UNC-Chapel Hill Naval ROTC

Happy Summer Cruise Sunday! ⚓️🌺

MIDN 2/C Maynard recently returned from a Phase 0 Surface Cruise in Hawaii with DDG-108 Wayne E Meyer while they were assisting the Royal Australian Navy helicopter crew get qualified for DDG landings for the upcoming RIMPAC exercise.

MIDN Maynard took the opportunity to participate in several training events. He participated in VBSS (tactical boarding, search, & seizure) shooting the .50 Cal Browning M2; exploring the engineering spaces; and working with the deck division. He also had the opportunity to watch a neighboring ship’s change of command ceremony.

He also explored around Hawaii in his free time. From hiking Diamond Head park, an old military base from WW2, to trying local cuisines, and exploring the beautiful beaches, he was able to get the Hawaii experience while training.

One of MIDN Maynard’s favorite parts of his cruise was a ship event where all the ship’s officers (including the CO and XO) served ice cream to the crew.

Summer Cruise is a great opportunity for Midshipmen to travel and explore while getting leadership training and experience.

Today, we remember the individuals who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

Happy Summer Cruise Sunday! ☀️✈️⚓️

MIDN 1/C Guerra has just wrapped up his Aviation Cruise in San Diego, CA!

He spent 3 weeks with HSC-4 Black Knights, an MH-60S Squadron based out of Naval Air Station North Island on Coronado, California. Over the course of the cruise he shadowed the JO pilots and got a feel for the life of an aviation officer both inside and outside the cockpit.
He was able to fly on the controls for a few hours, have numerous trips in the back seat, help with a fly over for an MLS game, and get hoisted by the aircraft to simulate search and rescue operations.

This was an amazing opportunity for MIDN Guerra to get hands on experience in aviation and leadership development. Fly Navy!

On May 9, 2026 the UNC Battalion commissioned 2ndLt Hanson and 2ndLt Acton into the US Marine Corps, and Ensign Groome into the US Navy.

The 2ndLts will head to Quantico, VA to complete The Basic School. And Ensign Groome will begin Flight School in Pensicola, FL.

We are so proud of the graduates of the UNC NROTC Battalion and look forward to seeing their great leadership grow as officers.

To our grads: Fair Winds and Following Seas. We can’t wait to see you do great things. ⚓️🫡

As the 2025–2026 academic year comes to a close, we are proud to present our Anchors Aweigh Newsletter! It’s a full recap of everything our Battalion accomplished this year.

We couldn’t be prouder of the dedication shown by our Midshipmen. Fair winds to our graduates, and for the rest of the unit: we’ll see you at NSO in the fall! 🫡

This past Thursday, we had our last lab of the semester which included our annual farewell picnic. Where we recognize our seniors and staff that are departing.

To the unit staff, a special thanks to Captain Tanaka and Lieutenant Cauycong! We wish you the best of luck with everything in the future and thank you for everything you’ve done for us.

To our commissioning seniors, Ava, Scott, and Gunnery Sergeant Hanson, good luck! We can’t wait to see what you accomplish as officers in the world’s greatest military.

Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel!

⚓️‼️ SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: MIDN 1/C Scott Groome ‼️⚓️

We are proud to present our second and final senior: MIDN 1/C Scott Groome. As he nears the end of his time at Carolina, we celebrate his leadership and the exciting career path ahead of him.
Upon commissioning and graduation, MIDN Groome will go to Pensacola, Florida, to begin flight school. He has been selected to serve as a Student Naval Aviator, beginning his journey toward earning his wings.
MIDN Groome joined NROTC seeking a team-oriented environment and the chance to be part of an organization larger than himself. He sought a career that would allow him to work closely with others while making a lasting, positive impact. Reflecting on his time in the program, he notes that the community at Carolina has exceeded those expectations, providing invaluable lessons and lifelong connections.
Beyond his responsibilities within the battalion, MIDN Groome has maintained a robust presence across the university community. He has dedicated his time to a diverse range of organizations, including the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, the Carolina Diplomacy Fellows, and the APPLES Bryan Fellowship. Additionally, he has stayed active in his faith community through Presbyterian Campus Ministries.
Favorite ROTC Memory
His most memorable experience in the program took place last summer during FOREX training, where he had the unique opportunity to sail around the Korean Peninsula.
MIDN Groome encourages his fellow midshipmen to fully embrace the “Carolina experience” to become well-rounded individuals: “Carolina offers a wealth of opportunities, so take advantage of them. This is your unique opportunity to engage with influential guest speakers, participate in incredible events, and become a well-rounded individual. Attend games, explore Franklin Street, try new activities, and learn from your mistakes. Let your four years here lay the foundation for your future.”
The battalion congratulates MIDN Groome on his selection for Naval Aviation and wishes him the best in Pensacola! ✈️⚓️🦅