Naval ROTC in the News

Follow the latest news and exploits of cadets, faculty, and staff in Naval ROTC at VMI.


VMI Cadet Leadership feature image with headshot of regimental commander, Cadet Blake Smith '23

Regimental Commander Fights for the Vulnerable

February 2, 2023

Blake Smith ’23, an economics and business major and this year’s regimental commander, has a moving story behind his success. He did not achieve the highest-ranking position a cadet can earn without inspiration, and that inspiration comes from his sister Ashley.

VMI cadets throw their gloves in celebration of their graduation from the oldest state-sponsored military college in the country.

VMI Holds December Commissioning and Graduation

December 21, 2022

The day was sunny and brisk on Dec. 21 as 22 cadets crossed the stage in Memorial Hall to receive their diplomas during the commencement ceremony. The evening before, the Joint Commissioning Ceremony was held in which four graduating cadets were commissioned to the Army and one to the Navy.

Cadet receives her shoulder boards during ceremony for Navy in Memorial Hall May 15 2022

New Officers Encouraged to Put Service Over Self

May 19, 2022

Nearly 200 young men and women, most of them VMI cadets, commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall on Sunday, May 15 in the annual ROTC Joint Commissioning Ceremony. The ceremony was also livestreamed for family and friends who could not attend the event in person.

Air Force ROTC cadets during 2022 spring field training exercises 70 feet in the air in the Corps Physical Training Facility

Cadets Conquer Challenges During 2022 Spring Field Training Exercises

May 17, 2022

Cadets conquered many challenges on and off post during 2022 spring field training exercises (FTX).

Allie Sassaman '22 and Kasey Meredith, VMI Corps of Cadet's Regimental Commander, pose for photo after being selected for highly competitive Cyberspace Officer Contracts in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Two Naval ROTC Marine Option midshipmen selected for Cyberspace Officer contracts in the Marine Corps.

December 20, 2021

Allie Sassaman '22 and Kasey Meredith '22 were selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for two of only five Cyberspace Officer contracts given nationally.

Jack McCown '24 and family of alumni from Fall 2021

Photo from Alumni Reunion Reflects Family Legacy

November 22, 2021

Every picture tells a story, and this picture from an alumni reunion this fall depicts the VMI legacy of the McCown family. Originally from Lexington, Virginia, members of the McCown family have attended VMI since the 1920s.

Christina Skaggs ’22

Cadet Selected for Highly Competitive U.S. Navy Service Assignment

November 7, 2021

Christina Skaggs ’22, an English major from Manassas, Virginia, is one of less than 10 Class of ’22 Naval ROTC midshipmen across the nation selected to serve as a Surface Warfare Information Professional Officer (SWO-IP).

Cadet Duffy with Brother Rats and VMI flags – VMI Photo by Eric Moore

Cadet Logs Miles, Raises Funds for Operation Enduring Warrior

May 15, 2021

Will Duffy ’22 was weak in the knees in the final days of the academic year. Not because of exams or the multiple parades and trainings that happen, but because of the challenge he signed up for to help others.

Army ROTC cadets take the commissioning oath in Cameron Hall this morning.

Over 160 Commission into Armed Forces

May 15, 2019

Cadets commissioned into the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force during VMI’s joint commissioning ceremony held in Cameron Hall May 15.

Col. Craig Streeter pauses at his office studio.

Combat Artist Depicts Battlefield Experience

February 26, 2019

Naval ROTC commander Col. Craig Streeter '91 is one of a handful of USMC combat artists creating images that show the reality of the battlefield.