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Commissioning

By MIDN 2/C Christopher Werner

This year the Commissioning Ceremony will commence on May 16, 2009 at 9:30 A.M.  The ceremony will take place at the Soldiers and Sailors Museum located in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.  The Commissioning Ceremony is an important part in a Midshipman’s life.  It marks the start of their career as an active duty officer in either the United States Navy or United States Marine Corps.

During the ceremony, Captain Billy, the commanding officer of the NROTC unit will give a speech along with the Guest of Honor.  Afterwards, the newly commissioned Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenants will take the oath of office.  For the Ensigns they will have their shoulder boards placed and for the 2nd Lieutenants, they will have their gold bars pinned on.  Each newly commissioned officer will usually have two people, either friends or family members, who will place each shoulder board or pin each gold bar on for them.  After all of them have their shoulder boards and gold bars on, the ceremony is then moved outside for first salutes.

Once outside, the newly commissioned officers will take part in a time honored tradition and receive their first salutes from an enlisted member of the military service.  Traditionally, the new Ensigns will receive a salute from the units supply officer, Retired Chief Stefan Grendelis.  As for the new 2nd Lieutenants, they will receive a salute from the units Assistant Marine Option Instructor, Gunnery Sergeant Adam Falls.  The new officers also have the option of choosing a family member or friend for their first salute, but that person must be a current or retired enlisted member of the armed services.

This year there will be thirteen newly commissioned officers from the unit.  For the Navy, the new Ensigns will be Daniel Agliori, Andrew Bartholomeaux, Mark Brandau, Christopher Danielczyk, Rosemarie Fausto, John Ireland, Carl Misitano, Brandon Pierce, Ralph Roe, and Robert Wilkins.  On the Marine Corps side, the new 2nd Lieutenants will be Michael Boggs, Yanni Hronas, and Michael Lethbridge.  In conclusion, this year’s ceremony will be the first step for all of these Midshipmen on their journey as commissioned officers in the Navy and Marine Corps.  It will certainly be a memory that the Midshipmen and their families can cherish forever.