Hampton Roads Naval ROTC

🎣⚓️ REELING IN THE FUTURE!

Congratulations to our 1/C Midshipmen and OCs on receiving their Service Assignments! After years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance, they are one step closer to joining the fleet and beginning the next chapter of their Navy careers.

The wait is over, the lines are cast, and the fleet is calling! 🇺🇸 Here’s to new beginnings, continued growth, and a future of leadership and service.

Honoring Leadership. Welcoming the Future. ⚓️

On July 16, 2026, Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps honored the distinguished career and leadership of Captain Matt T. Frauenzimmer, U.S. Navy, during his Retirement and Change of Command Ceremony.

After a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades of service, Captain Frauenzimmer leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to those he served alongside and those he led. From operational assignments and combat deployments to command at the squadron and installation levels, his service has had a lasting impact across the Navy and the Hampton Roads community.

Captain Frauenzimmer’s dedication to developing Sailors, Midshipmen, and future naval leaders has been especially meaningful to the Hampton Roads NROTC family. His belief in the power of collaboration and teamwork will continue to inspire the generations of leaders who follow.

As Captain Frauenzimmer concludes his time in command, Captain Chad K. Upright, U.S. Navy, assumes the helm of Hampton Roads NROTC. A Naval Aviator and experienced operational and strategic leader, Captain Upright brings more than two decades of distinguished service, command experience, and a proven commitment to developing warfighters and leaders.

Captain Frauenzimmer, thank you for your exceptional service, leadership, and dedication. We wish you and your family fair winds and following seas as you begin this next chapter.

Captain Upright, welcome aboard. We look forward to the leadership, vision, and experience you bring to Hampton Roads NROTC as we continue the mission of developing the next generation of Naval Officers.

From one chapter of leadership to the next, the mission continues.
Honor. Courage. Commitment. 🇺🇸

8th & I 🇺🇸

Our 4/Cs had the opportunity to visit 8th & I in Washington, D.C., where they were introduced to the rich history, traditions, and heritage of the Marine Corps. This experience provided our newest Midshipmen with a firsthand look at the professionalism, discipline, and pride that define the Marine Corps and the leaders who serve within it.

An experience filled with learning, camaraderie, and memories that our 4/Cs will carry throughout their time in NROTC. 🎖️🪖

SWIPE TO MEET THE CANDIDATES ➡️⚓️

Help us congratulate our 2026 NSO “Warrior Welcome” candidates on completing the week! 👏🏽 They put in the work, showed determination, and finished strong. We’re proud to welcome the newest members of the Hampton Roads NROTC family!

Stick Leaders:
MIDN Ingram — Stick 1
MIDN Vasile — Stick 2
MIDN Rowell — Stick 3
MIDN Wall — Stick 4
MIDN Reynolds — Stick 5
MIDN Abboud — Stick 6
MIDN Dierks — Stick 7
MIDN Bates — Stick 8

WARRIOR WELCOME | DAY 4 🇺🇸⚓️

Day 4 marked the final day of NSO “Warrior Welcome” and the candidates finished strong! 💪🏾🔋The day began with warm-ups and a Crucible brief before putting their teamwork, endurance, leadership, and determination to the test during the Crucible.

The day concluded with a chow social and closing remarks from the CO, XO, and BN CO celebrating the hard work and progress of our candidates throughout Warrior Welcome.

Welcome to the Hampton Roads NROTC family! ⚓️

Day 4 | Thursday, August 20, 2026

WARRIOR WELCOME | DAY 3 🇺🇸⚓️

Day 3 of NSO “Warrior Welcome” kept the momentum going!🫡 Candidates rotated through PT, drill, briefs, and leadership reaction course (LRC) stations, putting their physical fitness, teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills to the test.

Another day of growth, teamwork, and developing the warrior mindset. 🎖️

Day 3 | Wednesday, August 19, 2026

WARRIOR WELCOME | DAY 2 🇺🇸⚓️

Day 2 of NSO “Warrior Welcome” brought the energy! 💪🏽 Started with warm ups followed by a campus fartlek run at Hampton University. The day concluded with drill led by our very own Gunnery Sergeants as candidates continued building discipline, teamwork, and the warrior mindset. 🔥

Day 2 | Tuesday, August 18, 2026

WARRIOR WELCOME | DAY 1 🇺🇸⚓️

Day 1 of NSO “Warrior Welcome” is officially in the books! From check-in and opening remarks to briefs, admin, parent Q&A, gear issue, and getting our candidates ready for the journey ahead. It was a full day of learning, preparation, and teamwork.

Welcome to Hampton Roads NROTC, Warriors! 💪🏽⚓️

Day 1 | Monday, August 17, 2026

Congratulations to MIDN 2/C Houser and MIDN 3/C Simon-McKnight on successfully graduating from New Student Indoctrination (NSI)!

NSI is a three-week Navy ROTC training program designed to prepare incoming midshipmen for success by introducing them to military discipline, leadership, physical fitness, and the fundamentals of naval service. Through this challenging experience, they built a strong foundation for their journey as future Naval Officers.

MIDN 1/C Shely

MIDN Shely had the incredible opportunity to spend 2½ weeks underway aboard the USS Hyman Rickover (SSN-795), a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine. Living and operating beneath the surface provided a firsthand look at the dedication, teamwork, and professionalism required of the Silent Service.

One of the highlights of the experience was spending the final night at sea alongside fellow MIDN Boyle (Yale University) and MIDN Casanova (University of Maine) and, making memories that will last long after the cruise. Another unforgettable moment was visiting the submarine’s torpedo room and gaining a deeper appreciation for the capabilities and mission of the boat.

Summer training continues to provide invaluable experiences that prepare our future naval officers through hands on learning and exposure across the Fleet.