Congratulations to the Class of 2019!!!
The Navy Building on the campus of Tulane University was the site of the 2019 commissioning. Six men and women received their commissions in the Navy and Marine Corps. The ceremony began at 9:30 AM with the Marching On and the National Anthem. Captain Fred Holcombe, Chaplain for Marine Forces Reserve, gave the Invocation. The Professor of Naval Science, Captain D. Senesky, welcomed all guest and honorees. He said this occasion marked an impressive celebration of accomplishment for the students and the staff. He recognized special attendees including Captain Patrick Huete, USN Ret, former Tulane PNS: Michael Fitz, Tulane University President: alumni and relatives– especially the parents.
- Ensign Christian Boyd
- Ensign Anna Louise Dahl
- Ensign Chloe Hoffmann
- Ensign Joseph Mahler
- Ensign William Pankey
- Second Lieutenant Bradley Reber
CAPT Senesky gave an introduction to the Commissioning Guest of Honor and Speaker, Rear Admiral Jessie Wilson. Admiral Wilson is the Commander for the Naval Surface Force Atlantic. The Admiral’s comments inspired and gave advice to the listener. He called the Navy, the “United States’ Away Team”, and asked the new officers to lead by example in showing resolve, integrity, and knowledge. He also mentioned how small a world and how much a family the Navy is. Captain Senesky was stationed with the Admiral on several occasions but moreover, the Admiral went to the Naval Academy with Paige Hoffman, the mother of one of the graduates.
Following the Admiral’s speech was the Oath of Office. Each midshipman, soon to be officer, chose someone special in his or her life to administer the oath. For several, it was a veteran family member – mother, father or brother. Others chose unit staff members that encouraged them on their journey. All had various family members pin on their new insignia. Regarding career paths for the six – three will fly off to Pensacola, Florida, for Flight School; one will head to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia; one is heading to a ship in San Diego, California; and one is going to Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina. Applause, first salutes, and smiles abounded and were a fitting end to the celebration. We welcome the new alumni to the Tulane Naval ROTC Alumni Association.
