249th Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball
HUB South Ballroom
1700-2200
22 November 2024
Tickets
The Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball is an annual event that celebrates the birth of the Navy and Marine Corps. The evening will consist of dinner, dancing, and a traditional ceremony to honor the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. Tickets can be purchased through the link above. Everyone is welcome!
Assistant Nuclear Power Instructor
University of Washington NROTC
ETNC Eric Zeigler is a native of Hamburg, Arkansas and enlisted in the United State Navy in January 2011. Following completion of basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes Illinoi, he reported to Nuclear Field “A” for Rating and Nuclear Operator training in Charleston, South Carolina.
Upon graduation from Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston he reported to his first duty assignment onboard the USS Ronald Reagan in San Diego, California completing 2014 RIMPAC and FY-15 Pierside Incremental Availability before being homeport shifted to Yokosuka, Japan. While serving onboard the USS Ronald Reagan forward deployed in Japan he completed four patrols to the South China Sea before returning to Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston in 2017.
Stationed at NPTU Charleston, SC in 2017 ETNC Zeigler served as a Staff Instructor where he conducted training for future fleet nuclear operators as well as conducted maintenance for the Moored Training Ships pierside. Following his time as an instructor he reported to the USS Theodore Roosevelt on deployment in April of 2021. He completed two deployments and a Depot level Planned Incremental Availability. While stationed onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt he was advanced to Chief Petty Officer in 2022.
Chief Zeigler is currently serving as the Assistant Nuclear Power Instructor at the University of Washington NROTC.
Captain Emily Bassett is a Surface Warfare Officer with a Nuclear Engineering subspecialty. A native of Edmonds, Washington, she graduated from Boston University’s Navy ROTC program in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilizations.
Afloat, she completed her first division officer tour aboard the Amphibious Landing Dock ship USS RUSHMORE (LSD-47) as the Combat Information Center Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. After Nuclear Power training, she completed her second division officer tour aboard the aircraft carrier USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) as the Reactor Laboratories Division Officer. She completed two Department Head equivalent tours, first as Operations Officer in USS INGRAHAM (FFG-61) and then as Reactor Electrical Assistant in USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN- 72). She served as Executive Officer in USS ARLINGTON (LPD 24) certifying every warfare area in the ship’s first training cycle and commencing the ship’s Maiden Deployment. She has made five deployments, to include WESTPAC, CARAT, Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, SOUTHERN WATCH and IRAQI FREEDOM.
Captain Bassett was the first Commanding Officer of LCS Crew 214, and commissioned the USS MANCHESTER (LCS 14). She then served as the Reactor Officer in USS Gerald R Ford (CVN 78).
Ashore, Commander Bassett was selected for an Olmsted Scholarship and earned a Master’s degree in Hispanic Studies, taught in Spanish, from the University of Cadiz in Spain. She served as COMNAVAIRLANT’s Force Reactor Training Assistant, and has a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from Old Dominion University. She has completed the Air Command and Staff College program for Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.
Her previous assignment was as the COMNAVAIRFOR Force Nuclear Propulsion Officer (N9), Bremerton Detachment. Captain Bassett is currently assigned as the Commanding Officer for Navy Reserve Officer Training at the University of Washington, Seattle. She is the founder of LeanOnNavy.com. She is married to Will Bassett, a retired P-3 Orion pilot, and together they have two children.
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
University of Washington NROTC
Born in Opelika, AL and raised in Hampton, VA, Lieutenant Kymber Fogt joined the Navy via the NUPOC program in 2017 and graduated from Christopher Newport University with a BS in Mathematics in May 2018. She is a 2021 graduate of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Program and 2023 Nuclear Engineering Officer Program.
LT Fogt commissioned from Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI in October 2018 and reported to USS KIDD (DDG 100) as the Aviation Coordination Assistant; where she completed Pre-deployment preparations and a deployment to the Fourth Fleet AOR, and earned her Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) pin.
She joined USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) in March 2022 as the Reactor Mechanical Division Officer then Assistant Reactor Training Assistant. She completed two Reactor Safety Exams, TYCOM Inspection, training cycle, and a 5th and 6th Fleet deployment.
Her personal military decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (1), and the Armed Forces Service Medal (1).
Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was born on 27 May 1989 in Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the Marine Corps on 19 August 2007. He attended recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, California. After graduating recruit training, he attended Marine Combat Training (MCT) at Camp Pendleton, California. Following completion of MCT, he attended MOS school at Supply School,Camp Johnson, North Carolina, earning the Supply Basic Warehouse Clerk (3051).
In February 2008, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders to Headquarters Battalion, Marine Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California, where he served as a warehouse clerk. In May 2008, he was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. In June 2009, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal while serving as the Personal Effects NCOIC.
Gunnery Sergeant Acosta executed orders in March of 2010 to Combined Arms Training Center, Camp Fuji, Japan, where he served as the Personal Effects NCOIC. While at CATC Camp Fuji he deployed in support of Operation Tomodachi, Sendai Japan from 21 March to 10 May 2011 where he served as the Supply Clerk and HMMWV driver on this humanitarian mission. During Operation Tomodachi, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta drove multiple convoys in assistance of missions supporting the Japanese locals recovery operations during the tsunami.
In May 2011, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders to Combat Logistics Regiment 1, Camp Pendleton, California where he served as a Warehouse Chief (a SNCO billet). While stationed there, he was promoted to Sergeant in August 2012. During his time there, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received TAD orders to Combat Logistics Battalion 7 where he participated in a combat deployment to Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Afghanistan from February to September 2014 as Warehouse Chief. While deployed he supported the retrograde of thousands of serialized equipment and accounted for several personal effects cases.
In October 2015, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta requested orders to Drill Instructor School (0911) class 1-16, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California. Following graduation from Drill Instructor School, he was attached to 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Charlie Company. He promoted Staff Sergeant in October 2016 and completed six cycles as a green belt Drill Instructor and a partial cycle as a Senior Drill Instructor. During his time on MCRD San Diego, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was also attached to Support Battalion, Instructional Training Company, Water Survival Section as a Marine Corps Instructor of Water Survival (MCIWS) and trained over 2,500 recruits with basic swim qualifications. By April 2019, Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was detached from drill instructor duty with a successful tour in a Special Duty Assignment (SDA).
Gunnery Sergeant Acosta received orders in April 2019, to 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 12 in Iwakuni Japan where he served as the Inventory Management Chief. Throughout this period Gunnery Sergeant Acosta also served as the 1st Marine Air Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 12 Logistics Chief, a Master Sergeant 0491 billet, from May 2020 through December 2020. While in this billet Staff Sergeant Acosta assisted the Logistics Officer, successfully supporting the simultaneous reception of two fixed wing Unit Deployment Program (UDP) squadrons arriving with 487 Marines and Sailors, 23 fighter jets, 62 tons of cargo and 202 weapons. Further he coordinated the delivery of 1,485 meals an all sustainment items across 339 rooms for 35 days to the Marines and Sailors restricted to quarters during the COVID pandemic. For his work and dedication Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was nominated and awarded the Fiscal Year 2020 Logistician of the Year award. In August 0f 2021 he was promoted to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. Gunnery Sergeant Acosta’s collateral duties include Command Financial Specialist, Color Guard Coordinator and his secondary MOS as a MCIWS where he has trained over 900 Marines. Gunnery Sergeant Acosta was detached from MAG 12 in April, 2022.
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
University of Washington NROTC
A 2018 graduate of the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps program from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Lieutenant VanOs earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Unmanned Aircraft Systems Science and Operation. He is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah.
As a surface warfare officer, Lieutenant VanOs’ shipboard assignments include: USS RALPH JOHNSON (DDG 114) as Strike Officer and Repair Officer and USS COOPERSTOWN (LCS 23) as the Navigator. As Strike Officer onboard RALPH JOHNSON, he completed a successful 5th Fleet and 7th Fleet deployment supporting the Enforcement Coordination Cell, Operations SENTINEL, and Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. As Navigator onboard COOPERSTOWN, he completed the pre-commissioning process and delivery of COOPERSTOWN. Additionally, he planned the arduous sail around through the Great Lakes and Rivers bringing COOPERSTOWN to her home port of Mayport, FL.
His personal decorations include the Navy Commendation and various unit, campaign, and service awards.
