until almost a week later that I found out LT Nick Brantley had been onboard the helo. It truly is a small world, and even a smaller Navy where fellow Hokies and classmates are there every step of the way. After checking off of Kearsarge in April 06, I spent the summer up at NSWC Dahlgren learning the ins and outs of the AEIGS Weapon System and SPY-1D(V) radar. And now, I am on my 2nd Divo Tour serving onboard the USS Nitze (DDG 94) where I relieved (in a round about way) another Hokie, LT Paffenroth, as the Fire Control Officer. After checking onboard at the end of July we have been extremely busy and now we are preparing for the ship?s upcoming maiden deployment. HOTEL FOREVER!
LTJG James Conway
I am currently stationed onboard the USS CARTER HALL (LSD 50) out of Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Virginia Beach, Virginia. I am the AUXO onboard and I will be transfering to the USS Enterprise in September 2005. Since I have been onboard I participated in the CARTER HALL's 2003 deployment to the Med and Persian Gulf. We also sat off of the coast of Liberia for 100 days conducting peace-keeping operations with Marines and the United Nations when the country broke out in civil war. Recently in May we participated in Operation New Horizons in Haiti. I have had the opportunity to visit Bahrain; Jebel Ali, UAE; Rota, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; and Puerto Rico.
LTJG Sean Thorne
I am currently stationed in Groton, CT where I am the RCA (Reactor Controls Assistant) onboard the USS ANNAPOLIS. ANNAPOLIS is getting ready for a six month deployment with the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group to the Persian Gulf. We are scheduled to leave in early September and return in March. Had the pleasure of having a fellow Hokie, MIDN 2/C Mason, on my submarine this summer and it was nice to catch up on the Corps and the Unit.
ENS Chris Jensen
I am Currently stationed at Navy Supply Corps School in Athens, GA and will graduate in Dec awaiting orders. Past assignment was to VT-4 for flight training (Back to Top)
2004
ENS Larry Adkins
I didn't know life would be like this once I was commissioned such as studying 10+ hours/day with mountains of tech manuals and never-ending schools. No worries here though, it always gets done no matter what. I'm about to head out for a 6 month deployment over to the Gulf with the Harry S Truman Strike Group. 1st deployment, we'll see how it goes. I look forward as I continue through the qualification proces. EOOW is more than half way done, after that CICWO and OOD and then with a little luck, SWO pin. Offline, how about 'em HOKIES? I'm sure everything is going well and I wish you and everyone at the Unit, The best!
ENS Edward Barry
I graduated in 2004 from Tech, though I'm HT03. I just finished Nuclear Power School and am about two thirds of the way through Prototype in NY.
ENS Michael Giordano
Upon reporting to my ship on 21JUN04, I have been learning through a fire hose. After being on board only 10 days, the USS Cole's Main Propulsion Division Officer. I am responsible for the maintenance of the ship's 7 Gas Turbine Engines along with all of the equipment in 4 engineering main spaces, and the 31 sailors that work hard to keep the division ready. I went from college finals to major responsibility in less than a month, and even though it is very challenging, I am being rewarded with a more vast understanding of the Navy in a shorter time than I ever imagined.
ENS Michael Horr
Nuclear Power school is progressing well. It's set at a high pace as in only a few weeks we've covered over a semester's worth of material. Fortunately I'll be on reduced hours after next week. The last few months have been very hectic. Whether at dive school or here in Charleston, I've typically been working 70 to 80 hour weeks. It's definitely been a steep learning curve. From day one in Panama City until even now I've been tasked with a variety of collateral responsibilities including conducting GMT for enlisted students and proctoring E-5 and E-6 advancement exams to name only a few. The best advice I have to pass along to Midshipmen is to be prepared to have responsibility thrown upon them with little warning or training. Developing a good sense of safe versus unsafe and right versus wrong will serve them well and help them gain respect among their very technically proficient enlisted sailors. As one of only three officers in my dive school class of 38 students, I was designated as OIC of two small craft and responsible for diving and medical equipment for 38 students and 7 instructors. Fortunately I had exceptional sailors to help things run smoothly. I hope all is well in Blacksburg. Please give my regards to the rest of the staff and Captain Snyder.
ENS Adam Scott
I reported to Texas 3 months ago after graduating from Dive School in December and am currently attached to the Mine Warfare Training School until I get to my ship. So, I have yet to really get my feet wet (so to speak) in the Surface Navy. However, being as undermanned as they are my ship already has me working. They sent me to Search and Rescue Swimmer School last month and I have been going in on duty days so they can rush me through some quals.
Anyway, what I really wanted to ask you was if any fellow Hokies are looking at EOD as a possible service selection. The community is evolving so quickly, and the pipeline is totally different now than it was just 3 months ago. If you know of anyone who has selected or is thinking about selecting EOD feel free to give them my e-mail, I would be happy to talk to them. I hope everything is going well in Blacksburg!
ENS David Wiltshire
after completing his first solo flight at IFS.
ENS James (Trae) Young
Presently, I am training to be a NFO, so I am stationed at NAS Pensacola. I am in training squadron 4 (VT-4) and I am just finishing up Intermediate flight training to go on to fly in the E-2C Hawkeye. So far I must say I have been thrilled with my brief yet exciting tour in the Navy, and I'm sure that all the new middies can't wait to go on their summer cruises to see the navy for themselves, I know I was. I'm sure you have received more elaborate details about the flight side of the navy from our alumus, seeing that there are many of us in that field. However, I would love to answer any questions that any of the midshipman have about anything in general about the navy, even though my experience is limited.
ENS Emily Johnson
I have had a great time in the Navy since I was commissioned in the spring of 2004 with a SNA slot. I spent some time in Pensacola, completed IFS and API and was there for Hurricane Ivan. I then moved to where I am currently stationed Vance Air Force Bas, Oklahoma. Here at Vance I was in class 06-05 and completed Phase I and Phase II. I just last week was assigned to P-3's and will be heading to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas to complete T-44 advanced training. (Back to Top)
