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!
Over 80 strong stand the students of the #koaokekai NROTC Battalion of the Spring ‘25 semester.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #UnitedStatesMarines
#UnitedStatesNavy
During this week’s Lead Lab, midshipmen had the opportunity to learn from Gunnery Sergeant Vanderstelt about the history of Marine Corps Scout Snipers.
GySgt Vanderstelt shared his experiences in the field, the origins and evolution of the Scout Sniper MOS and the rigorous training required to earn the title. His insights provided midshipmen with a deeper understanding of the skill, discipline and dedication necessary for this specialized role.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Kicking off this week's #MidshipmanMonday, we're highlighting MIDN Moxley, who serves as Squad Leader for Bravo Company. She shares her insights on the role and what ROTC means to her.
"As a squad leader I get to lead from a much more personal position than those higher in the chain of command. Squad leaders are in charge of around 10-12 people and take accountability for them at all events and pass down information to them. I have the opportunity to interact with each of them and help shape them into future leaders which makes it a very meaningful position to me.
I joined NROTC to be a part of something bigger than myself and to be the best person I can be."
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
So incredibly proud of this girl❤️👏🏼
It’s #finallyfriday midterms are coming up so make sure to lock in and #getitdone 🥸📚
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #unitedstatesmarines #unitedstatesnavy
During a refit in Holy Loch Scotland, one of my Chiefs in the Navy (EMC/SS) mentioned the phrase, "Work hard, play hard". Probably one of most useful phrases I still remember.
The #koaokekai battalion Color Guard proudly represents the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and military bearing.
Through dedication and teamwork, these midshipmen uphold the traditions of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, honoring ceremonies and events with precision and pride.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
The drill team hones their skills through precision movements, discipline and teamwork as part of the #koaokekai battalion.
By practicing rifle spinning, marching and drill routines, midshipmen sharpen their attention to detail and military bearing—essential qualities for future Navy and Marine Corps officers. Drill training reinforces professionalism, confidence and excellence, preparing midshipmen for the leadership challenges ahead.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Great work by our very own Marine Officer Instructor, Captain Chow, in her win at this year’s Great Aloha Run! 👏🏃🏼♀️
12,000 take part in 41st annual Great Aloha Run
www.hawaiinewsnow.com
Participants kicked off the 8.15-mile race at Aloha Tower in downtown Honolulu and finished at Aloha Stadium in Halawa.AWESOME and CONGRATS Captain Grace Chow!!! We are VERY Proud of You!
Great job!!!
Yey! Great job Captain Chow! 💪🏽🏃🏽♀️let’s go #koaokekaibattalion
It’s #WarriorWednesday !
Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKai Battalion conduct joint squad physical training with both Navy and Marine Corps students.
Joint PT fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and naval integration of our blue-green team.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #NavyROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #unitedstatesmarines
#unitedstatesnavy
Marine Option Midshipmen of the #koaokekai battalion sharpen their day and night land navigation skills during Marine Lab with classroom instruction.
Land navigation is a critical skill for Marine Corps officers, ensuring they can navigate diverse terrains with confidence, both day and night. Midshipmen practiced using maps, compasses and terrain association techniques to enhance their ability to maneuver in challenging environments. Mastering these fundamentals builds self-reliance, problem-solving skills and adaptability—key traits for future Marine leaders.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective naval officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness, and leadership skills.
So kinda like Orienteering on steroids? My kids still use those skills 30+ years later. When they were kids we had lotsa time in some Connecticut state parks running around in the woods, Hurd State Park and more.
Happy Valentine's Day from the KoaOKeKai Battalion!#uhnrotcNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skil#uhnrotcN#navalreserveofficerstrainingcorpsC#marinerotce#KoaOKeKaiBattaliona#oorahO#semperfip#UnitedStatesMarinesr#UnitedStatesNavysnavy
Under the Sea🐙🤿 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.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #unitedstatesmarines
#unitedstatesnavy
Let’s go good people #koaokekaibattalion
Midshipmen of the #koaokekai Battalion conduct a utility uniform inspection, demonstrating individual discipline while upholding the highest standards of the #UnitedStatesNavy and #UnitedStatesMarineCorps.
