December 10, 2007

U.S. chief of naval operations to commission Purdue ROTC students

Adm. Gary Roughead
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Roughead will commission 15 ensigns from the Naval ROTC, four second lieutenants from the Army ROTC and 16 second lieutenants from the Air Force ROTC. These new officers will immediately go on to train in their respective specialties in the U.S. military.

The CNO is the highest-ranking officer in the U.S. Navy and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is the principal naval adviser to the president and the secretary of the Navy.

"We are delighted that Admiral Roughead has taken time away from his significant responsibilities to preside over the commissioning of our newest class of military officers here at Purdue," said Capt. Terry S. Wichert, professor of naval science. "The presence of such a distinguished military leader will make the event especially meaningful as these new officers launch off on their new careers."

Roughead is a 1973 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. As a flag officer, he commanded the Cruiser Destroyer Group 2, the George Washington Battle Group, and the U.S. Second Fleet/NATO Striking Fleet Atlantic and Naval Forces North Fleet East.

On shore, Roughead has served as commandant of the U.S. Naval Academy, the Department of the Navy's chief of legislative affairs and as the deputy commander of the U.S. Pacific Command.

He is one of only two officers to have commanded both Pacific and Atlantic Fleets, responsible for ensuring Navy forces were trained and ready to operate where and when they were needed.

The admiral's awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal.

He became the 29th chief of naval operations on Sept. 29, 2007.

There are currently 470 students involved in the Purdue ROTC program – 168 students are enrolled in the Naval ROTC, 115 students are in the Army ROTC and 187 are enrolled in the Air Force ROTC program.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Lt. Benjamin B. Beebe, assistant professor of naval science, (765) 494-2062, bbeebe@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Media are invited to attend the ceremony. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, also will be available to speak with the media from 1-1:15 p.m. Dec. 17 in the Purdue Memorial Union South Ballroom.

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