Tulane University Naval Officer Training Corps got a new Professor of Naval Science on May 28, 2021. Captain Daniel J. Senesky, USN was relieved by Captain Paul Bowdich, USN in a moving ceremony held on the deck of the Navy Building on the Tulane Campus. Following all COVID guidelines, the Change of Command evoked the time honored traditions of the US Navy; especially on the cusp of Memorial Day. Family members, friends, midshipmen, unit staff, newly commissioned officers, Tulane deans, and Alumni Association members were on hand to witness the ceremony in person and on Zoom.
Welcome Aboard to Captain Bowdich!
He hails from Berkley, Michigan, is a graduate of the US Merchant Marine Academy and the Naval War College, and has spent a good bit of time in helicopters. He is a Naval Aviator who started his career at Naval Air Station Whiting Field and whose last command was at NAS Whiting Field. He is looking forward to his time at the unit and in New Orleans and he wants to continue the excellence built by the many previous PNSs.
Fair Winds and Following Seas to Captain Senesky!
The Change of Command also marked the Retirement of Captain Senesky after 30 years of military service. Appropriately, his father, John Senesky, gave the Invocation to open the ceremony and his son, John Senesky, gave the Benediction, to close. Captain Senesky was presented the Legion of Merit, gold star, third award in recognition of his time in service at the Tulane NROTC Unit. The Alumni Association, also, presented the captain a token of appreciation and welcomed him as a member. The Captain gave remarks at retirement that were sincere and heartfelt. He thanked his friends and colleagues for their humor, encouragement, and companionship. He expressed his gratitude to his family including his wife, two sons, parents, siblings, and in-laws who have always provided unconditional love through all of life’s ups and downs. He also said his faith has given him hope and perspective on the every day and the future. Coming full circle was a theme for the retirement, as the Captain was commissioned and retired at an NROTC unit. Fittingly, a new, young Ensign, relieved the watch from the Captain.
