Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit Rutgers University Hosts Spring 2019 Ship Selection for Rutgers and Princeton Midshipmen

Photo: NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (February 20, 2019) Midshipman Matthew Molinari, right, selects the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) during the spring 2019 ship selection event as NROTC Unit Rutgers University Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew Smith, center, and other midshipmen look on. (U.S. Navy photo by 2ndLt Kevin Stapleton/Released)

Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit Rutgers University Hosts Spring 2019 Ship Selection for Rutgers and Princeton Midshipmen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Release Date: 2/20/2019 12:00 p.m.

Public Affairs Section, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit Rutgers University

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – On Feb. 20, Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) Unit Rutgers University conducted its semi-annual ship selection ceremony at the unit office building on the College Ave Campus at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for two first-class midshipmen – one from Rutgers and the other from cross-town affiliate Princeton University – who will be graduating this spring.

Midshipman first-class Matthew Molinari, a Rutgers University senior majoring in East Asian Studies, selected the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) – homeported in San Diego, Calif. – with the 11th overall pick.

Molinari will be reporting to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier as a Surface Warfare Officer (Information Professional) following his graduation and commissioning this May. Originally from Bridgewater, N.J., Molinari joined NROTC Rutgers in 2015 and served with distinction in several billets such as the midshipman battalion commanding officer and also as a midshipman platoon commander.

“I am beyond excited to fulfill my dream to serve in the Navy and have the chance to be a part of the team aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt,” said Molinari. “Becoming a Surface Warfare Officer on an aircraft carrier, with one of the most vital mission sets in the Navy, was an opportunity I could not pass up. I cannot wait to get to San Diego and begin my Navy career!”

Midshipman first-class Paul Greenbaum, a Princeton senior in the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, selected the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) – homeported in Yokosuka, Japan – with the 41st overall pick.

Greenbaum will be reporting to the first of only two amphibious command ships in the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer (Nuclear) following his graduation and commissioning this June. Originally from Carlisle, Pa., Greenbaum joined NROTC Rutgers in 2015 and served with distinction as the midshipman battalion executive officer.

“I am extremely fortunate to be joining the crew of the USS Blue Ridge,” said Greenbaum. “This will be an invaluable personal and professional experience.”

Both midshipmen will attend Basic Division Officer Course in San Diego, Ca., before reporting to their respective ships.

NROTC Unit Rutgers University Commanding Officer Capt. Andrew Smith has only hosted one other ship selection at the unit after assuming command early last summer. Since arriving at NROTC Rutgers in 2018, he has been impressed by the level of professionalism and esprit de corps throughout the unit and believes the midshipmen will carry those traits into their new careers as they become Naval officers.

“It’s an exciting day for the midshipmen because they are getting assigned to their first ship and have insight into where they are going and how they will serve,” said Smith. “It’s also a prideful day for all the midshipmen here at the unit who have been supporting them along the way.”

NROTC Unit Rutgers University was established in 2012 and recognized Princeton University as a cross-town affiliate in 2014.

For more information about the NROTC program, please visit the official NROTC portal at https://www.nrotc.navy.mil/.

For more information about NROTC Unit Rutgers University, please visit the unit website at https://nrotc.rutgers.edu.

Media seeking additional information should email NROTC Unit Rutgers University Public Affairs at kevin.p.stapleton@usmc.mil.

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