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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.
LT Ricardo Caporale
LT Ricardo Caporale
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
University of Washington NROTC
Lieutenant Ricardo Caporale grew up in Beacon, New York, and has one younger brother. He is the son of Antoinette Griffin. Lieutenant Caporale graduated with honors from The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, and received his commission in 2015 through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps program.
Lieutenant Caporale served his Division Officer Tours in USS ESSEX (LHD 2) as the Repair Division Officer and then as the Combat Electronics Division Officer; in USS CHAMPION (MCM 4), he served as the ship’s Navigation Officer.
While serving aboard ESSEX, he completed a deployment to 5th and 7th Fleet to support Operation Inherent Resolve, saw an eighteen-month CNO Maintenance Availability, and served Temporary Assigned Duty in USS AMERICA (LHA 6) for RIMPAC. During his Navigator tour, he completed San Francisco Fleet Week, two Klein-5000 side-scan sonar hydrographic surveys supporting maritime home-defense operations, and a two-year CNO Maintenance Availability. He also served as the Electrical Division Officer while deployed on Temporary Assigned Duty in USS ANCHORAGE (LPD 23) to 5th, 6th, and 7th Fleet to support Operation Odyssey Resolve and screened for early command of a Mark VI Riverine Patrol Boat. LT Caporale currently serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Washington NROTC.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Navy Battle “E” Ribbon.
LT Aaron Schmersahl
LT Aaron Schmersahl
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
Aviation Officer
University of Washington NROTC
Lieutenant Schmersahl was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He enlisted in the US Navy in November of
2001 as a Fire Control Technician aboard submarines. Upon completion of “A school” in Groton,
Connecticut, Lieutenant Schmersahl was stationed onboard the USS Topeka SSN 754 homeported in San
Diego, California. While stationed onboard USS Topeka, Lieutenant Schmersahl completed two western
pacific deployments in support of national level intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance tasking.
In 2007, Lieutenant Schmersahl received orders to Naval Recruiting District (NRD) Atlanta, where he served as an enlisted programs recruiter. While stationed at NRD Atlanta, Lieutenant Schmersahl
prospected, mentored and screened candidates for careers in the US Navy. In 2008, Lieutenant
Schmersahl was selected for the highly competitive Seaman-to-Admiral-21 program (STA-21) where he
would join the NROTC unit as an officer candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
In June 2011, Lieutenant Schmersahl graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
and commissioned as an Ensign where he would then report to Pensacola, Florida as a student Naval
Aviator. Lieutenant Schmersahl trained in the T-6B Texan with the VT-3 RED KNIGHTS in Milton, Florida
and received follow-on multi-engine training in the TC-12B Huron with the VT-35 STINGRAYS in Corpus
Christi, Texas. Lieutenant Schmersahl completed flight training in Jacksonville, Florida where he trained
to fly the P-3C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft. Lieutenant Schmersahl reported to VQ-1 in Whidbey
Island, Washington in 2013 where he completed multiple deployments to the seventh, sixth, and fifth
fleets as an EP-3E Aries Aircraft Commander and maintenance Quality Assurance Officer in support of
Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom Sentinel.
In May 2018, Lieutenant Schmersahl reported to NAVCENT/5 th Fleet in Bahrain where he served as Battle
Watch Captain, overseeing maritime exercise planning and operations for coalition and Fifth Fleet forces
deployed to the Middle East.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal,
and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal in lieu of third award.
Lieutenant Schmersahl resides in Kirkland, Washington with his wife and three children. He serves as the
unit’s aviation advisor and has plans to continue flying in the greater Seattle area.
LT Megan Lum
LT Megan Lum
Assistant Professor of Naval Science Surface Warfare Officer Nuclear University of Washington NROTC
LT Megan Lum was born and raised in Kaneohe, HI. In 2009 she accepted her admission to the University of Hawaii Manoa. In 2011 she transferred to the University of California, Riverside where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Bioengineering.
LT Lum was commissioned in February of 2014 as a Surface Warfare Officer assigned to the USS NEW ORLEANS (LPD-18) out of San Diego, Ca. Here she served as the Electronic Warfare Officer from 2014 through 2016 in support of signals analysis and identification. In 2016 she deployed for four months in support of South China Sea Operations.
Ashore, LT Lum spent a year at Naval Nuclear Propulsion Training Unit qualifying to operate a naval nuclear propulsion plant. She was then assigned duty and as the Reactor Propulsion Division Officer aboard the USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). She then transitioned to both Reactor Training and Reactor Mechanical Division Officer billets while there.
