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TheLookoutAugust 2018In this issue - New Student Orientation- Operation Breaking Point- Consortium Picnic- Summer Cruise Spotlights- Meet the 4th Class- Say Hello to the XOPhoto by MIDN 1/C KanneScreaming into the School YearPhoto by MIDN 1/C KanneAbove: 4/C Midshipmen walk information back to the unit aftermorning PT.Above Right: The top threeMidshipmen of NSO are recognized by the CO.The LookoutMIDN 1/C Periand Marine Corps, and much more.Georgia Tech NROTC heldNew Student Orientation (NSO)for 21 incoming 4/C Midshipmanfrom Aug 14-17 at the NROTCunit on campus. During NSO, theincoming 4/C were fully immersedin a training environment that wasmodeled to remind them that theyare joining the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Over the course ofNSO, the new 4/C took an inventory Physical Readiness Test (PRT),took their Swim Qualification Test,learned how to do Close OrderDrill (COD), learned about the history and rank structure of the NavyNew Student Orientationbegan at 0700 on Tuesday,14AUG, and lasted till 1600 onFriday, 17AUG. NSO began with awelcome aboard brief from theCommanding Officer, CAPT Reinhold, to the new students and theirfamily members.1“Shock and Awe” immediately followed. GySgt Posey camein, pulled the students out, and theywere immediately thrust into NSO.See NSO, page 2August 2018
4th Class Indoctrination Culminateswith Operation Breaking PointMIDN 2/C BoyerOn 25AUG, the 4/C fromboth battalions gathered at CampWestminster for an early morningthat would bring them to their limits. Operation Breaking Point is anannual exercise meant to provide ahigh stress training environmentfor 4/C Midshipman, and this yearwas no exception.Getting up before the sunrise, the 4/C started the day outwith squad exercises, as one member sprinted a quarter mile. Afterwards they transitioned to squadmovements. They moved as if on acombat patrol—taking extra supplies and fireman carrying their“wounded” comrades. After thepatrol, they learned the basics ofcombat movement: the low-crawl,high-crawl, pistol belt drag, andlow-crawl with a buddy.Tired and sweaty, they haddone more by 9am than most people would do all day. However,they were not yet done. Next, theywere given the opportunity todemonstrate peer leadership as thesquads went on a one mile patrolloop. Upon encountering anothersquad, they low crawled towardseach other, and then carried theircasualties from the engagement forthe rest of the mile loop, encouraging each other along the way andensuring that they left no one behind.Lastly, they had a one milemotivational run, finishing out amorning full of intensity and hardwork. Afterwards, they were rewarded with a MWR picnic, and anopportunity to relax and enjoy thebeautiful late summer weather!Photo by MIDN 3/C WardThe LookoutAbove: Midshipmen practice thebuddy drag.Below Left: In formation, Midshipmen receive instruction.Below Right: Midshipmen exercise with flutter kicks.Photo by MIDN 3/C WardDay 2 consisted of runningthe PRT and learning basic COD.Day 1 was spent goingDay 3 consisted of Swimthrough admin procedures, meeting Quals and learning about the Navywith the freshman Advisor, LTand Marine Corps.Vangel, and uniform issue and taiDay 4 wrapped up trainingloring. The students had to standwith a Moto Run, Final Drill seswatch each night in one -hoursion, and a debrief with NSO staffshifts, as an introduction to stand- where we welcomed them into ouring watch in ROTC and in the fleet. Georgia Tech NROTC Battalion.NSOPhoto by MIDN 3/C WardFrom Page 12Over the course of NSO, the4/C were tested mentally, physically, and emotionally in order to seehow they would respond. Therewere ups and downs all throughout,but at the end they all performedwell and are well prepared for their4/C year as a part of theGTNROTC battalion.August 2018
Consortium Picnic Kicks off SemesterMIDN 1/C Espositoto officially meet the new midship- to: 4/C introductions. In this tradimen and get to know them in a re- tion, the new members of the conOn the morning of Saturdaylaxed setting.sortium give their names and a bit25AUG, as the Atlanta NROTCOnce everyone arrived, the of background information, as wellConsortium’s newest 4/C midshipas an interesting fact about themmen finished up their last stage of picnic began with a warm welcomeselves. This fact is judged by theNew Student Orientation, affection- from CAPT Reinhold, who praisedthe success of that morning’s evolu- consortium as a whole on the basisately named Operation Breakingof whether it is interesting enough.Point, they were joined by the rest tion and shared his excitement forThe introductions were folof the Georgia Tech and Morehouse the upcoming semester as the hamlowed by a series of highly competbattalions on the grounds of Camp burgers and hot dogs grilling in theitive tug-of-war matches includingWestminster for the annual Consor- background were just about done.To the