USF Buccaneer Battalion NROTC

This summer, our rising 3/C Midshipmen headed to Camp Pendleton for CORTRAMID, gaining hands-on experience across the different disciplines of the Navy and Marine Corps.

Rising 2/C Midshipmen take on FMF training at Camp Pendleton this summer, putting their skills to the test and gaining valuable experience in the Fleet Marine Force.

This summer, our rising 1/C Midshipmen took to the skies in San Diego for aviation cruises, gaining hands-on experience while attaching with different helicopter squadrons.

Bulls all over the world

Captain Carter Smith (class of ’21), Commander Kenneth Swing (class of ’08) and Lieutenant Commander Jason Bradley (class of ’21) aboard the USS Boxer in support of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Capt Smith joined the NROTC program in 2018 and obtained his commission in 2021. During his time in NROTC, he was one of LCDR Bradley’s students. Capt Smith was designated as a Field Artillery Officer upon graduation of TBS. He currently serves as a Company Fire Support Officer and Joint Terminal Attack Controller for the Light Armored Reconnaissance Company within Battalion Landing Team 3/5.

CDR Swing enlisted in the Air Force after high school and joined the Navy a couple of years after graduating from USF. He has served in the military for a total of 22 years. He is currently the Supply Officer for the USS Boxer (LHD 4). He achieved his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in finance from USF in 2008.

LCDR Bradley, currently serves as the BOXARG Force NAV and USS Boxer (LHD 4) Navigator. He served as a Naval Science Instructor and Freshman Advisor for the Buccaneer Battalion from 2019-2021. Also during his time at USF, he achieved his Master’s in Exercise Science and completed JPMPE Phase I.

Last week, USF NROTC had the honor of commissioning 12 new officers into the Navy and Marine Corps. 🦅🌎⚓️

2ndLt Fernandez
ENS Neal
ENS Lieske
2ndLt Barnes
ENS Gunzelman
2ndLt Ware
ENS Reynolds
ENS Walker
2ndLt Tremblay
2ndLt Schulz
ENS Melendez Soares
2ndLt Maldonado

USF Marine Platoon took on the Battle of Fallujah course at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.

USF Marine Platoon took on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island—from SULEs, TDGs, and LRC to the E-Course, O-Course, 6 mile hike, rappel tower, and confidence course. Every challenge built leadership, resilience, and confidence while preparing them for OCS. They showed up ready to work, pushed past limits, and left stronger than they arrived. Semper Fi.

Honored to welcome Admiral Pottenburgh of NSTC to speak with our MIDN and MECEPS today. His insight, leadership, and experience continue to shape the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers. An incredible opportunity to learn, ask questions, and gain perspective from the top. ⚓️