Commanding Officer's Update:

Commodore Battalion Alumni,

We’ve eclipsed the midway mark for the fall semester, and great things are happening in and around the unit. The 16th annual National Security Symposium (NSS) was a massive success, with engagements from MajGen(ret) Ryan Heritage and ADM(ret) Christopher Grady that were insightful, informative, and incredibly entertaining.

Most importantly, from my perspective, was the chance our midshipmen had to personally engage in an informal “Lunch & Learn” setting with these two accomplished warfighting officers. NSS was established through the generosity and engagement of VUNROTC’s Alumni Association, and the opportunity for young future officers to meet with such distinguished leaders is incredibly worthwhile and beneficial…thank you for creating this event, and allowing it to flourish into what it has become today. I look forward to #17! The icing on the cake for a marvelous weekend was MIDN 1/c Caroline Ford’s selection as Outstanding Senior for the Class of 2027…as voted by her classmates!

She was recognized by Chancellor Diermeier at midfield during the Arkansas game, and we are incredibly proud of the leadership and engagement she demonstrated over the course of four years to warrant such recognition from her classmates. Bravo Zulu, MIDN 1/C Ford!

I shared service selection results back in September…all 13 of our Navy Option seniors received their first choice for unrestricted line officer assignments, including one selection for EOD. I was very pleased with these results, and our mids look forward to their future service in the Fleet.

Lastly, I had the privilege of briefing the VUNROTC Alumni Association Class of ’76 during Reunion Weekend. I was proud to welcome so many alumni back to the unit for their 50th reunion, and enjoyed the perspectives they shared. Their camaraderie clearly has not faded over the course of a half-century! Next up for us is Navy Ball followed by the Army/Navy flag football game…I look forward to returning the keg trophy to the Navy end of the hallway after a three-year hiatus… Thank you for all that you do for the Commodore Battalion…it makes a positive difference for our future Navy and Marine Corps officers. 

Anchor Down,

Captain Josh "Noodle" Appezzato, USN Commanding Officer
NROTC Vanderbilt University | Tennessee State University | Belmont University