Purdue Naval ROTC

This past weekend, Mike Company joined Notre Dame NROTC at Parris Island for the annual Spring Field Training Exercise.

FTX’s purpose is to increase critical thinking and leadership skills in a challenging and tactical environment in preparation for Officer Candidate School.

From the obstacle and endurance courses to SULE lanes and land navigation, MIDN from both units pushed their limits. The weekend also featured pugil sticks bouts and technical work in the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer (ISMT).

Great work this weekend, Mike Company!

Congratulations to MIDN of the month for January, MIDN 4/C Farrell!

MIDN Farrell is a freshman from Duxbury MA, and is currently in FYE looking to go into materials engineering.

He was selected for MIDN of the Month for his outstanding academics, dedication to the battalion, and high level of involvement in extracurriculars.

Within the battalion MIDN Farrell serves as a Squad Leader in Charlie Company. In his free time he enjoys spending time in the outdoors and is a member of Purdue Crew and the Purdue Trap and S***t Club.

Today’s senior spotlight is MIDN Kehinde Wusu!

MIDN Wusu is from Calumet City, Illinois. His favorite ROTC memory from his time in the unit is attending last year’s Birthday Ball.

Fun fact: MIDN Wusu is a twin!

Upon graduation, MIDN Wusu will commission into the Information Warfare community as a Cryptologic Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Congratulations MIDN Wusu and Boiler Up!

This past weekend, 4 of our Midshipmen traveled to South Bend for the 31st Annual Naval Leadership Weekend, hosted by the University of Notre Dame.

The midshipmen heard from a distinguished panel of guest speakers, including Col Larmon (USMC), CAPT Jelinek (USN), 1st Sgt Parkes (USMC Ret.), CMC Reicks (USN), SgtMaj Twigg (USMC Ret.), and CAPT Mahaffey (USN). These leaders shared invaluable perspectives on ethics, command responsibility, and the evolving landscape of the Fleet and Marine Corps.

Thank you to the Notre Dame NROTC host midshipmen for putting together such a high-caliber event!

Today’s senior spotlight is MIDN 1/C Tyrone Shields!

MIDN Shields is from Middletown, New Jersey. His favorite memory from his time at the unit is going to Hawaii for SUBFAM with Garbarino, Spina, and Shake. A fun fact about him is that he interned at Electric Boat for two summers.

Upon graduation, MIDN Shields will commission as a Submarine Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Congratulations MIDN Shields and Boiler Up!

Congratulations to the newest Ensigns and 2nd Lieutenant who commissioned into the United States Navy and Marine Corps on Friday, December 19, 2025. We are incredibly proud of these new officers and the hard work they put in during their time with the Purdue NROTC unit.

Join us in celebrating:
ENS Emily Gervais (Explosive Ordnance Disposal)
ENS Ty Slack (Student Naval Aviator)
ENS Kate Wierzbinski (Naval Flight Officer)
2nd Lieutenant Hunter Cook (USMC Ground)

We cannot wait to see the impact you make on Sailors and Marines. Your dedication to the unit has not gone unnoticed.

Boiler Up, Hammer Down, and Go Navy!

On December 4th, 2025, we were proud to hold our Fall Semester Awards Ceremony, recognizing the outstanding performance and dedication of our Midshipmen.

The ceremony highlighted the academic excellence, physical fitness, and military performance demonstrated by our MIDN throughout the semester.

Bravo Zulu to Mike Company for winning the Honor Company Competition this semester! Keep up the great work!

Thank you to all the donors, supporters, and attendees for making this night special!

On Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, Purdue NROTC conducted its Final Inspection and the Midshipman Change of Command Ceremony.

Midshipmen were evaluated on their military knowledge, academic performance, uniform appearance, and drill proficiency.

Congratulations to the outgoing Battalion leadership for successfully leading the Battalion! We now welcome the incoming Battalion Commander, Midshipman Bettich, who will lead the Unit into the new term.
Boiler Up!

Congratulations to the MIDN of the Semester, MIDN 3/C Wigand!

MIDN Wigand is a sophomore from Smithtown, New York, currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Purdue.

He was selected for MIDN of the Semester for his impressive hard work, dedication and high level of physical fitness in the Battalion.

Within the Battalion, MIDN Wigand serves as the Athletics Officer for Bravo Company. In his free time, he is a member of Purdue Crew and enjoys running.