University of Hawaii at Manoa NROTC Unit / Department of Naval Science

01/02/2026

Adm. Steve Koehler, commander, , delivered remarks & administered the oath of office during a University of Hawaii Naval ROTC commissioning ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 19.
This is the fourth commissioning ceremony for the Koa O Ke Kai Battalion, the nation’s newest Naval ROTC unit, founded in 2021.
📍: Pearl Harbor
📸: MC2 Jeremy R. Boan

12/17/2025

For Navy officer candidate Gellie Cabuyadao, the path to her December 2025 graduation from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa reflects a deep commitment to service under extraordinary circumstances.

Gellie Cabuyadao, the first active-duty STA-21 Sailor, graduates from the NROTC program in fall 2025.

10/03/2025

Midshipmen from the 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.

is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/22/2025

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.

is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/19/2025

🚨Attention to Award!🚨
The 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.
is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/16/2025

The 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.

is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/09/2025

The 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.
is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/07/2025

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.

is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

09/04/2025

Aloha and Welcome, Midshipmen! 🌺
The newest members of the 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 .s.honolulu for generously sponsoring a well-earned lunch—our midshipmen appreciated the opportunity to recharge and connect!

is committed to leading, training, and preparing prospective Naval and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills

08/21/2025

This summer, the midshipmen of the 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.

is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.

08/19/2025

Congratulations to MIDN 1/C Gapusan for successfully graduating from Officer Candidates School!

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.

is committed to leading, training and preparing prospective Navy and Marine Corps officers by emphasizing academic excellence, physical fitness and leadership skills.