USD Naval ROTC Graduates Commission as Officers Aboard Historic USS Midway

USD graduates join the ranks of Navy and Marine Corps officers in a ceremony celebrating both service and tradition.

Twenty-two University of San Diego (USD) graduates took their oaths as commissioned officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during a ceremony aboard the USS Midway on Thursday, May 29. The commissioning recognized 39 new officers total, with 26 Ensigns and 13 Second Lieutenants ready to begin their military careers.

Among the newly commissioned Ensigns from USD were ENS Alex Cala, ENS Maryana Castro, ENS John Cizin, ENS Shelly Coleman, ENS Emma Crandell, ENS Sharon DiCiristina, ENS Deric Fryer, ENS Jackson Hopper, ENS Andrew Oleson, ENS John Phillips, ENS Kathryn Pressly, ENS Christian Thames, ENS Maeve Tierney, ENS Christian Welch and ENS Henry Widdop. USD's Marine Corps Second Lieutenants included 2nd Lt Allen Antonio, 2nd Lt Alexander Barker, 2nd Lt William E. Baumann III, 2nd Lt James Bishop, 2nd Lt Clara Derby, 2nd Lt Christopher Johnson and 2nd Lt Dylan Reed.

Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, Commander of Naval Surface Forces, Pacific Fleet, delivered the commissioning address, emphasizing the historic significance of the moment and the challenges ahead for the new officers.

"You are joining a Navy that is celebrating its 250th birthday this year. You are taking your place in a long line of officers who came before you, those who fought, led and died under the same commission," McLane said. "San Diego is a very old city with a deep Naval tradition, you are seated on a part of it and you are now joining it."

McLane also highlighted the critical importance of naval service in today's global landscape, noting that "the maritime domain is central to American grand strategy" and that protecting freedom of navigation remains "an enduring challenge."

The ceremony included special recognition for outstanding achievement. ENS Christian Welch from USD and 2nd Lt Madison Fennell from San Diego State University were honored as the top graduates of the battalion, each receiving a ceremonial sword presented on behalf of the President of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) San Diego Chapter.

This year's ceremony also marked a significant milestone for the NROTC San Diego Preparatory Program, with its first three graduates being commissioned: ENS Shelly Coleman, ENS Jackson Hopper, and ENS Andrew Oleson, all from USD.

The five-year preparatory program represents an expanded partnership between USD and the Navy, designed to capture untapped talent and potential among students committed to STEM fields. The program provides a preparatory year to strengthen academic and life skills before students enter the rigorous NROTC program. The objective of this program is to recruit, prepare and educate officers that best reflects the projected future needs of the Navy. 

Vice Admiral McLane concluded his address with three key pieces of advice for the new officers: "One, you are not alone. Two, see your challenges as opportunities. Three, take care of yourselves and your shipmates."

He also shared insights on finding fulfillment in military service, quoting Dr. Gordon Livingston's components of happiness: "have something to do, have someone to love and always have something to look forward to."

"We have a compelling profession that gives meaning to our lives that fills you and those you serve with pride and makes your families proud of you," McLane said.

— Kelsey Grey ’15 (BA)