Personal decorations include two Navy achievement Medals and various unit awards.
Updated: 26 November 2019
LT Gary Oh
LT Gary Oh
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
Surface Warfare Officer (SWO)
University of Washington NROTC
Lieutenant Oh was born in Incheon, South Korea, and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematic from Arizona State University and commissioned through the university’s Naval Reserve Office Training Command in 2014.
A Surface Warfare Officer by trade, he reported to USS SHOUP (DDG 86) then stationed in Everett, Washington. There, he served as Combat Missiles division officer and Engagement Control Officer while participating in the joint training exercise Northern Edge 2015, and the multinational maritime warfare exercise Rim of the Pacific 2016.
After completing nuclear training in Charleston, South Carolina, Lieutenant Oh reported to USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in 2018 while undergoing an extensive dry dock and workup period in Bremerton, Washington. There, he served as the Reactor Controls division officer, and assistant Reactor Electrical Assistant.
In June 2020, Lieutenant Oh received orders to the University of Washington NROTC Unit as the Surface Warfare adviser while obtaining his master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering at the university.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
Major Willet
Poseidon Company Advisor Major Willet
Marine Officer Instructor University of Washington NROTC
Major Willett enlisted in the Marine Corps in January of 2001 and attended recruit training at 1st Recruit Training Battalion, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completion, he attended the School of Infantry (SOI) where he received the MOS 0311, Infantry Rifleman. Following SOI, he reported to 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment where he served in the boat raid company. In 2003, Major Willett was assessed and selected to join 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. Major Willett completed the Reconnaissance pipeline and deployed multiple times in support of Operation’s Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In 2006 Major Willett was honorably discharged from active duty and attended the University of Florida where he completed his degree in 2010. Upon Commissioning he attended The Basic School (TBS) in Quantico, Virginia. Following TBS, Major Willett reported to Marine Aviation Training Support Group-21 in Pensacola, Florida, for flight training.
Major Willett was designated a Naval Aviator in August 2013 and reported to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training squadron-303 (HMLAT-303) on Camp Pendleton for pilot qualification training in the AH-1W. Major Willett was then assigned to HMLA-269 at MCAS New River, North Carolina. He served with the “Gunrunners” from April 2014 to April 2017. During that time he deployed with the squadron in support of the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan. In April 2017, Major Willett deployed as an Air Advisor and Joint Terminal Attack Controller with Task Force Southwest supporting Operation Freedom’s Sentinel and NATO Mission Resolute Support in Helmand, Afghanistan. In February 2018 he returned to the “Gunrunners” to serve in the Department of Safety and Standardization as a squadron Aviation Safety Officer.
Major Willett reported to the Naval ROTC at the University of Washington in June 2019 where he currently serves as the Marine Officer Instructor, Battalion Operations Officer, Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection Officer and the Command Fitness Leader. Major Willett’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with bronze star in lieu of second award and the Combat Action Ribbon.
LT Aaron Bishop
Poseidon Company Advisor LT Aaron Bishop
Assistant Professor of Naval Science
Submarine Warfare Officer/Nuclear Power Officer
University of Washington NROTC
LT Aaron Bishop grew up in Huson, Montana and graduated from Frenchtown High School in 2008. He enlisted in the Navy as a Nuclear Electronics Technician, and while in the training program was accepted into the Seaman-to-Admiral 21 commissioning program. Through the STA-21 program he attended Oregon State University and completed a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering with a minor in Economics. He commissioned as an Ensign in 2014, and went on complete Naval Nuclear Power Training in Charleston, SC and Saratoga Spring, NY before being assigned to the USS California (SSN 781) out of Groton, CT.
LT Bishop reported to the USS California in April 2016, where he served as the Chemical and Radiological Controls Officer, Diving Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He completed two EUCOM deployments over three years onboard California.
In April 2019 LT Bishop was assigned to the PCU Montana (SSN 794) in Newport News, VA. He served as the Assistant Operations Officer and the Training Officer, acting as the operational subject matter expert for the pre-commissioned boat, and assisting in the testing of the nuclear systems. In September 2020 LT Bishop reported to the University of Washington.
His personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Gold Star.
In addition to his duties as an instructor, LT Bishop is pursuing a Master’s degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, snowboarding, running, and attending Seattle Sounders games.
Staff Sergeant Hendrix
SSGT Hendrix UWNROTC AMOI
Rank: Staff Sergeant (1 Oct 2016)
Name: Brandon J. Hendrix
Date and Place of Birth: 05 November 1988,
Montclair, CA.
