Spend Summer Aboard IKE

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Rob Rupp, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Thirty-seven 1st and 2nd Class Midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy and Reserve Officer Training (ROTC) programs around the country arrived aboard Dwight D. Eisenhower, June 29, as part of their officer commissioning programs.

During their month-long stay on board the carrier the midshipmen are trying to learn as much as possible about the Navy, their future jobs and the responsibilities of a commissioned officer in the Navy.

The second class midshipmen are participating in the enlisted appreciation portion of the training and are required to sleep in enlisted berthing and eat on the enlisted mess decks.

"It is amazing how this many people from all walks of life, on the same ship, can work together for one goal," said Midshipman 2nd Class Tyler Lutz, a student attending the University of Maryland.

The first class midshipmen are participating in the officer cruise and are tasked with learning leadership skills. They are allowed to sleep in staterooms and eat in the wardrooms.

"I really enjoy talking to the Sailors," said Midshipman 1st Class Mary Coyne, a student attending the University of Notre Dame. "These cruises play a big role in who we are and how we lead."

Lt. Cmdr. Brock Miller, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower training officer, provided the midshipmen with personal qualification standards (PQS) to help familiarize them with the ship and other naval information.

"I have a lot of experience with midshipmen," said Miller. "Not only was I once a midshipman, I have also taught midshipmen in college."

Miller's other responsibilities include coordinating events for them to participate in, arranging their berthing and assigning them running mates.

Running mates are either chief petty officers or junior officers who take the midshipmen under their wing to mentor and teach them different aspects of their job.

After graduation, the midshipmen will become commissioned officers in the Navy. They will be expected to lead first-year Sailors, as well as 20-year veterans.

"I can't expect to lead someone I don't know," said Midshipman 2nd Class Ross Hertzler, a student attending the University of South Carolina. "This experience has really opened my eyes to life in the Navy."

"Training on board a carrier is significant for the midshipmen," said USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Command Master Chief (CMC) Gregg Snaza. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for future commissioned officers."

Lutz said Snaza inspired him to want to be in the Navy even more.

"My charge to the crew of IKE is to embrace the midshipmen," said Snaza. "Don't make them be spectators, involve them so they can learn."