merriment of many tired and midshipmen, permanent staff, andtium Picnic. For the 4/C midshipeven the CO and XO. This set thehungry faces, there was no timemen, this was a well-deservedwasted in commencing chow once bragging rights until the next picnicbreak, having just successfullycomes around. Finally, there werethe CO concluded his speech.completed their ultimate test andnumerous sports competitions.becoming official members of theNext came the part mostWith that another successful conconsortium. For many of the upper- upperclassmen always look forwardsortium picnic was concluded!classmen, this was their first chanceSummer Cruise SnippetsLeft: MIDN Wardin front of the T34 before hisflight.Right: MIDNKnecht with fellowMIDN on hisCruise.Photo Courtesy of MIDN 1/C KnectPhoto Courtesy of MIDN 3/C Ward“My summer cruise was an exceptional learning experience. It helpedme understand the attitude of thesubmarine community and sold meon trying to pursue it myself. I wasable to try almost everything on thesub, and the crew was very hospitable and knowledgeable in regard tomy questions and concerns.”“Getting to sit in the cockpit, taxiout, and give that first salute wasliterally like a dream come true.Then you see the ground just moveaway from under your feet. It’s anindescribable feeling of joy and ofbeing alive. It was a life changingexperience.”- MIDN 1/C Knecht- MIDN 2/C McFadden“CORTRAMID was a fantastic experience—being among the Marines and Sailors who spend theirdays and nights on call allowed meto learn a lot about how fast-pacedthe fleet is. I particularly enjoyedMarine and Aviation week. Noteveryone gets to shoot state-of-theart weapons or fly over San Diegoin an acrobatic aircraft.”- MIDN 3/C WardThe Lookout3August 2018
NROTC takes to the YPsPhoto Courtesy of MIDN 1/C Lehmannth4 of July celebrations in Baltimore as seen from the YP.MIDN 1/C LehmannI was able to spend 4weeks at the US Naval Academyin Annapolis, MD for my YPCruise. A YP is a 116 ft patrolcraft provides realistic, at-seatraining and is completely Midshipman-run. Only one week ofmy cruise was spent doing classroom training, ship driving simulators, and practical application inthe river by the Academy. In theremaining three weeks, we madeour way from Annapolis to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York andthen to Boston, before comingback home to Maryland. It was anincredible learning experience andI made some great friends alongthe way.On my boat, we had a crewsize of 37. Of those 37, 29 wereMidshipmen, 6 were enlisted, and2 were Lieutenants. When I saythe boat is Midshipman-run, Imean that all tasks and watch stations—even cooking—are handledby Midshipmen. The enlisted andthe officers are there to advise usand to ensure that we make it toour destination safely. However,the Midshipmen are the ones doing all the navigation, conning,RADAR operations, plotting,The Lookoutcommunications, standing anchorwatch, line handling, etc. On myYP, I was the Executive Officer(XO), so I had the responsibility ofwriting the Plan of the Day, handling all inspections, and workingwith the Department Heads, theMidshipmen Training Officer, Operations Officer, and Administration Officer to make sure we werecompleting all required trainingand evolutions. As XO, I was noton the watch bill, but I liked to goup to the Pilot House to observeand learn the positions when I hadfree time.Week one was spent in Annapolis. We spent a lot of time inthe classroom and simulator, buteventually we took out the YP’s. Istayed in Bancroft Hall with theUSNA Midshipmen, which was anexciting and unique experience,and I got to see I-Day! We spentthe rest of the week studying andreviewing navigation, Rules of theRoad, and practicing watch positions in the simulator.Each of the four ports wereabsolutely amazing, and I lovedthat we got liberty at each port. Wespent 4th of July in Baltimore, andwere able to visit Fort McHenry,the founding location of the StarSpangled Banner! In Philadelphiawe saw Independence Hall and theLiberty Bell. The transit betweenBaltimore and Philadelphia wasextremely exciting, at one point wehad land only 100 feet away fromeither side of the boat!Our last two ports wereNew York, NY and Boston, MA.On the way from NY to Boston,we practiced DIVTACS, which areformations of the four YPs thattravelled together. We also anchored overnight, which was exciting because we were the ones thatgot to let down the anchor! Although, we also had to stand anchorwatch all night. In NY, we got tosee all the tourist sights, and inBoston we did the Freedom Trail!Overall, it was an incredible learning experience and I willbe able to take a lot of practicalknowledge to the fleet. I got tomeet some truly amazing people,with whom I will be serving shortly! I loved seeing all of the citiesand spending time sightseeingsome of the most historic sites inthe country. It made me extremelyexcited to serve in the world’sgreatest Navy!Photo Courtesy of MIDN 1/C LehmannMIDN Lehmann in front of the burgeoning New York skyline.4August 2018
