(MILLINGTON, Tenn.) – Navy Midshipman Michael Hartling from Monument, Colorado, participated in the 2018 winter Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) ship selection draft as a future member of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community.
More than 40 midshipmen from NROTC units around the country chose to serve as surface warfare officers. Each selecting midshipmen are ranked according to their grade point average, aptitude scores and physical fitness.“Personally, the NROTC has inspired me to be the best version of myself I possibly can be,” said Hartling. “Professionally, it has given me the courage to be and become the best leader I can.”
According to their rankings, each midshipman provided a preference of ship or homeport to the junior officer detailer at the Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee. If these preferences were available, they were assigned as requested.
“I look forward to the exposure and challenge of serving on a ship,” said Hartling. “I am excited for the opportunity to be exposed to great diversity in the Navy, to meet some amazing people, and be challenged in many aspects.”
Hartling, a 2012 Lewis-Palmer High School graduate, has selected to serve aboard USS Chafee. Hartling is majoring in mechanical engineering while attending the University of Utah. Upon graduation, Hartling will receive a commission as a Navy Ensign and report aboard Chafee as a surface warfare officer.
Commissioned in 2003, Chafee is home ported at Naval Station Pearl Harbor. Chafee is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that provides multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. Destroyers can operate independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, expeditionary strike groups, and missile defense action groups.
“I strive to inspire performance and excellence by leading by example, being organized and efficient, and demonstrating effective results,” said Hartling.
The midshipmen’s ship selection is not only a major personal milestone but also an important day for the ships in the fleet. Not only do the midshipmen choose where they are going to start their Navy career, but the ship they choose will also gain a motivated, eager, young officer to help lead and improve an already great team, according to Navy officials.
"NROTC units across the country instill essential warfighting fundamentals, professional core competencies, and ethics required in a Navy or Marine Corps officer," said Rear Adm. Mike Bernacchi, Commander, Naval Service Training Command, which includes the NROTC Program. "I am enormously proud of our graduating midshipman for completing this demanding program, and look forward to them joining the fleet."
“The SWO ship selection process gives me an opportunity to choose the best option for me and my family,” said Hartling. “It also represents to me a rite of passage into the SWO community and to be welcomed among the SWO sailors.”