Old Ironsides Battalion Fall 2026 Update
Happy 251st Birthday, US Navy, on October 13! Happy 251st Birthday, US Marine Corps, on November 10! Fall 2026 has been full of activity, as we welcomed a large number of new students, as well as returning members of the Battalion.
The semester began with New Student Orientation (NSO) the second weekend week of September. New midshipmen (MIDN) also enjoyed a breakfast, lunch and barbecue with current and new battalion members on the BU campus.
The annual Curtis Cup flag football competition at Boston University kicked off fall activities. On September 21, Navy ROTC claimed victory over Army and Air Force ROTC! Two days later, the MIDN enjoyed a demo from the Harvard Judo team. In the continued pursuit of physical fitness, our Marines participated in the Norwich FEX (Field Exercise) the next weekend, where vigorous outdoor training exercises were performed alongside other NROTC units.
On October 8, The USS Constitution Museum hosted their first Leadership Forum, which two MIDN attended. It featured former Navy Seal and NASA Astronaut, CAPT Chris Cassidy, USN (Ret.) The USCG hosted the Navy Birthday Dinner on October 14, where the unit provided a five-person color guard with three more student attendees.
Our new Marine Officer Instructor, Capt Anthony Witte, will continue to increase our Battalion’s visibility as he travels to Washington, DC to run the Marine Corps Marathon on October 25. Best of luck, Capt Witte! The next day, six MIDN will attend the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company Buffet at Faneuil Hall.
Once again, we are honored that several MIDN and staff have been selected to represent the Battalion at the USS Constitution Museum’s Salute to Service Gala, “Honoring the Enduring Value of Service” on November 6, at the Boston Harbor Hotel. This is particularly impactful for our future female officers, since one of the award recipients is Admiral Lisa Franchetti, USN (Ret.).
The Museum is also hosting the official 251st Marine Corps Birthday Breakfast on November 10. This event honors the first Marine killed in battle in 1812, Lt. William Bush, and the Museum has extended an invite to Marine Corps staff and select MIDN.
The Battalion’s highly anticipated combined 251st Navy and Marine Corps Birthday Ball on November 14 is an elegant dinner to which all military attendees wear their dress uniforms and guests don formal attire. We are excited to carry on this tradition which first began in 1925; a birthday cake will be served at the BU venue!
As is an annual tradition, Navy ROTC staff and MIDN will be supporting Veterans Day ceremonies across the Consortium, at BC, BU, Harvard, MIT and Tufts.
Finally, to end the semester, The USS Constitution Museum will host two of our MIDN at their December 3rd Leadership Forum, featuring former Navy Seal and NASA Astronaut, CAPT Chris Cassidy, USN (Ret.).
We are extremely grateful for all of the amazing opportunities our constituents have provided to our MIDN and staff!
— Lisa Breen, NROTC