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 70 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!
Check out our latest newsletter for Spring 2025 at the link below. Go Bows!
www.hawaii.edu/news/2025/05/25/nrotc-1st-marine-corps-officers/
UH Mānoa NROTC commissions 1st Marine Corps officers | University of Hawaiʻi System News
www.hawaii.edu
The commissioning ceremony was held aboard the USS Missouri on May 22.
www.facebook.com/share/1As62wPWzK/?mibextid=wwXIfr
MIDN 2/C John Knight (right) completes his initial physical fitness test aboard Brown Field, Quantico, VA.
Congratulations to MIDN Anthony Tirao, MIDN Robert Nelson, MIDN Kealoha Yamaguchi and SSgt Abraham Palacios on their graduation from University of Hawaii at Manoa!
This graduation ceremony marks the academic success of each of these 4 students ahead of their commissioning into the United States Navy and Marine Corps next week.
A job well done to our proud members of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion
#semperfi #hooyah #ahuiho #uhmanoa #collegegrads #LeiCeremony #universityofhawaii #NROTC #navalofficers #oahu #manoa
Awesome Congratulations!!!
See you next week
Congratulations 🤙🏼
Congratulations to MIDN 3/C Braxton DaPena on his successful completion of the @25thinfantrydivision Lightning Academy Air Assault School, Wahiawa, HI.
The 2-week course started with 76 students and DaPena was one of today’s 40 graduates.
DaPena is the first Navy midshipman to earn air assault wings, pinned by Navy Captain Paul Bandini, his professor of naval science at @navalrotchawaii
Bravo Zulu, MIDN DePena!
#Hooyah #koaokekaibattalion #airassault #airassaultschool #airassaultschoolgraduation #RainbowWarriors #GoBows #ROTC #NROTC
Congratulations, looks like our country is in good hands
Congratulations MIDN DePena! FIRST ever to earn is Air Assult wings!!
Congratulations ❤️ Well done 👏 Grateful 🙏
Congratulations Braxton
S-hot, Steve! Congrats to him and you, Bud!!
A heartfelt farewell to Captain Chow and Commander Moore during the final Leadership Lab of the semester.
Midshipmen gather to honor and thank both officers as they prepare to continue their military careers. Before departing, Captain Chow and Commander Moore shared meaningful words of encouragement, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship and lasting impact on the battalion.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #UnitedStatesMarines #UnitedStatesNavy
Students and staff of the #KoaOKeKai Battalion are recognized for their outstanding contributions and dedication to the unit. From excellence in leadership to impactful community service and fundraising, each award highlights the hard work and commitment that define our battalion.
Among the awardees are our MECEPs and Marine Officer Instructor. Midshipmen also received accolades for their fundraising and service efforts, with MIDN 4/C Carlson named Midshipman of the Month and MIDN 3/C Foreman recognized as Midshipman of the Semester.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #UnitedStatesMarines
#UnitedStatesNavy
The #KoaOKeKaiBattalion hosts their first joint golf tournament alongside Air Force ROT
The tournament raises funds to support unit activities, training opportunities and community engagement while building connections across the ROTC community and fostering a spirit of interoperability.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #navyrotc #afrotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion
Finishing the week strong with some football PT!
Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion bring energy, teamwork and a competitive spirit to the field during a friendly game. As the semester winds down, they continue to balance academics, training and battalion responsibilities while building camaraderie through shared effort and fun.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
It’s #AlmostFriday, so only 2 more weeks till summer break! ☀️🏝️🛳️
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps
#MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion
#unitedstatesnavy
Midshipmen from the #KoaOKeKai Battalion had the opportunity to receive a briefing from the Senior Enlisted Leader (SEL) of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Fleet Master Chief David Isom.
With 37 years of distinguished service, Fleet Master Chief Isom shared valuable insights on strategic deterrence and the vital role of a Senior Enlisted Leader within the joint force.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#uhnrotc #navalreserveofficerstrainingcorps #marinerotc #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #UnitedStatesMarines
#UnitedStatesNavy
LtCol Harry Consaul, Commanding Officer Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, teaches members of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion lessons on leadership and ethics.
LtCol Consaul is a valued member of Marine Corps Base Hawaii for his vast experiences in the tank community and centcom farsi
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#semperfi #motivation #honor #courage #commitment #leadingbyexample
A heartfelt thank you to MIDN 3/C Dayrit, MIDN 1/C Yamaguchi and SSgt Palacios for their outstanding efforts in planning and executing this year’s dining out. Their dedication, attention to detail and commitment helped bring the #KoaOKeKai Battalion together to strengthen bonds, honor our traditions and celebrate together
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
The #KoaOKeKai Battalion gathers for their annual dining out, celebrating the camaraderie, traditions and achievements of the battalion in a formal setting. The event brings together midshipmen, staff and guests to honor the values and esprit de corps that define the Naval service.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKai Battalion take to the field for paintball, building camaraderie and enjoying some friendly competition outside of training.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion tour an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. The visit offers an up-close look at life aboard a Navy warship and the responsibilities of its crew.
This tour is part of the Navy Region Hawai‘i and Naval Surface Group Middle Pacific shipboard tour program, which gives students and local groups the opportunity to explore U.S. Navy vessels and gain insight into the Navy’s mission, capabilities and presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Congratulations to Midshipman Ray, Gerard and Butler for receiving awards during today’s leadership lab!
Midshipman Ray and Midshipman Gerard received the Military Order of the World Wars award. Midshipman Butler received the MOAA ROTC award. Both awards are presented to a midshipman who demonstrates academic excellence, leadership development and well-rounded characteristics.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
#UHNROTC #NavalReserveOfficersTrainingCorps #MarineROTC #KoaOKeKaiBattalion #unitedstatesmarines
#unitedstatesnavy
Kicking off this week's #MidshipmanMonday, we're highlighting MIDN 1/C Anthony Tirao, a senior in the #KoaOKeKai Battalion who is preparing to commission into the United States Marine Corps. His motivation stems from a desire to grow through challenge and service. Here's some insight into what he has to say:
"I’ve always wanted to join the Marine Corps because I believed it’ll bring out the best version of me, if I allowed it to.
So my message to others is: Show up as the best version of yourself. Your teammates, your family, your Sailors and Marines are all counting on you for that."
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion take initiative outside of training by hosting a fundraiser on campus, selling homemade banana bread and muffins to support future unit events.
Special shoutout to MIDN 3/C Jasbir Smith for going above and beyond in preparing the baked goods and helping make the event a success.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Fund #129-8750-4
Make a gift online, now. Your support provides the Department means to do more towards our mission. Mahalo nui loa!
