usna service assignment 2023

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Navy Football class of 2023 seniors receive service assignments

The Naval Academy football team’s 25 seniors received their service assignments Thursday. (Navy Football/Facebook)

The Naval Academy football team’s 25 seniors received their service assignments Thursday.

They will commission as ensigns in the U.S. Navy or as 2nd lieutenants in the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduation in 2023, Navy Athletics announced in a news release .

The service assignments are as follows:

Joshua Adams: Marine Corps Ground

Terrell Adams: Marine Corps Ground

John Amell: Surface Warfare

Derek Atwaters: Surface Warfare

John Brand: Submarines

Daniel Davies: Meteorology and Oceanography

Kip Frankland: Navy Pilot

Christian Hutchinson: Information Professional

Zachary Kuhlman: Navy Pilot

Brandon Madison: Submarines

John Marshall: Information Professional

Mike Mauai: Surface Warfare

Maasai Maynor: Marine Corps Ground

Brandon Moore: Surface Warfare

Michael Naze: Marine Corps Ground

Bijan Nichols: Submarines

Joseph Petti: Marine Corps Ground

Jacobi Rice Jr.: Naval Intelligence

Taylor Robinson: Marine Corps Ground

Jamie Romo: Navy Pilot

Nicolas Rowan: Surface Warfare

Max Sandlin: Marine Corps Pilot

Trent Shiraki: Surface Warfare Nuclear

Nicholas Straw: Navy Pilot

Mark Walker: Marine Corps Ground

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Service assignment spotlight: navy submarines.

Oct 15, 2023 7:30:00 AM

Each year, the U.S. Naval Academy graduates about 1,000 midshipmen. After four years of tireless dedication to the mental, physical and moral missions of the Academy, these intrepid young women and men are ready to take on the next level of responsibility and further their military careers with USNA service assignments in the U.S. Navy or the U.S. Marine Corps. This blog series explores the various career paths they can pursue in the U.S. Naval Fleet, including as surface warfare officers (SWOs), nuclear power—surface, naval aviation, submarine warfare, naval special warfare and with the U.S. Marine Corps, among others. Here, we’ll dive into the world of Navy submarines.

A Great Adventure

In the Class of 2023, 136 midshipmen were assigned to Navy submarine commissions. These officers will embark on a great adventure, working with many of the best leaders in the military and operating some of the most cutting-edge technology available. Ultimately, they’re training to take charge of one of the critical arms of the Fleet and will be responsible for vessels worth about $1.5 billion. Those selected to lead nuclear submarines are of the highest caliber. As their site explains, “Submarine Officers work to understand and destroy America’s peer adversaries! Their job demands technical prowess, confidence and competence.” 

As you’d expect, submarines are designed for secretive missions, and thus the officer must ensure information stays classified to protect our national security. Not only are they required to maintain this secrecy, but they must also be ready to do jobs most people can’t even fathom. This is where mental acuity, physical prowess and sheer determination make the difference.

Related: 120th Submarine Birthday Ball

Training First

Navy submariners understand the importance of thorough training. Since all of the U.S. Navy’s submarines are nuclear powered, newly commissioned ensigns learn the intricacies of nuclear propulsion by attending the Nuclear Power School in Charleston, South Carolina, for a six month session. They will  continue their training in either Charleston or Ballston Spa, New York, where the two nuclear reactor prototypes are located. Following this, they attend Navy Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, for the ten-week Submarine Officers Basic Course. Then they’re off to the open ocean, where they’ll complete their first tour of duty on an attack, ballistic missile or guided missile submarine over the course of about 36 months.

These are all critical milestones on the way towards earning the gold dolphins and designation as a Navy submarine officer, widely considered to be some of the most well respected and trained officers in the Navy. From the beginning, junior officers jump in head first. They’re immediately responsible for leading small divisions of about ten to twenty sailors with roles in essential areas of operations, including engineering, weapons and communications. They stand watch and train hard to qualify as engineering officer of the watch, diving officer of the watch and officer of the deck. They are also the trusted leaders who devise and deploy secret missions that protect our country. 

As they gain more responsibility, these nuclear submarine officers take on important wide-ranging duties, as they oversee everything related to driving, powering, arming and operating the Navy’s Fleet of attack, ballistic missile and guided missile submarines. Submarines can be as large as surface ships, but since they contain so much equipment, their personnel counts are much smaller with between 120 - 140 sailors. Thus, all must be able to multitask well, and each day is very different.

