USS Miami Commanding Officer Discusses Navy Career with NROTC Students

The commanding officer of the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Miami (SSN 755) discussed naval leadership with nearly 150 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) students attending six universities, Nov. 28.

These universities belong to the consortium of colleges managed by the Boston University-MIT NROTC Consortium. Cmdr. Roger Meyer‘s visit to these universities comes on the heels of an earlier NROTC visit to two units located in Maine in late October.

“Visits to the various NROTC units both in Maine and in Boston are a great way to educate our future naval leaders,” said Meyer, who was accompanied by his Chief of the Boat, Master Chief Yeomen (SS) Tyrus Rock and a junior officer.

The first NROTC unit Meyer spoke with is located at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which includes students who attend MIT, Harvard University and Tufts University. The second NROTC visit was at Boston University, which includes students who attend the university as well as Boston College and Northeastern University.

Lt. Ken Kirkwood, assistant professor of naval science at Boston University planned the six-college tour for the visiting commanding officer to provide leadership training for the budding naval officers.

“Cmdr. Meyer’s visit fits in nicely with our required training our NROTC units are due to receive on a yearly basis,” said Kirkwood. “However, his visit will touch on experience he has gained in his naval career and the lessons he has learned along the way leading up to his career as a commanding officer of a submarine.”

Prior to reporting to Boston University, Kirkwood was assigned to the Los Angeles class-attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752). Kirkwood added that Meyer’s visit will serve as a motivator for those under classmen who are interested in pursuing careers in the submarine force.

“I have several under classmen who have expressed interest in pursuing careers in the submarine force and Cmdr. Meyer’s visit will be very influential for them,” said Kirkwood.

Miami, currently undergoing maintenance and several system upgrades at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, is the third Navy vessel to bear the name of the city of Miami, Fla.

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Naval Today Staff,November 30, 2012