Notre Dame Naval ROTC

On 16 May, 2026, 23 Ensigns and Second Lieutenants commissioned into the United States Navy and Marine Corps from the University of Notre Dame.

They will report to the Basic Division Officer Course, The Basic School, Naval Aviation Schools Command, Information Warfare Basic, and Nuclear Power School. Congratulations to our newest Ensigns and Second Lieutenants! Fair winds and following seas!

From River Forest, IL, this week’s First Class Friday features MIDN 1/C Thomas Rotatori from Alumni Hall. Thomas chose to pursue Notre Dame as he grew up visiting often and always thought it was a special place. Being a student at Notre Dame only confirmed his first thoughts. He states that the people and support at Notre Dame make this university so special - no matter what path you choose, Notre Dame helps get you there. Thomas chose to Pursue Notre Dame NROTC and specifically became a Marine Option to challenge himself to the highest standard mentally, physically, and morally. This challenge shaped who he has become and Thomas feels honored to have the opportunity to one day lead Marines.

Within the unit Thomas has served as B2-1 Squad Leader and BSM. Outside of the unit Thomas worked as a math tutor and started his own virtual tutoring business his junior year of college. Senior year he competed on the men’s boxing team and won the 188 pound weight division of Bengal Bouts.

Thomas’s favorite memory from NROTC was Marine Option PT. It was a consistent opportunity to build camaraderie and become more physically fit. No matter how the rest of the day went, he could always look back on PT and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Thomas will graduate this Spring with a degree in Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics prior to attending TBS and being commissioned as an officer in the Marine Corps.

Thomas would like to give thanks to his parents for all of their support throughout the last four years as well as Gysgt Holkey, 1stSgt Triebell, and Captain Hunold for their mentorship.

From Springfield, Missouri, this week’s 1/C Friday features MIDN 1/C Ian Woods from Sorin Hall. Ian chose to pursue Notre Dame NROTC because of his family’s history of service, the incredible opportunities the program offers, and the university’s strong academic and athletic culture. Driven by a desire to give back to the country that has given him so much, Ian set his sights on serving at the “tip of the spear” and becoming part of something greater than himself.

Within the unit, Ian has held a variety of leadership roles including Color Guard Leader, Squad Leader and Platoon Leader for Naval Leadership Weekend, Bravo Company Commander, and ABCFL. Outside of NROTC, Ian stays highly active across campus. He competes in intramural soccer and basketball, participates in Flying Irish and Commander’s Cup football and soccer, and is involved with the Ski Team and Golf Club.

Ian’s favorite memory from NROTC was his 1/C cruise to Hawaii, where he spent time exploring Waikiki Beach, hiking Koko Crater, and surfing the smooth blue waves.

Ian will graduate this Spring with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before commissioning and beginning his training as a Student Naval Aviator.

Ian would like to give a shoutout to his family, friends, and the active duty staff who have supported and guided him throughout his journey.

Hailing from Niantic, Connecticut, this week’s 1/C Friday features MIDN 1/C Riley Walsh of Dillon Hall. Riley chose Notre Dame for a variety of reasons: foremost among them was a desire to follow in the footsteps of his dad, the tradition and mystique of the institution, and the opportunity to study and live among well rounded, impressive, peers. MIDN Walsh pursued NROTC because he wanted to put service over self and protect our nation, while also getting to explore the world.

His favorite NROTC memories include playing in the Flying Irish basketball tournament with the boys, especially with MIDN Koehr and MIDN O’Toole and his summer transatlantic cruise to Normandy for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day with MIDN Scott and MIDN McClanahan.

Throughout his time at Notre Dame, Riley enjoyed living in Dillon with his buddies, playing intramural hoops, soccer, broomball, sand volleyball, and ultimate frisbee, refereeing basketball, and serving as battalion SUPPO.

Riley will graduate this spring with a degree in Science-Business before beginning flight training and earning his wings as a Student Naval Aviator.

He would like to give a special shoutout to his Mom and Dad for their endless support and love. With 17 different football games attended, they won every Pole 3 tailgate.