USS Nimitz Welcomes Eleven Midshipmen Onboard

Eleven Midshipmen arrived on board the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) July 9 as part of a summer training program. 

This is the second group of midshipmen Nimitz has hosted the past month.

Cruises like these allow future officers to experience life at sea, glimpsing both the enlisted and officers side of things.

“I’ve never experienced anything like this program before,” said Midshipman 2nd Class Maxx Killman, of San Diego, a student at the University of Michigan. “It’s designed for midshipmen who are trying to become officers to see what it’s like to be an enlisted person in the military and to appreciate the work they do. Everything officers do falls back onto the enlisted. We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs properly without them.”

During their visit, the midshipmen will stay in enlisted berthings and stand watches to see firsthand some of the jobs of enlisted Sailors and officers on board Nimitz. Their watches include the pilot house, medical, damage control central and the galley.

According to Midshipman 1st Class Andrew Barr, of Mount Prospect, Ill., a student at the University of Illinois, he is excited to stand watch to learn about Nimitz.

“I’m here for training,” said Barr. “I’m here to receive as much training as the Nimitz can give me.”

Midshipman 2nd Class Julie Roland, of Berkley, Calif., a student at the University of Pennsylvania, is trying to become a surface warfare officer and a judge advocate general.

“I wanted to serve my country,” said Roland. “The Navy has good opportunities for women, I like the humanitarian efforts the Navy helps with and I also wanted to learn how to be a great leader.”

Roland expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to spend some time aboard Nimitz.

“I’m excited and looking forward to learning as much as I can,” said Roland. “I feel lucky to get to be on board an aircraft carrier.”

One activity Roland hopes to experience while on board the Nimitz is flying in a helicopter.

“I would love to ride in a helicopter because I love flying; it’s fun,” said Roland. “Not many people my age get to do that sort of thing.”

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

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Press Release, July 11, 2013