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!
Midshipmen from the #KoaOKeKai Battalion received a briefing on personal finance and bid farewell to Ensign Nelson.
Second Lt. Abraham Palacios, shared his expertise on investment, savings and retirement planning for both midshipmen and active-duty service members.
Marine-option midshipmen also participated in a class on land navigation, learning critical skills that will serve them throughout Officer Candidates School and in their future careers as Marine Corps officers. The training emphasized practical application and reinforced the importance of discipline, preparation and adaptability in the field.
We wish Ensign Nelson fair winds and following seas as he departs for flight school. His journey from midshipman to commissioned officer is a testament to the dedication, mentorship and opportunities within the battalion, and is inspiring for current midshipmen to see the program’s impact come full circle.
#UHNROTC is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
ATTENTION!
UHNROTC Midshipmen sharpen their discipline, professionalism, and teamwork through drill, building precision, confidence, and unity that carry far beyond the deck and into their futures as Naval and Marine Corps officers.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
🚨Attention to Award!🚨
The #keaokekaibattalion proudly recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of its members for their exceptional dedication and service. These awards honor achievements across a wide range of contributions—including impactful community service, excellence in leadership, active participation in extracurricular programs, and unwavering commitment to fundraising efforts. Each of these areas represents the core values that strengthen and define our battalion.
Among the awardees are our MECEPs, Marine Officer Instructor, and Staff, who have been commended for their exemplary leadership and steadfast motivation in developing the next generation of Navy and Marine Corps officers. Their influence and dedication continue to inspire and set the standard for excellence within our battalion.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
Proud of you Kayla!!💥💯💫
Great job, keep up the good work! 👏💙
Congratulations Son 💙🇺🇸💯
The #keaokekaibattalion had the distinct honor of meeting Admiral Whitesell, a native of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, and a proud graduate of Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1985 and earning his wings in 1986, ADM Whitesell went on to serve with distinction in multiple operations, including Desert Shield, Iraqi Freedom, and Inherent Resolve.
We are deeply grateful for the time, wisdom, and experience ADM Whitesell shared with us. His words embodied the qualities of a leader, mentor, and patriot, and serve as a powerful example for all future officers in our battalion.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
The #keaokekaibattalion proudly congratulates newly promoted Staff Sergeant Brian Bazan-Inca! Staff Sergeant Bazan-Inca serves as a member of the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program and is currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology.
This promotion is a testament to his years of dedicated service, leadership, and professional expertise. The rank of Staff Sergeant carries significant responsibility, as those who hold it play a vital role in bridging the gap between junior and senior enlisted personnel, while mentoring and developing the next generation of leaders to ensure mission readiness.
We commend Staff Sergeant Bazan-Inca for this milestone achievement and his continued commitment to the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
This week, the KeaOKeKai Battalion had the distinct honor of speaking with ten World War II veterans who served during the battles of Iwo Jima, Peleliu, and Pearl Harbor. Listening to their firsthand accounts of courage, sacrifice, and resilience was both humbling and deeply moving. Their stories remind us of the immense cost of freedom and the enduring legacy left by those who came before us.
As we carry their lessons forward, we remain profoundly grateful for their service and for the example they set in paving the path we will walk. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten, and their voices will continue to inspire generations of warriors yet to come.
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.
What a wonderful experience for them, knowledge from our vets is profound. Thank you all for their service.
Aloha and Welcome, Midshipmen! 🌺
The newest members of the #KoaOKeKaiBattalion have officially completed New Student Orientation!
NSO is thoughtfully designed to introduce our freshmen to their new home, helping them get acquainted with the campus, our unit, and their fellow midshipmen. Highlights included a campus familiarization run, an inspiring visit to the USS Shiloh, and a powerful tour of the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor.
A special mahalo to @navy_league_u.s.honolulu for generously sponsoring a well-earned lunch—our midshipmen appreciated the opportunity to recharge and connect!
#uhnrotc is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills
Great to see the whole group. Most of the photos I easily spot Oz. Thanks🙏
Thank you for taking such good care of them and teaching them so well!
Great job Carter Titus, kick butt and take names😉🫶🏼♥️love Papa and Omie You got this
Congratulations
This summer, the midshipmen of the #KoaOKeKai Battalion have been busy participating in a variety of summer training programs!
From Career Orientation and Training for Midshipmen (CORTRAMID) to Fleet Marine Force (FMF) training or their 2/C and 1/C Cruises, these future leaders have been gaining valuable hands-on experience and sharpening their skills for the fleet.
#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
Awesome!!!Way to rock summer training!
Nice UH Manoa ROTC presence throughout the many military installations. It's amazing to see the midshipmen gaining valuable hands-on experience and sharpening their skills for the fleet. Keep up the great work! 🙏
Congratulations to MIDN 1/C Gapusan for successfully graduating from Officer Candidates School!
#usmcocs evaluates aspiring Marine Corps Officers mentally, morally and physically through a variety of physical, leadership, academic and tactical assessments. Upon graduation of Officer Candidates School, these candidates receive the Eagle, Globe and Anchor signifying the transformation from Midshipmen to Marines.
#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
So proud of you!!! Excellent job keeping the amazing legacy we have alive!
Well done 👏
“To all who shall see these presents, greetings.”
Congratulations to newly promoted Gunnery Sergeant Jenifer Blanco! Gunnery Sergeant Blanco is a member of the #KoaOKeKai Battalion’s Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP), and is pursuing a degree in Human Resources Management.
Gunnery Sergeant Blanco’s promotion is the culmination of years of 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.
#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
Congratulations to MIDN 1/C Phung and MIDN 1/C Knight for successfully completing The United States Marine Corps Officer Candidate School!
#usmcocs evaluates aspiring Marine Corps officers mentally, morally, and physically throughout a variety of different physical, leadership, academic and tactical assessments. Upon graduation of Officer Candidate school, these candidates receive the Eagle, Globe and Anchor signifying the transformation from Midshipmen to Marines.
#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
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 @det175afrotc
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
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