Old Ironsides Battalion Roundup
Happy 249th Birthday, US Navy, on October 13! Happy 249th Birthday, US Marine Corps, on November 10! Fall semester has been full of activity, as we welcomed a large number of new students, as well as returning members of the Battalion.
The semester began with “Welcome Aboard Week” the first week of September. New midshipmen (MIDN) participated in student orientation, and enjoyed a breakfast, lunch and barbecue with current battalion members. Some of the midshipmen participated in the Joint ROTC Color Guard at historic Fenway Park on September 27!
Another perk of being based in Boston: several MIDN were selected to represent the Battalion at the USS Constitution Museum’s Salute to Service Gala, “celebrating the enduring values of service, honor and leadership” on October 16 at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Five days later, seven MIDN were able to go underway onboard the USS Constitution: an invaluable and memorable experience for all. To wrap up the busy month, midshipmen and staff will attend SUBFAM weekend in Groton, CT, the weekend of October 25.
The highly anticipated combined 249th Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 1 is an elegant dinner to which all military attendees wear dress uniforms and guests don formal attire. We are excited to carry on this tradition which first began in 1925; a birthday cake will be served! We are looking forward to welcoming the esteemed Dr. Teresa Fazio, MIT NROTC graduate, Marine Corps communications officer, MIT PhD, and author of Fidelis, as the guest speaker.
Later that weekend, a midshipman color guard will travel to New Hampshire on November 3 in support of the “Salute to the Greatest Generation,” a celebration of World War II veterans and the American who supported them in the 1940s.
Navy ROTC staff and MIDN will be supporting Veterans Day ceremonies across the Consortium; touring the USS Nantucket on November 13; and attending the commissioning of the USS Nantucket on November 16. Rounding out the busy month of November, we will be welcoming to the unit ADM Daryl Caudle, Commander, US Fleet Forces Command, on November 21!
— Lisa Breen, NAVY ROTC