The University of Hawaiʻi Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Warrior Battalion celebrated the commissioning of 30 senior cadets on May 12, at Kennedy Theater, marking their transition to second lieutenants in the U.S. Army. The ceremony, featuring traditional military rituals, symbolized the cadets’ new authority and responsibilities, including overseeing training, delegating tasks and leading small units under higher-ranking officers.
The event was attended by U.S. Army Pacific Command Gen. Charles A. Flynn, and Allen Hoe as guest speakers. Hoe’s son, 1st Lt. Nainoa K. Hoe, a program alumnus, is a fallen warrior. In his address, he congratulated the new officers for upholding the Ikaika Imua (Go Forward with Strength) motto, a legacy that is intertwined with the legacy of fallen heroes.
Flynn shared leadership insights from his career, outlining five key points for the new officers’ futures. He emphasized the impact the new officers will have on the future of the U.S. Army and the importance of the next step in their careers.
“The Army will soon be led by our second lieutenants of today,” said Flynn. “We bring nations together and provide leadership; our job is to pull them together and strengthen ties. It will be you, yes you, young lieutenants, who will build trust in our armed forces. I have no doubt that you should be confident in yourself because I am confident in you. You are ready to be leaders in the Army. This is just the beginning of what lies ahead.”
The ceremony concluded with Flynn swearing in the cadets, the pinning of their second lieutenant rank and the symbolic first salute tradition, signifying their acceptance into the officer corps.
