The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) marked a historic milestone by commissioning its first three Marine Corps officers during a ceremony aboard the USS Missouri on May 22. As Hawaiʻi’s only university with a Marine Corps NROTC program, the event marks a major step for the state.
2nd Lt. Abraham Palacios, 2nd Lt. Anthony Tirao, 2nd Lt. Kealoha Yamaguchi and Ensign Robert Nelson received their gold bars, symbolizing their new ranks as U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy officers, respectively.
“This has been a historic year at University of Hawaiʻi NROTC, and we couldn’t be prouder of each of our midshipmen,” said Commanding Officer Capt. Paul “Veg” Bandini.
Among those in attendance was Lt. Gen. James Glynn, Commanding General of Marine Forces Pacific, who emphasized the importance of strong, adaptable and resilient leadership. He spoke about how the deep knowledge of the Indo-Pacific gained through a UH Mānoa education equips officers to meet the challenges facing the United States in the 21st century.
Marine graduates set the standard
Palacios, Tirao and Yamaguchi, who received their bachelor’s degrees at UH Mānoa’s spring commencement, have set the standard for the more than 30 Marine unit students at UH Mānoa.
It’s incredible to be part of this historic group of Marines and I’m excited to represent Hawaiʻi
—2nd Lt. Abraham Palacios
“We used to get lost around campus together just a few years ago,” said Tirao. “But now we have the honor of joining our Navy peers as the first Marine graduates from this university—ever.”
Palacios added, “It’s incredible to be part of this historic group of Marines and I’m excited to represent Hawaiʻi as one of the first officers to commission through UH Manoa!”
Students in the NROTC program manage the responsibilities of both midshipmen and college students, maintaining high academic standards, physical fitness, leadership development and community involvement.
Fastest-growing NROTC unit in the nation
The Marine unit was established in 2022 by Marine Officer Instructor Capt. Grace Chow with just eight students. Since then, the program has more than tripled in size. It now includes 11 Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) active-duty Marines and 20 midshipmen.
“What has made this unit a success is the Marine Corps family on the island,” said Chow. “There is no camaraderie like the Marine Corps, and that is why I love what I do. I’m excited to see these new officers join the fleet and hope to serve alongside them in the future.”
Now the fastest-growing NROTC unit in the nation, UH NROTC relies heavily on the support of local organizations such as the Honolulu Navy League, Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi, Marine Forces Pacific, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and individual sponsors who dedicate time and resources to mentoring the next generation of naval officers.