World Travelers

The roles of the submarine can vary. Since they travel places so many vessels can’t, they can traverse the world while maintaining near autonomy, tackling challenges simply not possible for other vessels. For instance, they can surface through the ice at the North Pole and handle Arctic conditions. They also surface at ports all around the world, including Norway, Australia, Japan and more. They have home ports at bases from San Diego, California, to Norfolk, Virginia, to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. “The submarine force is the last bastion of Master and Commander in the fleet,” notes their site. As you might imagine, this working environment engenders a real esprit de corps and strong sense of camaraderie and respect.

Deployment Time

Most subs are stationed for long periods of time in their home ports to conduct National Tasking training. Then they often go on deployments for three or six months at a time, a shorter period than surface ships since they have less space to store supplies and the nature of their duties requires shorter trips. Generally, ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) have a three month patrol and fast-attack or guided missile submarines (SSN/SSGN) have a six month deployment. A submarine officer will be with their submarine for three years, and will then be on shore duty for two to three years. They will rotate like this throughout their career.

State-of-the-Art Vessels

U.S. Navy nuclear submarines are state-of-the-art. In fact, they’re some of the most advanced, secretive vessels in the entire U.S. Naval Fleet and in the world, successfully completing missions with stealth technology and advanced warfare capabilities, and mastering conflict engagement and deterrence. Here are the three types of vessels:

• Ballistic Missile Submarines (SSBN): Known as "Boomers," these play a critical role in national security with strategic nuclear deterrence. Built to operate underwater for months on end, SSBN submariners must be able to work well together in any scenario. While they can use torpedoes for their own defense, their collective work for our country is invaluable. 
• Attack Submarines (SSN): There are three classes: the Los Angeles, Seawolf and Virginia. They handle seek-and-destroy missions on enemy ships and subs, surveillance and reconnaissance, irregular warfare, covert troop insertion, mine and anti-mine operations and other important roles. These sleek and stealthy subs also use Tomahawk cruise missiles to strike targets from far away.

Guided Missile Submarines (SSGN): These were designed to complement the powerful cruiser and destroyer guided-missile platforms with a stealth component.

We’re excited to be the launching pad for so many successful U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps careers. The midshipmen that study here today will be tomorrow’s exceptional leaders, maintaining our military’s reputation as the most powerful in the world. Did you know you can support these future Navy submariners with more than just your Go Navy Beat Army spirit (although that is highly encouraged)? Every time you take a USNA Tour , dine in our Yard restaurants, or shop at the Midshipmen Store, USNA Gift Shop or at Navyonline.com , you’re helping to support the midshipmen as they prepare to take on more responsibilities. These proceeds fund the extracurricular activities like cultural arts, theater, music, club sports and more that they love so well. So come visit or shop online and support those who support our freedom. To them we say, “Full Speed Ahead!”

Topics: Midshipmen USNA Graduate Commissioning Naval Academy Midshipmen USNA Midshipmen

Written by Bill the Goat

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Company Assignments USNA 2023

• Thread starter illesq
• Start date Jun 8, 2019
• Jun 8, 2019

Has anyone in the Class of 2023 received their company assignment? If not, historically, when are company designations assigned and how are we advised - email, letter or portal?  

Last year they sent out the email with company assignments and your plebe summer address 6 days before I-Day.  

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On the yard, service assignment spotlight: navy pilot and nfo.

By Bill the Goat on November 8, 2023

The U.S. Navy’s aviation arm is the most powerful on the planet. To earn the honor of wearing these wings, navy pilots and naval flight officers (NFOs) must undergo some of the most rigorous training on the planet. The Navy is fortunate to deploy the highest technologically advanced aircraft available today and the best and brightest to protect the safety and security of our country. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the critical role navy pilots and NFOs play in the strongest Navy in the world.

What is a Navy Pilot?

Many of us know the role from the rare air view seen through movies like Top Gun and its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. While they do fly state-of-the-art aircraft, navy pilots and NFOs do more than engage in dog fights and carry out secret missions. They have the capability to seek out underwater threats, deploy payloads of intense firepower and manpower, and make unbelievable aerial maneuvers that run from the stratosphere to mere hundreds of feet above the ocean. This is all to serve the Naval Fleet with critical attack, defense, and logistic support. 