Education: Graduated from Redlands High School in 2006
Military Experience: Staff 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 his current rank of 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.
Personal Decorations: Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal,Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with two gold stars (in lieu of third award), and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Hobbies, sports and interests: Parenting, Riding Motorcycles, Playing sports, Traveling
Commander Kelly Flynn
Associate Professor of Naval Science
Executive Officer
University of Washington NROTC
Commander Kelly C. Flynn, a native of Long Beach, California graduated with honors from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Business. He joined the Navy through Officer Candidate School, commissioned in January 2001, and was designated a Naval Aviator in May 2002.
Commander Flynn’s first operational assignment was flying SH-60B Seahawk Helicopters with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FIVE ONE (HSM-51) Warlords in Atsugi, Japan making combat deployments onboard USS OBRIEN (DD 975), USS VANDEGRIFT (FFG 48) and USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63). While assigned to HSM-51, he was the squadron’s lead NATOPS/SAR flight instructor.
In August 2006, he reported to Training Squadron TWENTY SEVEN (VT-27) for fixed wing flight instructor duty. As Student Control Officer, he was directly responsible for over 100 students’ academic progress through flight training. During his tour at VT-27, Commander Flynn graduated from the USMC School of Continuing Education completing his JPME Phase I.
In 2009, Commander Flynn transferred to Yokosuka, Japan for duty as Assistant Air Operations Officer and Air Transfer Officer onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) where he earned his Conning Alongside and Officer of the Deck qualifications underway.
After being selected for Operational Department Head and graduating from the Navy’s Prestigious School of Aviation Safety, Commander Flynn reported to Helicopter Strike Maritime FIVE ONE (HSM-51) in Atsugi, Japan where he deployed on USS LASSEN (DDG 82), USS MUSTIN (DDG 89) and eventually served as Airboss on USS COWPENS (CG 63). He concluded his tour at HSM-51 serving as Squadron Maintenance Officer and was responsible for the Navy’s Forward Deployed SH-60B to MR-60R helicopter transition.
After leaving HSM-51, Commander Flynn reported to United States Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM) where he served as Chief, Nuclear Codes Branch and was directly responsible for safeguarding our nation’s nuclear codes. During his tour at USSTRATCOM, he earned a Master Degree in Leadership and Professional Administration from Duquesne University.
In 2017, Commander Flynn reported to USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) where he served as REAGAN’S Strike Operations Officer responsible for all aspects of operational planning, scheduling and coordination between Commander Carrier Strike Group FIVE (CSG-5), Commander Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CAG-5), Commander Destroyer Squadron FIFTEEN (DESRON-15), and REAGAN’S host nation Japan.
In 2019, Commander Flynn reported to the University of Washington Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (UW NROTC) as Executive Officer and Associate Professor of Naval Science.
His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal, and various campaign and service awards.
Captain Michael Lockwood
Captain Michael Lockwood
Professor of Naval Science
Commanding Officer
University of Washington NROTC
Captain Lockwood was born and raised in Rochester, New York, and is a 1991 graduate of Rochester Institute of Technology where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He was commissioned via NROTC.
He has served at sea as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans (N3/N5) – Commander, Task Force SEVEN ZERO/Battle Force SEVENTH Fleet/GEORGE WASHINGTON Carrier Strike Group; Commanding Officer, Assault Craft Unit ONE; Chief Staff Officer, Destroyer Squadron NINE; Executive Officer, USS O’KANE (DDG 77); Assistant Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel (N1) – Commander, NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group; Combat Systems Officer/Weapons Officer in USS BUNKER HILL (CG 52); Fire Control Officer in USS THOMAS S GATES (CG 51); and Main Propulsion Assistant/Combat Information Center Officer in USS NEW ORLEANS (LPH 11). Captain Lockwood has completed nine deployments to the Western Pacific and Middle East, supporting Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQI FREEDOM, SOUTHERN WATCH, DAMAYAN, and RESTORE HOPE.
Ashore, Captain Lockwood’s most recent assignment was to Tactical Training Group Pacific in San Diego, California, where he served as Operations and Plans Syndicate Chair. He has also served as Maritime Division Chief (J32), Operations Directorate of North American Aerospace Defense Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado; and at Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Washington, DC; and Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.
He holds a MS in National Resource Strategy from the National Defense University, and an MS in Applied Physics from the Naval Postgraduate School. His decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, as well as other personal and unit level awards and citations.
Mr Dave Patton
Mr. Patton
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.