My time with the Korean NavyMIDN 1/C RaneyMIDN 1/C Lochmann and I ventured across the Pacific this summer to train with our close allies inthe Republic of Korea Navy(ROKN). Eight U.S. Midshipmenwere sent to join a whole classfrom the ROK Naval Academy ontheir summer training. We were inKorea for 32 days, half of those atsea. The other half of the time wewere in different ports from theWest Sea to the East Sea. We ended up visiting six of their eight naval bases and met over half of allthe admirals in the ROKN. Ateach of those ports, we had various tours and programs set up forus as well as banquets with eachbase’s commander. On rare occasion, we were granted liberty,where we got to really experienceKorea and its culture.Our most eventful port visit, and one of the best, was ourstop at Jeju-do. Jeju is an islandlocated just south of the KoreanPhoto Courtesy of MIDN 1/C RaneyMIDN of the U.S. and ROKN pose atop one of Korea’s many peaks.They woke us up at 0500peninsula. Appropriately nickand bused us over to the base ofnamed Korea’s Hawaii, Jeju is athe mountain to begin the hike.popular vacation spot for manyThe first section was a nice easyKoreans, with its famous beachesgrade but it soon turned into a fulland palm trees. But alas, we wereclimb that didn’t stop until wenot there for vacation. No, wereached the top. Hiking is essenwere there to hike Mount Hallatially the national sport of Korea.san. We were made aware of anOn the hike, there were groups ofapparent hike at some point dur70 year old Koreans hiking like iting the training but little did weknow it would be Korea’s highest was nothing. For us however, itquite possibly was the hardestmountain at 6,398 feet (1,950physical challenge we’ve ever enmeters) tall.dured. After a grueling five hoursup to the top, the view was spectacular but didn’t quite make upfor the four more hours we hadahead. When we arrived back atthe bottom, they had the KoreanMarine Corps Band playing for usand a general to shake our hands.Once that was over, the rest of ourtime on Jeju was spent playingsports and about 10 hours of liberty.Perhaps my favorite part ofthe training was all the soccer.Photo Courtesy of MIDN 1/C RaneyMIDN Raney (front right) with Midshipmen of the ROKN.The Lookout5See Korea, page 12August 2018
OCS through the eyes of a prior enlisted MarinePhoto Courtesy of MIDN 1/C Parkwith a first class PFT score. AsMarine officers are expected tolead from the front, candidates’cardio and upper body strengthhad to be solid to be retained. YouPT the same amount in recruittraining, but just over a longertimeline. Even without companywide PT sessions every morning,you’re always moving from pointto point at an uncomfortable paceor you’re getting pulled out of formation for an incentive PT session. You’re consistently movingat both evolutions.Candidates trek through muddy waters during training at OCS.responsibilities which followMIDN 1/C Parkthroughout your entire time in theAs a prior enlisted Marine, a cou- Marine Corps: accountability andple of candidates asked me which coordination. This could meanWhether officer or enlisted,was harder: OCS or boot camp.staying up later than the other canthe Marine Corps effectively proAlthough I did plenty of comparing didates to make sure everything forduces what it wants. These sepafrom the first day of Officer Candi- the next day was set, eating quickerrate evolutions are designed todates School, the answer wasn’t as to make sure you were among theproduce different things, and soclear cut as they were expecting.first to be outside to coordinate, oragain, it doesn’t make much senseBoth training evolutions servegetting back earlier from leave toto compare them in terms of difficompletely different purposes.make sure everyone was back.culty. Having been to both, I feelHowever, I told them there wereextremely thankful to have seenYou PT every day in Ofaspects of each which totally balboth sides of the Marine Corps; inficer Candidates School. If youanced the two out. Overall, I’dorder to lead, you must know howwere in a billet or were just a recompare OCS to a sprint and reto follow. These experiences willpeat offender for mistakes, youcruit training to a long-distanceundoubtedly give me insight toprobably PT’d every day in recruitrun.effectively leading and training mytraining as well. OCS expects eveRecruit training was deMarines in the future.ry candidate to arrive and leavesigned to make a basic trained enlisted Marine. You don’t exactlyhave any responsibilities outside ofmoving quickly and following directions unless you have a collateral billet. Keep in mind that thisdoesn’t make it any less taxing; ifanything, it gives you more of areason to be moving harder or faster. Now on the opposite end of thespectrum, Officer CandidatesSchool was designed to make leadPhoto Courtesy of MIDN 1/C Parkers of Marines. You have the veryMIDN 1/C Park completes the ammo can lift portion of the CFT.The Lookout6August 2018
