Four Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy embarked amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) June 1-24.
The Midshipmen, who are on track to receive their commission in May 2015, were paired up with junior officers and enlisted personnel, also known as running mates. The running mates helped the Midshipmen prepare for shipboard life and provided important information based on personal experiences and professional knowledge.
Midshipmen also broadened their prospective as future leaders by learning the ship’s navigation, communications, and weapons systems.
The Midshipmen experienced the ship’s additional capabilities by riding in a Landing Craft Air Cushion, MH-60S Sea Hawk, MV-22 Osprey, and observing flight quarters from the ship’s Primary Flight Control during their stay.
The three week stay with Bataan’s leadership provided the Midshipmen with hands-on training, an experience they cannot get in a classroom at the Naval Academy.
[mappress] Press Release, June 27, 2014; Image: US Navy