Old Ironsides Battalion Update
Spring 2025 was, as always, a very busy and exciting time for Navy ROTC! The midshipmen’s last leadership lab of the semester was held April 23rd; battalion student leadership positions were turned over and the seniors received their awards.
Several MIDN participated on a team in the 23rd annual Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K on May 10th at Castle Island. This annual event honors those who have served in the US Marine Corps. According to their website, Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K | A Run to Honor… An Honor to Run :
“This annual event began with the mission to raise awareness and support for veterans and military families, while also fostering a sense of community and pride for those who have sacrificed for our freedom.”
The Old Ironsides Battalion’s team of seven, led by ENS Peter Barto, BU ’25, captured an aggregate and impressive first place finish in this noble event held for a great cause!
The winning team! BU/MIT NROTC Navy and Marine Corps team members M. Rowden; P. Nied; G. Campbell; P. Barto; D. Gomez; I. Brenner; S. Bellemen. Photo courtesy of Peter Barto
“Dining in” occurred later that evening. (This is a long and cherished military tradition where the members of the unit gather together to dine in formal attire. It is held to strengthen the bonds of friendship and promote camaraderie among Battalion student and staff members.)
The pinnacle of the spring semester, however, and the highlight of a Midshipmen’s NROTC career, is being commissioned as an officer in their respective branch of service. One received their commission at Harvard University on May 28th.
On May 30, NROTC hosted the Joint Services ROTC Commissioning Ceremony for the MIT Class of 2025. This was the fourth such in-person joint ceremony held in as many years. Once again, we had perfect weather for the evening ceremony, dockside at the magnificent USS Constitution. We were thrilled that Chancellor Melissa Nobles and Admiral William Houston USN, Director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Department the Navy/Department of Energy, joined us on this auspicious occasion as MIT speaker and Guest of Honor, respectively. The US Navy Band Northeast again provided the perfect accompaniment to the ceremony. Navy ROTC commissioned two new officers (Ensigns); Air Force/Space Force ROTC commissioned five new officers (Second Lieutenants) and one Army ROTC student received their commission as Second Lieutenants. Family, friends and ROTC staff celebrated the commissionees’ tremendous achievement at a catered reception at the USS Constitution Museum immediately following the Ceremony. We congratulate all members of the MIT Joint Commissioning Class of 2025, and wish all the new officers much success in their military careers.
MIT Navy ROTC Class of 2025 Commissionees ENS Kennedy Adkison, USN and 2nd Lt Georgia Severson, USMC
Photo courtesy of PAO NROTC
During the summer months, many of our staff members and students are fulfilling their military obligations and training requirements in various spots around the country and the globe. Old Ironsides Battalion staff, Midshipmen, and ENS who are currently in Boston, plus honored guests and the CO’s family members, will be in attendance at Faneuil Hall on July 16th. at the Change of Command/Retirement Ceremony for CAPT Jack Houdeshell. CAPT Jim Morrow will relieve him of duty and become our new CO (Commanding Officer.) We congratulate and thank CAPT Houdeshell on 34 years of distinguished service to our nation.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, CAPT Houdeshell, and welcome aboard, CAPT Morrow!
CAPT Jack E. Houdeshell
Photo courtesy of PAO NROTC
—Lisa Breen, Navy ROTC