Meet the Fourth ClassName: Mahmoud AbusaidHometown: Marietta, GAMajor: Computer EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SWOThree Favorite Activities: Hiking,Eating, Experiencing New ThingsName: Timothy BowesHometown: Norfolk, VAMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SubmarineThree Favorite Activities: 3D Printing, Programming, Playing SportsName: Nicole BucciHometown: Orlando, FLMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Water Polo, Swimming, Going to the BeachName: Harrison AndrewsHometown: Sandy Springs, GAMajor: Information SystemsDesired Service Selection: Infantry OfficerThree Favorite Activities: Watching Football, Playing Lacrosse, TailgatingName: Chase AnaniaHometown: Kingsland, GAMajor: Economics & International affairsDesired Service Selection: NFOThree Favorite Activities: Sleeping,Cheerleading, Blasting EDMThe Lookout7August 2018
Name: Carl DaronHometown: Kennesaw, GAMajor: Criminal JusticeDesired Service Selection: Special OperationsThree Favorite Activities: Playing Guitar,Hunting, Trail RidingName: Benjamin ConnorHometown: Duluth, GAMajor: Literature, Media, & CommunicationDesired Service Selection: InfantryThree Favorite Activities: Hanging withFriends, Competing, ReadingName: Dalton ChildsHometown: Branford, CTMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Hockey,Spending time on the Water, TravelingName: Reed DeaneHometown: Valdosta, GAMajor: FinanceDesired Service Selection: Special WarfareThree Favorite Activities: Running, Research, Training for Special WarfareName: John CorkerHometown: Kingsport, TNMajor: PhysicsDesired Service Selection: SubmarineThree Favorite Activities: Talking withFriends, Tennis, Strategy GamesName: Nick CordovaHometown: McDonough, GAMajor: Criminal JusticeDesired Service Selection: Ground IntelThree Favorite Activities: WorkingOut, Hanging with Friends, LearningThe Lookout8August 2018
Name: Liam HollidayHometown: Concord, GAMajor: Mechanical EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SWOThree Favorite Activities: Eating,Traveling, Going to ChurchName: Lake MillerHometown: Chattanooga, TNMajor: PsychologyDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Reading,Horseback Riding, BakingName: Patrick DeeHometown: Lake George, NYMajor: Nuclear EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SWOThree Favorite Activities: Running,Hiking, ShootingName: Riain NelsonHometown: Dallas, GAMajor: Computer ScienceDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Football,Boating, Watching The OfficeName: Melina MaldonadoHometown: Canton, GAMajor: Biomedical EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Hanging withFriends, Playing Sports, Going on AdventuresName: Melissa KobrinHometown: Greensboro, NCMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SWOThree Favorite Activities: Reading,Hanging with Friends, SCUBA DivingThe Lookout9August 2018
Name: Philip PyoHometown: Johns Creek, GAMajor: Political ScienceDesired Service Selection: Special WarfareThree Favorite Activities: Working out, Eating, SleepingName: Camille TanksleyHometown: Atlanta, GAMajor: EconomicsDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Watching Netflix, Hanging with Friends, Working OutName: William StearnsHometown: Annapolis, MDMajor: Mechanical EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Hiking,Photography, SkiingName: Dakota VinceHometown: Girard, OHMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: SWOThree Favorite Activities: Driving,Surfing, Going to the MoviesName: John RittenberryHometown: Lilburn, GAMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Flying,Hiking, Spending time with FamilyName: Emily OlsonHometown: Willmar, MNMajor: MathematicsDesired Service Selection: SubmarineThree Favorite Activities: Reading, Going on Walks, Learning New ThingsThe Lookout10August 2018
Name: Daphne WillinghamHometown: Cocoa Beach, FLMajor: Aerospace EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Rugby, Going to Concerts, ReadingName: Courtney WilliamsHometown: Prince Frederick, MDMajor: Nuclear EngineeringDesired Service Selection: AviationThree Favorite Activities: Spending timewith Family & Friends, Playing Sports,CampingSay Hello to the XOMIDN 2/C GuildThe Lookout spoke to Maj Pomeroy, the new Executive Officer(XO) to learn who he is outside ofhis bio.one grow and mature and applywhat is learned here in the fleet.Lookout: Is there anything that youare anxious about with this newjob?Lookout: What was your motivation XO: As a Marine, I can’t admit thatI’m anxious about anything. In realfor coming to an NROTC unit?ity though, the size of the consortiXO: As someone who didn’t doum is something experienced noROTC, but who participated inwhere else in the nation. It is a fanPLC, the welcoming attitude andtastic opportunity for these schoolstraining they provided