KOA O KE KAI - WARRIORS FROM THE SEA
Experience the Education of a Lifetime at UH Mānoa
About Us
Founded in 2021, the Koa O Ke Kai Battalion is proud to claim the title of the nation’s newest Naval ROTC unit. Already boasting a student body of more than 40 midshipmen, the University of Hawaii’s NROTC unit is poised for success.
Led by an experienced and dedicated staff and armed with a host of unique opportunities for training, programs, and internships, our midshipmen are well prepared to lead the next generation of Marines and Sailors – safeguarding our way of life.
Find your future in the gem of the Pacific. Contact us today!
Mission of the Naval ROTC Program.
To develop young men and women morally, mentally, and physically, and to instill in them the highest ideals of honor, courage, and commitment. The program educates and trains young men and women for leadership positions in an increasingly technical Navy and Marine Corps!
Aloha! E Komo Mai!
Workout Wednesday 💪
This weeks #WorkoutWednesday is a Combat Fitness test (CFT) prep workout.
The workout will consist of:
-50 dumbbell overhead presses
-50m farmers carry
-100m sprint
-25 push-ups
Complete 3 rounds
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#WorkoutWednesday #CFTSeason #hawaiinrotc
Saturday Spotlight✨
Let’s see what the midshipmen have been up to while attending @UHManoaNews! From surfing waves in the Pacific, to climbing peaks to scuba dives across the world, members of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion are always staying active.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#SurfsUp #HikingInOahu #UHManoa #StudyAbroadAustralia
Firstie Friday🥇
This week’s #FirstieFriday is Staff Sergeant Palacios, a member of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program(MECEP).
SSgt Palacios is originally from El Paso, Texas and is earning his degree in accounting and finance. Upon commissioning he will attend The Basic School (TBS).
His favorite memory from ROTC was this years Dining In. As he says, “Events like that are a huge part of our naval traditions, and this semester we had a very special mix of outstanding Marines, Sailors and Midshipman.
His word of advice is, “Make yourself a little bit better every day. No matter what goals you are working towards, if you can improve 1% every day you will be amazed what you can accomplish over the course of a semester, a year, or even a career. Work hard and be consistent - the sky is the limit!”
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#firstiefriday #hawaiinrotc #oorah
Rest easy everyone… it’s #AlmostFriday
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Workout Wednesday 💪
Today’s #workoutwednesday is a buddy pair circuit:
As many repetitions as possible (AMRAP)
5 minute rounds
-Air squats
-Ammo can presses
-Burpees
-Pull ups/hand-release push ups
-400m sprint
*Repeat twice
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#workoutwednesday #hawaiinrotc #navy #marines
Kick off the fun🏈⚓️
Midshipmen from the #koaokekai battalion participate in Military Appreciation Night.
Midshipmen represented the battalion and showed their appreciation for our military alongside active duty service members stationed on Oahu.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiinrotc #veterans #militaryappreciation
Firstie Friday 🥇
This week’s #FirstieFriday is MIDN 1/C Nelson from Makakilo, Hawai’i. He is studying Political Science and has been service selected Naval Aviator.
His favorite memory from ROTC was, seeing Top Gun Maverick at the Pacific Aviation Museum with the unit and his Dad.
His word of advice is,
“Make friends, having them will help you grow as a person and leader. No point in trying to fight each other or become someone’s roadblock.”
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiinrotc #firstiefriday #hooyah
Love this!! ❤️
Excellent!!!!!
Nice!
From the Halls of Montezuma… ⭐️
Members of the #koaokekai battalion attended Marine Corp Headquarters Battalion 249th Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
The Marine Corps birthday ball is a prestigious event that happens once a year. It is a time for Marines all around the globe to come together and strengthen camaraderie while embracing their heritage through ceremony and tradition.
Thank you to the staff at Marine Corps base Hawaii for allowing us to partake in this great event!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#usmc #SemperFidelis #hawaiinrotc
Firstie Friday 🥇
This weeks #FirstieFriday is Midshipmen 1/C Blair. Originally from Kailua, Hawai’i, Blair is studying Kinesiology and is service selected for Submarines.
His favorite memory from ROTC is starting the rivalry with @det175afrotc over a rock “and winning”.
His word of advice is, “Be like a sponge—absorb everything. Go to every event and take every opportunity ROTC and Hawaii offers. Whether it’s a tough PT session, a leadership lesson, unit events, or exploring the island, soak it all in. The more you absorb, the better prepared you’ll be to lead when your time comes. But remember, even sponges need to be wrung out—take time to relax and recharge so you’re ready for the next challenge.”
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiinrotc #firstiefriday #hooyahnavy
I love it!!!! Please tell him I am so proud of him!!!!
