Jacksonville University NROTC Unit

This summer, Jacksonville University NROTC midshipmen expanded their education beyond the classroom through immersive study abroad experiences.

MIDN Keopp and MIDN Messina traveled to San Salvador, where they studied Marine Science with a focus on coral reef ecology and Caribbean marine geology. Their hands-on experience included snorkeling, identifying marine species, exploring cave systems, and gaining a deeper understanding of the ecosystems that shape our oceans.

Meanwhile, MIDN Bennezette, MIDN Alvarado, MIDN Deptula, MIDN Smith, G, and MIDN Smith, A studied Epidemiology in Sorrento, Italy. Through visits to rehabilitation centers, soup kitchens, and historic sites, they explored the relationship between public health, healthcare systems, and community well-being while gaining a global perspective on the factors that influence health outcomes.

These experiences reflect the commitment of our midshipmen to academic excellence, cultural awareness, and lifelong learning. We are proud to see them representing Jacksonville University and the NROTC program across the globe.

Phase 0 Summer Cruise Complete ⚓️

This summer, our 1/C Midshipmen took their training from the classroom to the Fleet and across the world, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in real operational environments:

MIDN McGinnis completed a submarine cruise in the Bahamas, gaining firsthand exposure to undersea warfare operations and life underway in the Submarine Force.

MIDN Schuster completed an aviation cruise in San Diego with HSM-41 “Seahawks,” where he experienced simulator training, received mentorship from officers and sailors, and earned stick time in the MH-60R, practicing hovering, takeoffs, landings, and flight operations.

MIDN Caratozzolo trained with VFA-122 at NAS Lemoore, gaining exposure to F/A-18 simulator events and carrier landing operations while shadowing FRS and Fleet personnel, and even connecting with JU alumni, including callsign “L3nnie.”

Proud of the professionalism, curiosity, and growth shown across every platform this summer. Phase 0 complete, on to the next step in the journey to commission. ⚓️

Strength, endurance, and unwavering determination. Midshipman 1/C Schwartz, Midshipman 2/C Vogt, Ensign Vogt, and our AMOI - Gunnery Sergeant Veliz embodied all three as they conquered the Jacksonville Ironman.

From the first stroke in the water to the final stride across the finish line, they represented the Jacksonville University NROTC unit with exceptional grit, discipline, and pride.

Their accomplishment stands as a testament to the mental toughness, leadership, and warrior ethos cultivated within this battalion.

The JU NROTC family could not be prouder of these outstanding leaders for proving that excellence is not given. It is earned through sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment to something greater than oneself. Bravo Zulu to all four!

To the midshipmen of the Class of 2026, this is your moment.
Every challenge, every test, every step brought you here.
Commissioning day at Jacksonville University marks not just an ending, but the beginning of something greater than yourselves.
Your dedication, resilience, and leadership do not go unnoticed.
Honored to witness it all. ⚓️🎖️

Honoring excellence both in and beyond the classroom ⚓️

On May 1st, the Davis College of Business & Technology hosted its Annual Undergraduate Awards & Recognition Ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievement and dedication.

👏 Congratulations to:
• ENS Adversalo — Outstanding Student in Naval Science
• ENS Lucas — Outstanding Student in Cybersecurity

Your commitment to academic excellence and leadership reflects the very best of Jacksonville University NROTC. We are proud of all you’ve accomplished and look forward to what lies ahead!

On 24 April 2026, the Jacksonville University NROTC Battalion proudly recognized outstanding Midshipmen during our Spring Awards Ceremony. From academic achievement to military performance, these future officers continue to set the standard for professionalism and dedication.

We are especially grateful for the continued support of the organizations whose recognition highlights the impact of our Midshipmen: the Military Order of the Purple Heart, American Legion, Military Order of the World Wars, Veterans of Foreign Wars, MOAA, Scottish Rite, Sons of the American Revolution, Naval Submarine League, and USAA. Your investment in our Battalion strengthens the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps leaders.

Congratulations to all award recipients; your hard work does not go unnoticed! ⚓

✨ Senior Spotlight ✨

MIDN 1/C Owens-Asaro is an Exercise Science major at Jacksonville University and is pursuing a minor in Naval Science. She was excited to select Surface Warfare as her community and will commission into the United States Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer, with her first ship, USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117), stationed in Rota, Spain.

Throughout her time in NROTC, Owens-Asaro has served as Color Guard Sergeant, Squad Leader, Public Affairs Officer, and NPP Life Coach. She currently serves as Company Commander. Each role has strengthened her leadership abilities and reinforced the importance of accountability and leading by example.

For summer training, Owens-Asaro completed CORTRAMID in San Diego, California, and a First Class SWO cruise aboard USS Bulkeley. During her cruise, she traveled to Norway, Scotland, and the Netherlands and had the opportunity to be involved in Formidable Shield 2025. Some of the other opportunities she had included crossing the Arctic Circle and participating in the Blue Nose Ceremony, as well as observing an SM-3 missile shoot.

Outside of NROTC, Owens-Asaro enjoys running, lifting, traveling as much as possible, spending time with family and friends, outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, has recently picked up hand building ceramics, and earned her private pilot’s license for fun.

What she will miss most about Jacksonville University and NROTC is the people and the shared experiences that made the journey meaningful.

In five years, Owens-Asaro sees herself in the Fleet, continuing to grow as an officer while taking every opportunity to travel the world and experience new places.

“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.”

On October 11th JU MIDN signed up for the Jacksonville Helping Hands for Veterans 5K to show love and support for the community and to donate for the projects mission of funding an 82 unit building for our local homeless veterans to live in for free.

MIDN Alana Lucas is majoring in Cyber Security and is service assigned as a Student Naval Aviator (SNA). Her current billet is Bravo 1 Platoon Commander and has previously held billets as 1st LT/Safety Officer and Fire Team Leader. Her summer training experiences include CORTRAMID West and a First Class Cruise with VP-40.
Outside of NROTC, Alana is the captain of the JU Cheerleading Team.
In her free time, she enjoys trying new food spots, hanging out with her pets, spending time with friends, and the occasional doom scrolling session. She was also honored to be selected as a member of the DCOBT Top 25 for 2025. What she values most about JU and NROTC are the experiences that have challenged her and the friendships that will last beyond graduation. In five years, she sees herself flying as a Naval Aviator and continuing to grow as a leader.

“Never pass up on free snacks”