Human Resources Manager
University of Washington NROTC
Ed Herrera is from Pampanga, Philippines. He enlisted in the Navy on December 1988 at Naval Base, Subic Bay, Philippines. He retired in December 2010 as a Chief Personnel Specialist after 22 years of naval service. His prior assignments are: Naval Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE, Port Hueneme, CA; Personnel Support Detachment, Point Mugu, CA; Civic Action Teams, Guam; Navy Recruiting District Seattle as a Recruiter stationed at Tacoma Mall, WA; USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), Bremerton, WA; Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA and augmented toUSNS MERCY (TAH-19) and lastly with the Strike Fighter Attack Squadron (VFA-94) in Lemoore, CA. He has been working with the NROTC unit since December 2012. He lives in Federal Way, WA. He is currently active member of Ark Masonic Lodge 126 in Tukwila, WA of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington.
Professor of Naval Science
Commanding Officer
University of Washington NROTC
CAPT Allen D. Adkins was born in Dallas, Texas and is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. In 2002, CAPT Adkins served aboard USS SHILOH and deployed to the Northern Arabian Gulf where he served as Air Defense Commander for the ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2007, CAPT Adkins attended the Army Command and General Staff College where he earned his Master’s Degree in Military Arts & Science and his Joint Professional Military Education. CAPT Adkins other tours include Commanding Officer USS CORONADO, Officer in Charge of Afloat Planning Systems Atlantic, NATO Planning officer for the United Kingdom Maritime Battle Staff, and Branch Head at Naval Surface Mine and Warfighting Center. CAPT Adkins also deployed to Iraq as part of the UK-US coalition in support of Combined Task Force Iraqi Maritime. CAPT Adkins most recent assignment was serving as Commodore at Costal Riverine Group One in San Diego, California. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit and service awards.
Program Coordinator
University of Washington NROTC
Jon-Paul Mickle is the University of Washington Program Coordinator for the Department of Naval Science, Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps. In this role he assists the students, staff and faculty with navigating the university system. He is a graduate of Illinois Central College, Southern Illinois University, Central Michigan University, the Marine Corps University and the National War College. He is also a 27 year veteran of the United States Air Force.
Supply Technician
University of Washington NROTC
Mr. Patton is from Chicago, IL. He was enlisted in the Army for two years, most of which was spent in Germany. He ended his term as an E-4 with an MOS as Supply Technician. He joined the Coast Guard in 1979 as a Seaman Storekeeper and retired in August 2007 as a Chief Warrant Officer after 28 years of service. He has 11 years of sea duty and has been stationed aboard 6 Coast Guard Cutters, serving as a Department Head/Supply Officer aboard two. Mr. Patton has been awarded five Coast Guard Achievement medals, seven Good Conduct medals, two Armed Forces Expeditionary medals, two National Defense Service medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service medal, and the Humanitarian Service medal. He is married to wife Deborah and they have three children, Kevin, Samantha, and Linda.
Lieutenant Morgan Bingle is a native of Seattle, WA and graduated from the University of Idaho in 2014. LT Bingle commissioned through Officer Candidate School in 2016.
In June 2016 he reported for his first tour onboard USS Mustin (DDG 89), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. He served as the Auxiliaries Officer and Administration Officer throughout the ship’s basic phase and multiple patrols in the Sea of Japan, Philippine Sea, and South China Sea. In February 2019 he reported for his second tour as Navigator onboard USS Benfold (DDG 65), also homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. While onboard he supported one patrol in the East China Sea, an extended dry-dock period, and the ship’s basic phase.
Lieutenant Bingle’s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit awards.
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
University of Washington NROTC
Lieutenant Ryan Kraner grew up in Fort Jennings, Ohio. He is the son of Brad and Marcy Kraner and has one younger sister. Lieutenant Kraner graduated with a B.S. in Biology from The Ohio State University in 2015 and commissioned though Officer Candidate School April 2016.
Lieutenant Kraner completed Flight Training in Pensacola, Florida. After receiving his Naval Flight Officer “Wings of Gold” he reported to the EA-18G Growler Fleet Replacement Squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Upon becoming a fully qualified Electronic Warfare Officer, in April 2020 LT Kraner became a “Gauntlet” at VAQ-136 and immediately began workups for a deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN70) with Carrier Strike Group 2 (CVW2) summer 2021 – spring 2022.
Prior to arriving at the UW Husky Battalion in April 2023, LT Kraner finished his sea-tour with a 9 month Individual Augmentee assignment as the Non-Kinetics Duty Officer Cell Chief at the Combined Air & Space Operations Center aboard Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar where he oversaw all Cyber, Space, Electromagnetic Spectrum, and Information Operations in the AFCENT AOR.