Trick-or-Treat🎃
Midshipmen from the #koaokekai battalion get into the Halloween spirit by participating in a costume fun-PT!
Happy Halloween!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiinrotc #Halloweenpt #NROTC
AWESOME!! Happy Halloween UH NROTC!
Set… Moving… Move!🪖
This past weekend, marine option midshipmen of the #koaokekai battalion completed their first Fall Field Exercise (FEX).
The purpose of this multiple day training event is to evaluate aspiring Marine Corps officers on the knowledge they have learned throughout the semester. The FEX consisted of day and night land-navigation, Small Unit Leadership Evaluations (SULE), exposure to Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT), and a 10k hike.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiinrotc #bellowsafb #fallfex #semperfi
Did CDR Phillip Moore give any tips/tricks for backpacking trips? I heard he'd done a couple of them back in his Boy Scout Days! ;)
AWESOME!!! Well done Devil Dogs!
Good job all! Let’s go #koaokekai battalion
Semester highlight 🌟
This semester the #koaokekai battalion put on their first ever dining-in event. Midshipmen and staff have been working tirelessly throughout the semester so far, this event congratulated some of their hard work. Here are some highlights you may have missed!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#diningin #nrotchawaii #uhmanoa #jbpearlharborhickam
Let’s par-tee⛳️
Midshipmen from the #KoaOKeKai battalion volunteer at the @navyleaguhonolulu golf tournament.
The Navy league of Honolulu is dedicated to supporting service members across Honolulu and is a top sponsor of #UHNROTC.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#hawaiirotc #navyleaguehonolulu #letsgogolf
Bring fourth the beef! 🥩
#uhnrotc puts on their first ever battalion dining-in event.
Formal events such as a dining-in is an important part of Naval tradition. They are crucial to enhancing teamwork and fostering an extra sense of camaraderie between members of a unit or group. It is a time to enjoy a well prepared meal, share stories, and embrace military heritage.
Thank you to all the midshipmen and staff that brought this event to life!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhmanoa #diningin #NavyBirthday
Bring fourth the beef! 🥩
#uhnrotc puts on their first ever battalion dining-in event.
Formal events such as a dining-in is an important part of Naval tradition. They are crucial to enhancing teamwork and fostering an extra sense of camaraderie between members of a unit or group. It is a time to enjoy a well prepared meal, share stories, and embrace military heritage.
Thank you to all the midshipmen and staff that brought this event to life!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Yey! Go #koaokekaibattalion ⚓️ we are proud of you all
Firstie Friday🥇
This weeks #FirstieFriday is MIDN 1/C Patrick McHale. McHale is from Pearl Harbor, Hawai’i. He is studying Marine biology and hopes to become an intelligence officer.
His favorite memory from ROTC was the USS Carl Vinson cruise on the internship with the other Hawaii midshipmen.
“It’s always a great Navy day, and if it’s not, make it one.”
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#firstiefridays #commissionbound #hawaiilife #uhmanoa
Marine to be Promoted ❗️
Tuesday afternoon, former Staff Sergeant Luis Cartagena Colon, a member of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education program (MECEP) with the #koaokekai battalion was promoted to the prestigious rank of Gunnery Sergeant.
The promotion to Gunnery Sergeant represents leadership, expertise, and commitment to the Marine Corps. Gunnery Sergeants play a vital role in mentoring Marines, ensuring operational readiness, and bridging the gap between enlisted and officer ranks.
Semper Fi!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#promotionceremony #gunny #mecep #semperfi
Leadership Laboratory ✏️
This week’s lead lab presentation was brought to us by Major Melanie D. Hursky and her husband Nicholas T. Hurksy. Both of whom have served or are serving phenomenal careers in the Navy and Marine Corps.
United States Marine Corps Major Hursky presented about her unique career. In specific she went over her b-billet FAO, Foreign Area Officer. She was able to talk about her experience as a military member in Thailand and all over southeast asia. Her insight into the FAO job was an impactful and eye opening experience for Midshipmen who had never heard of the opportunity.
Nicholas T. Hursky is a retired US Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician (EOD). Mr. Hursky gave insight into the very competitive and highly demanding community of EOD. The information was beneficial for all Midshipmen who wish to go EOD and are starting the long journey of the selection process.
#UHNROTC alumni, newly commissioned Ensign Simmons, also attended this weeks lead lab. He said his final goodbyes to the battalion, as he begins his journey into aviation as an NFO. ENS Simmons had been in the battalion since day one and had made a huge impact on all the Midshipmen. Fair winds and following seas Sir⚓️
#navyeoddiver #usmc #foreignareaofficer #leadlab #uhmanoa
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