As part of a network of exclusive, world-class officers, navy pilots, and NFOs are expected to consistently perform at the top of their game. They are trained extensively and must be intimately familiar with all of the nuances of controlling and maintaining their internal and external aircraft systems. Here’s what that looks like:

• Participate in antisubmarine warfare and mine warfare training, as well as search and rescue operations and vertical replenishment missions.
• Undergo specialized training on the advanced tactical systems found on Navy aircraft.
• Perform enemy surveillance by gathering photographic intelligence.
• Study aerodynamics, aircraft engine systems, meteorology, navigation, flight planning, and flight safety.
• Train and specialize in EA-6B Prowler electronic countermeasures aircraft, F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet jet fighters, E-2C Hawkeye early warning and control aircraft, and the new P-8A Poseidon antisubmarine aircraft.
• Electronically detect and track ships, submarines, aircraft, and missiles.

Related: Service Assignment Spotlight: Navy Surface War Officer.

How to Become a Navy Pilot or NFO

From the Naval Academy, newly minted ensigns that wish to enter aviation programs will first complete a six-week air indoctrination course at Naval Aviation Schools Command, in Pensacola, Florida. Then, prospective pilots and NFOs head to primary flight training.

At this point, pilots and NFOs request an aircraft pipeline and begin the intermediate phase of flight training that comes after basic flight and navigation training. They finish flight school with advanced naval flight training, focusing on mission specifics. When they master this, pilots and NFOs receive their coveted “wings of gold,” one of the biggest moments in their early naval career. They then report to their respective Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRSs) for additional training focused on their aircraft.

After their first flying tour as a Navy pilot or an NFO, they can attend the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, to earn a master’s or doctoral degree.

Once they have their wings, both pilots and NFOs are eligible for myriad promotion possibilities and Navy pilot and NFO ranks; these are competitive and performance-based. Those who have pursued specialized training opportunities and gained work experience while serving can also reap the benefits of valuable credentialing and occupational opportunities in related fields.

Related: USNA Service Assignment Spotlight: Navy Submarines

What Does a Navy Pilot or NFO Do?

Work locations are virtually limitless since pilots and NFOs are needed across the globe wherever there is sea or sky. They may complete missions and assignments from carrier battle groups or other sea-based platforms, as well as Naval Air Stations or at other locations on shore. 

They uphold a high degree of excellence. They are honored to operate the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world, they take this responsibility seriously and are committed to protecting and serving those at sea and on the ground. Navy pilots and NFOs strive for excellence in all they do.

Aircraft Options

Navy planes and jets.

The naval aircraft they fly fulfill a number of roles, including warning the Fleet of a threat, deterring that threat, and when necessary, striking targets to eradicate the threat. They harness the full power of advanced electronics, sensors, weapons, and all-weather capabilities to uphold air superiority.

These are the superior fixed-wing aircraft:

• F35-C Lightning II
• F/A 18 Hornet Strike Fighter
• EA-18G Growler
• E-2C Hawkeye
• P-8A Poseidon
• C-2A Greyhound 

Helicopters

As the USNA site reads, “Navy planes get the glory. Navy helicopters get the work orders.” These workhorses are major multitaskers, carrying relief supplies into disaster areas, handling med-evacs, transporting supplies ship-to-ship, executing search and rescue, providing ground support, clearing mines, torpedoing enemy subs, and more. It’s all in a day’s (or night’s) work. No matter the weather, they get the job done. “Whirlybirds are the unsung heroes of Naval aviation,” concludes the site. Navy helicopter pilots are a special breed. These are the aircraft they fly:

• MH-60 Seahawk
• MH-53E Sea Dragon

Where Navy Pilots are Made

At USNA, we are proud to support our midshipmen as they prepare to become Navy pilots and NFOs. You can make a difference for them as well. The Naval Academy Business Services Division (NABSD) supports the Brigade of Midshipmen by giving proceeds from our 20 business units to help our midshipmen be successful, well-rounded future leaders. We support a variety of extracurricular activities such as cultural arts, theater, music, club sports, and other activities. When you visit and explore USNA through tours, dining, and shopping, you’re also supporting the Brigade. NABSD and the naval aviators thank you for your support.

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U.S. Naval Academy Service Assignment Day [Image 4 of 5]

ANNAPOLIS, MD, UNITED STATES

Photo by ensign annie quo  , united states naval academy.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Nov. 16, 2023) Class of 2024 midshipmen from the 10th Company receive their service assignment at the U.S. Naval Academy. Upon graduation and commissioning in May, 74 percent will commission as U.S. Navy ensigns and 26 percent will commission as U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenants. As the undergraduate college of our country’s naval service, the Naval Academy prepares young men and women to become professional officers of competence, character, and compassion in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Annie Quo)

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