Inspections are a vital part of military training, reinforcing discipline, attention to detail and readiness among Midshipmen. While being able to foster professionalism, accountability and unit cohesion, midshipmen demonstrate their commitment to leadership and service.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #UnitedStatesMarines
#UnitedStatesNavy
Midshipmen of the #koaokekai battalion took to the pool, pushing their endurance and confidence in the water. 🌊💪
Through swimming, midshipmen build the strength, stamina and mental resilience required of future naval officers. Training in the pool reinforces the importance of adaptability and physical fitness in maritime operations.
#uhnrotc is committed to developing future leaders by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
The life aquatic! 👍💪🏊♂️⚓️🇺🇸
Kicking off the weekend with some Friday football PT! 🏈
The #KoaOKeKaiBattalion hit the field with energy, teamwork and competitive spirit during a friendly game of football. As midshipmen wrap up their first month of the Spring 2025 semester, they continue to balance academics, training and NROTC commitments while building camaraderie amongst their peers.
#uhnrotc remains dedicated to developing future Navy and Marine Corps officers through academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership training.
One month of school down☝🏼🥸, 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.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #unitedstatesmarines #unitedstatesnavy
Midshipmen of the #koaokekai battalion hone their discipline and precision as part of the #uhnrotc drill team.
Through rifle spinning, marching and drill routines, midshipmen develop attention to detail, teamwork and professionalism—core values of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Drill not only sharpens military bearing but also reinforces the dedication and excellence expected of midshipmen.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
👍Practice practice practice. There was nothing better in boot camp (1974) than doing some of the marching steps right on time. Trying to herd 70 cats wasn’t easy! 🤣
Marine option midshipmen of the #koaokekai battalion review the fundamentals of hiking during Marine Lab.
Hiking conditions midshipmen to prepare for the rigors of Officer Candidates School and The Basic School by developing endurance and mental resilience, essential traits for future Marine Corps officers.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective naval officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness, and leadership skills.
Training Tuesday📓
Captain McHale, Commanding Officer, NIOC Hawaii, shared his Navy experiences of “calculated risks,” and mantra, “get comfortable being uncomfortable” with the Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion.
Captain Chow, Marine Officer Instructor, presented our unit’s very own Gung Ho award. Given to the student who best possesses the intellectual honesty and moral courage to put aside self-interest for the good of their unit, which demonstrates the tenacity and self-discipline in keeping with what is known as the avenger spirit and the gung-ho attitude of the Marine warrior. Congratulations to MIDN 4/C Maxcy for being the Fall 2024 recipient!
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #oorah #semperfi #unitedstatesmarines #unitedstatesnavy
Students of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion receive awards honoring their performance during the Fall 2024 semester.
Students of #uhnrotc are required to earn a 2.8 or higher grade point average, a first class physical fitness test and demonstrate commendable leadership attributes.
Thinking you have what it takes to join? Talk to a student on campus in uniform on Tuesdays to learn more!
#hooyah #oorah #semperfi #standards #BlueGreenTeam #academics #merit #physicalfitness
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽congrats to all achievers! We have the best students! 💪🏽 Let’s go #KoaOKeKaiBattalion
Passing of the guidon 🤝
Ensign Kirsten Spillman passes the guidon of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion to Midshipman 1/C Dylan Yamaguchi in a change of command ceremony.
The act of passing the guidon symbolizes the transfer of authority and responsibility from an outgoing commander to a new one. The guidon is always in someone’s hands signifies the unit and its Marines and Sailors are never without leadership.
#PassingOfTheGuidon #ChangeofCommand #MidshipmenInHawaii #NROTC #ROTC #ROTCScholarships #NavalScholarship #MarineCorpsScholarship
@strong
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Awesome!!!
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