Rear Admiral Robert Witcher Copeland enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1929 and was commissioned as a Naval Reserve officer in 1935. He practiced law from 1935 until 1940, when he was ordered to active duty during the Navy’s pre-World War II expansion effort.
During the War, he commanded the coal burning tug PAWTUCKET (YT 7), the Costal Patrol Yacht BLACK DOUGLAS (PYc 45), and the destroyer escort WYMAN (DE 38) before taking command of SAMUEL B. ROBERTS (DE 413).
Shortly after dawn on 25 October 1944, while in command of the Samuel B. Roberts, then LCDR Copeland was protecting the escort carriers of Taffy III when a Japanese task force suddenly appeared on the horizon and opened fire. After joining in the daring torpedo attack on the Japanese cruisers and scoring a torpedo hit on one and at least 40 gunfire hits on a second, The ROBERTS was hit by a salvo of 14-inch shells which tore a 40 feet long and 10 feet wide hole in the port side of her number 2 engine rooms. The ship was abandoned and soon sank. Though his ship was lost, this action helped defeat the Japanese counter-offensive against the Leyte invasion. For this, Copeland was awarded the Navy Cross.
Following World War II, Copeland resumed his law career while remaining a member of the Naval Reserve, in which he rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. USS COPELAND (FFG-25) was named in honor of Rear Admiral Robert W. Copeland.
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.
Captain Elizabeth Schilder
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.
Gunnery Sergeant Hendrix
SSGT Hendrix UWNROTC AMOI
Rank: Gunnery Sergeant
Name: Brandon J. Hendrix
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 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
Captain Allen Adkins
Captain Allen Adkins
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.
Commander Richard Bog Slade
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.
Lieutenant Morgan S. Bingle
LT Morgan S. Bingle
Lieutenant Morgan S. Bingle
University of Washington NROTC
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.
Lieutenant 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.
Lieutenant 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.
Jon-Paul Mickle
Jon-Paul Mickle
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.
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
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.
Marine Officer Instructor
Associate Professor of Naval Science
