Naval ROTC at NCSU

MIDSHIPMEN CRUISE SHOUTOUT‼️‼️

Midshipman 1/C Lillich and Midshipman 1/C O’Connor recently went on their aviation cruise in Lemoore, California at the VFA-125 squadron. VFA-125, the “Rough Raiders”, is a Fleet Replacement Squadron that trains both Navy and Marine Corps pilots and personnel to fly the F-35C Lightning II.

MIDN O’Connor’s favorite thing was “definitely getting a backseat ride it the jet. They took us through the Sidewinder which was a path through the mountains where we did aerobatic stuff.” He also loved going over to kings canyon and sequoia national forest to go hiking/camping.

Fly Navy!!

This past weekend, our graduating OC’s, MECEPS, and MIDN became newly commissioned Ensigns and Second Lieutenants. Congratulations on your great achievements and good luck on your future Naval and Marine Corps endeavors! GO NAVY⚓️

As the Spring 26’ semester comes to a close, our unit reflects on events, achievements, experiences, and more, through our semesterly 1MC! Now onto summer cruises!!

We are 28 days and counting from commissioning and this week we’re featuring Officer Candidate Sawyer Goodwin. OC Goodwin is a nuclear engineer from Spartanburg, South Carolina. Before joining the STA-21 program, ETN1 Goodwin served in the submarine force and will continue this service as a commissioned officer.

His favorite memory at NC State is getting to use the PULSTAR research reactor we have on campus in labs and experiments throughout his time as a student. “Being part of a program with a research reactor gives students hands-on experience with concepts like neutronics, heat transfer, and radioactive activation and decay, which sets NC State apart from many other institutions.“

Like many of our OCs and MECEPs, OC Goodwin has had to learn how to balance family life with his time as both a student and a sailor. “Balancing school, the Navy, and family life has been a challenge since joining the STA-21 program. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to be fully present in whatever you’re doing. If you are home, be home. And if you’re in class, be in class. There is no time in the day for half-focused efforts”