In addition to his duties as an instructor, LT Kraner is pursuing a Master’s, trains for endurance races, plays piano, and hikes with his dog, Ace.
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
Submarine Warfare Officer/Nuclear Power Officer
University of Washington NROTC
LT Josh Lanzona was born and raised in Metro Manila, Philippines then moved to Anaheim, California in 2003. He graduated and was commissioned as an Ensign from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign with a B.S. in Engineering Physics in 2016. He went on to complete Naval Nuclear Power Training in Charleston, SC and Saratoga Springs, NY in 2017. After Nuclear Power Training, he completed the Submarine Officer’s Basic Course in Groton, CT and Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center SCUBA Diver Course in Panama City Beach, FL in 2018.
LT Lanzona reported to the USS OHIO (SSGN 726 GOLD) in June 2018, where he served as the Electrical Assistant, Damage Control Assistant, Special Operations Forces Officer, Dive Division Officer, Information Warfare Officer, Communications Officer, Navigation Division Officer, Assistant Senior Watch Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He completed two PACOM deployments with USS OHIO and participated in two PACOM deployments with USS MICHIGAN (SSGN 727 GOLD).
In April 2021, LT Lanzona reported to Destroyer Squadron 21 (CDS 21) in San Diego, CA. He served as the Submarine Operations Officer acting as the submarine subject matter expert to the Commodore who acted as the Anti-Surface Warfare and Anti-Submarine Warfare Commander for Carrier Strike Group 3 (CCSG-3). With CDS 21, he completed one PACOM deployment and one RIMPAC onboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in 2022. In November 2022, LT Lanzona reported to the University of Washington.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal at the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two Gold Stars.
In addition to his duties as an instructor, LT Lanzona enjoys backpacking, hiking, photography, travel, sports, and watching the Seattle Seahawks.
Military Experience: Gunnery Sergeant Hendrix enlisted in the Marine Corps and underwent recruit training on 16 July, 2007 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, California.
In November 2007 Private First Class Hendrix attended his Military Occupation Specialty School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma for Cannon Crewman course.
In February, 2008 Private First Class Hendrix reported to Kilo Battery 3D BN 12th Marines and served as a Cannoneer. In April 2008 Private First Class Hendrix was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal. Lance Corporal Hendrix deployed to Okinawa, Japan in May of 2008 in support of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Lance Corporal Hendrix returned from deployment in February of 2009.
In April 2009, Lance Corporal Hendrix was promoted to the Rank of Corporal. In May 2011, Corporal Hendrix was assigned to Golf Battery 2nd Battalion 11th Marines. Corporal Hendrix attended Artillery Training School in 2011 where he received the billet of Section Chief.
From October 2011 to May 2012, Corporal Hendrix Deployed to Kajaki and Shira Ghazi in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Corporal Hendrix served as a Howitzer Section Chief and 81mm Mortars Chief during this time. In May 2012, Corporal Hendrix was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Sergeant Hendrix attended Drill Instructor school at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in October 2013 and was assigned to 3D Recruit Training Battalion Lima Company. In November of 2014 Sergeant Hendrix served as a Martial Arts Instructor at the Dojo on MCRD. Sergeant Hendrix returned to Lima Company at the end of 2015 where he served as a green belt Drill Instructor. In October of 2016 Sergeant Hendrix was assigned to Kilo Company where he served as a Senior Drill Instructor.
Sergeant Hendrix was promoted to Staff Sergeant in October of 2016.
In January 2017, Staff Sergeant Hendrix was assigned to Romeo Battery 5th Battalion 11th Marines. Staff Sergeant Hendrix served as a Guns Platoon Sergeant and Launcher Section Chief. From May 2018 to November 2018 Staff Sergeant Hendrix Deployed to Okinawa, Japan in support of the Unit Deployment Program.
In February of 2019 Staff Sergeant Hendrix reported to 3d BN 11th Marines where he was assigned as a Platoon Sergeant in Mike Battery.
Staff Sergeant Hendrix served as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant for Kilo Battery from May 2019 to December 2019 and then deployed with Battery I in as the Battery Gunnery Sergeant from September 2020 to March 2021.