helped imand students, but the behind themensely at OCS and TBS. Thatscenes work is intense.open arms attitude is something ILookout: What motivates you on awish to emulate and impart here.daily basis to perform your best?Lookout: What excites you the mostabout being with an NROTC unit? XO: My motivation starts before Iget to work. It’s my perfect familyXO: I’m excited about workingand they are my driving force. Oncewith you, the Midshipmen. YouI pull into the parking lot at work,motivate me and excite me. Attihowever, it’s trying to make thattude is everything and being able today the best. No one is perfect, mycome here and experience the enerself included. We are going to makegy that you bring to the table ismistakes. The goal is no learn fromgreat. I’ve only been here a shortit, not repeat it, and then improvetime, but I can already tell that it isfor the next time. My goal here is toa rewarding job. I get to see everymake life better for every memberThe Lookout11Maj Pomeroy, the new XO,checked onboard this past June.of the unit. Whatever I can do toremove road blocks, I will, so thatyou can train to the highest caliber.That’s the sweet spot.Lookout: Is there anything that youwould care to share with Midshipmen that you haven’t yet?XO: Everything is a graded event,and attitude is everything, so makesure that you are putting forth yourbest effort all the time.August 2018
breakfast when we returned to thestates.Photo Courtesy of MIDN 1/C RaneyMIDN after hiking the infamousMt. Hallasan.KoreaFrom Page 1Every base had a soccer field infront of the base headquarters andfutsal courts were abundant. Wewere also lucky enough to watchthe World Cup Final on the ship inthe galley. If you had to have threeskills to survive in Korea, I wouldrecommend soccer, hiking, and anability to withstand spicy foods.During my journey, we atea lot of kimchi. Kimchi is a dishfrom salted, fermented vegetables,commonly cabbage, seasoned withthings such as chili powder, garlic,and ginger. It was present at everymeal. I don’t mean just lunch anddinner. Even breakfast includedkimchi. Rice and kimchi, all day,every day. One morning we had aspecial concoction of rice, kimchi,sardines, and strawberry milk. Weagreed that it was the weirdestcombo of foods ever, and wecouldn’t wait to have an AmericanNot all of the food wasbad though. Especially when wegot off base, we ate some fantastic food. The first place westopped at in our first port was aKorean BBQ joint. That was thebest Korean BBQ any of us hadever had, and for a third of howmuch it would cost at home. InJeju we had a specialty pork theycalled black pig, only served onJeju. Additionally, their traditional pork noodle soup was my favorite meal of the trip. Theweirdest food I ate in Korea camewhen we were in Pohang, in thesoutheast part of Korea. We hadlimited time for liberty in town sowe just went straight to a sashimirestaurant. There we were serveddelicacies such as fish head, insect pupae, and sea squirts.Besides our time in port,we learned a lot of great information about the Korean Navy.Spending all that time with theKorean Midshipmen and Sailorsallowed us to gain a lot of insightinto their operations. Wheneverwe were at sea, the sailors on theship gave us lessons on differentparts of the Navy. These spannedfrom lessons about their disputedislands with China and Japan togeneral navigation lessons. OneThe view from the top of Mt. Hallasan.The Lookoutof the most important topics welearned about was the recent conflicts over the past few decadeswith the North Koreans. In theWest Sea, the Korean SecondFleet has had multiple confrontations on the Northern Limit Line.In Pyeongtaek, we visited a museum for all of these conflicts. Oneof the ROKN patrol ships that wassunk by a North Korean sub wasbrought back up and made into apart of the museum. This was themost powerful part of the visit because you could walk under theship and see the destructioncaused by the torpedo. It really puta new perspective on the ongoingconflict.One part that really impressed us was how much respectthey had for us and American officers. The Korean officers treatedus with a lot of respect and professionalism. Additionally, the American Navy has had a huge impacton the ROKN since its creation inthe late 1940’s with many of theirmethods being adopted from theUS Navy.It wasn’t the typical 1/Ccruise, but in the end, we came outof this training with a better understanding of Korean culture, Navy, and history. It could not havebeen in a more appropriate areafor our profession as future navalofficers.Photo Courtesy of MIDN 1/C Raney12August 2018
Georgia Tech NROTC held New Student Orientation (NSO) for 21 incoming 4/C Midshipman from Aug 14-17 at the NROTC unit on campus. During NSO, the incoming 4/C were fully immersed in a training environment that was modeled to remind them that they are joining the U.S. Navy and Ma-rine Corps. Over the course of NSO, the new 4/C took an invento-
