I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Unit. Your time here will prove to be
challenging, but you will look back at your time at the NROTC Unit as a rewarding
one. We are here to prepare young men and women mentally, morally and physically to
serve as commissioned officers in the United States Navy and United States Marine
Corps.
On 23 September 1971, the first NROTC Unit in the State of Florida was formally dedicated
during ceremonies at 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. The Secretary of the Navy had approved
its establishment 05 April 1971. The first class, consisting of 43 Midshipmen, began
their training on 01 September. The guest of honor at the dedication ceremony was
the Honorable James E. Johnson, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Manpower and Reserve
Affairs. Speaking to the assembled Midshipmen and guests, Secretary Johnson called
attention to the city of Jacksonville as a natural place for Florida's first NROTC
Unit because of the community's long tradition of support for the U.S. Navy. He also
reminded the 43 new Midshipmen to take a positive approach to their future and to
be proud of their roles in the Navy and Marine Corps. "You must recognize that this
is your country," he said. "Be proud to be an American and be proud to be a flag waver."
Fifty three years later, 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and the NROTC Unit continue to work
together to instill and support the same strong bond of pride and community in all
Midshipmen.
91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ is one of four Florida universities among seventy eight colleges
and universities in the United States which sponsor NROTC training. The NROTC Unit
has commissioned over 1,680 Navy Ensigns and Marine Corps Second Lieutenants for service
in the wide variety of warfare specialties including Surface Warfare, Submarine Warfare,
Naval Aviation, Nuclear Power, Intelligence/Cryptologic Warfare, Nurse Corps and across
the spectrum of Marine Corps Military Occupational Specialties (MOS's).
The 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ NROTC Unit is located in a hub of naval facilities including
Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Station Kings Bay,
Georgia. Likewise, the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ NROTC Unit capitalizes on various community
educational institutions, including 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (JU) and University of
North Florida (UNF), producing a wide variety of academic curricula. These educational
and naval resources position the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ NROTC Unit as a premier location
for both learning and indoctrination into the sea services. For current active-duty
service members, Jacksonville's military infrastructure provides ample support and
services in addition to quality civilian education.
You are embarking on an ambitious and critical mission here at the 91Ï㽶ÊÓƵ
NROTC Unit. Whether you are here to provide support or to earn a commission, your
years here will be the most demanding yet satisfying of your career. Will it be easy?
No. Worth it? Absolutely! Congratulations on your decision to join the Jacksonville
University NROTC; serving our nation is a honor and a rewarding challenge.
Commanding Officer
Professor of Naval Science