DECEMBER 15, 2007

On December 15th aboard USS PELELIU, nine recent graduates from Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit San Diego received their officer commissions in the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Ensign Jeremy Cappalo (Point Loma Nazarene University) and Second Lieutenant Ryan Richter (University of San Diego) were Midshipmen under NROTC scholarship that covered their college tuition in return for their commitment to serve as commissioned officers upon graduation.

Ensign Cappalo will report to Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL for flight training as a student naval aviator with aspirations of flying jets. Second Lieutenant Richter will attend The Basic School in Quantico, VA for six months of intensive physical, academic, leadership, and professional training required of all new Marine Officers. The remaining graduates were all prior enlisted Sailors or Marines who were granted the opportunity to pursue their undergraduate degrees and commissions while on active duty.

One of the many highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of the Marine officer sword, the Mameluke. This sword represents much historical significance and can only be worn by an officer in the United States Marine Corps. Second Lieutenant Christopher Cichy, Second Lieutenant George Goddard, and Second Lieutenant Ryan Richter proudly received their swords as a symbol of their honor, courage, and commitment.

These new Ensigns and Second Lieutenants have completed a challenging, yet very rewarding program, and they are eager to begin their service in the operating forces. 

After welcoming these individuals into the officers corps, the ceremony ended by concluding the officer career of Commander Matthew Pittner. Commander Pittner, former executive officer of NROTC Unit San Diego, was retired from the US Navy with his family after twenty-two years of honorable and faithful service.

-Battalion PAO