In March 2021 Staff Sergeant Hendrix assumed his duties as the Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI) at the University of Washington, Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Staff Sergeant Hendrix was promoted to his current rank of Gunnery Sergeant in August of 2022.
Personal Decorations: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with three gold stars (in lieu of third award), and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Hobbies, sports and interests: Parenting, Riding Motorcycles, Playing sports, Traveling
Marine Officer Instructor
University of Washington NROTC
Elizabeth Schilder attended the United States Naval Academy from 2014 – 2018. She graduated in May 2018, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and a Bachelor of Science degree in History with a minor in Spanish. She reported to The Basic School in September of 2018, graduating in April 2019 with the 6002 Aviation Maintenance Officer MOS. 2ndLt Schilder performed on-the-job training at Presidential Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1), then completed MOS school at Naval Air Station Whiting Field, where she earned the Honor Graduate distinction. During September 2019, she arrived at Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 36 in Okinawa, Japan, where she served as the Airframes Division Officer. In October 2020, she transitioned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, serving as the Material Control Officer. While part of the Dragons, she deployed twice with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit and supported multiple international exercises in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. Between deployments, 1stLt Schilder was selected to attend the Advanced Aviation Maintenance Officer Course at MAWTS-1 where she earned her Weapons and Tactics Instructor designation in October 2021.
1stLt Schilder has served as the ground maintenance officer for most Marine Corps aviation platforms, notably the MV-22B, AH-1Z, UH-1Y, CH-53E, and the F-35B. She holds the 8056 BMOS, HAZMAT/HAZWASTE Officer and has also served as a Command Physical Training Representative and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim’s Advocate.
1stLt Schilder reported to the Naval ROTC unit at the University of Washington in May 2022 where she currently serves as the Marine Officer Instructor, Battalion Operations Officer, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer and the Command Fitness Leader.
Associate Professor of Naval Science
Executive Officer
University of Washington NROTC
Commander Richard Bog Slade is a native of Williamston, NC. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, and he received his commission through the UNC NROTC program. He earned his Wings of Gold in July 2005.
Commander Slade’s first operational tour saw him flying the SH-60B Seahawk with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR FOUR (HSL-44) Swamp Foxes in Mayport, FL. He made two full deployments to the Fifth Fleet AOR aboard USS UNDERWOOD (FFG 36) and USS MASON (DDG 87). While at HSL-44, he served as Operations Officer for Detachments SIX and THREE and as squadron Assistant Operations Officer.
In April 2009, Commander Slade reported to his first shore tour with the Eightballers of Helicopter Training Squadron EIGHT (HT-8) where he served as an advanced helicopter instructor pilot. As Navy Student Control Officer and Assistant Standardization Officer he mentored over 150 students. Commander Slade was honored as HT-8’s Instructor Pilot of the Year for 2011.
After graduating from the School of Aviation Safety, he joined USS WASP (LHD 1) as Safety Officer in March 2012. Commander Slade qualified as Officer of the Deck and Fixed/Rotary Wing Launch and Recovery Officer while WASP won two Safety Excellence Awards and. He also earned his Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College in 2013.
In August 2014, Commander Slade qualified to fly the MH-60R Seahawk and reported to Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN TWO (HSM-72) Proud Warriors at NAS Jacksonville. He was the squadron’s Safety Officer and Training Officer, and he was Detachment TWO Officer-in-Charge (OIC) aboard USS BULKELEY (DDG 84) for an eight-month deployment to the Fifth Fleet AOR.
Departing HSM-72 in February 2017, Commander Slade joined the staff of Commander, Helicopter Maritime Strike Wing Atlantic as Wing Training Officer. There, he defined training policy for all MH-60R crews and managed simulator and training infrastructure requirements.
In March 2020, Commander Slade joined the staff of Commander, U.S. Seventh Fleet forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. He served as Fleet Training Officer, responsible for training and certification of the Navy’s operational forces in the Western Pacific. Commander Slade also assisted in the planning and execution of various exercises and managed Seventh Fleet’s training requirements.
In April 2022, Commander Slade reported to the University of Washington Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (UW NROTC) as Executive Officer and Associate Professor of Naval Science.
Commander Slade has flown over 3,200 flight hours in Navy aircraft. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Air Medal (Strike Flight), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and campaign awards. Commander Slade is married to the former Kathryn Nash, Esq., and they are the proud parents of their son, Thomas.