First-Class Midshipmen Receive Service Selections at Nike Cup

One of the great traditions at the U.S. Naval Academy is the ceremony during which the first-class midshipmen (aka “Firsties” or seniors anywhere else) receive their service selections. Selection is based on a class rank and preference; midshipmen state their top six service preferences early during their senior year, then wait to find out which warfare community they will join after graduation. On November 20, 2014, Firsties all received envelopes holding the certificate that bore their assignments.

Assignments vary year to year based on the needs of the Navy and Marine Corps. Generally, midshipmen can be assigned as: navy pilots, naval flight officers, Marine Corps, surface warfare officers, submariners, SEALs, explosive ordnance disposal officers, restricted line officers, and medical students.

For the men and women on the Navy swimming and diving teams at the Nike Cup, November 20 was no different. At the beginning of the evening finals session, Assistant Coach, Capt Jay Bitting, the men’s team Officer Representative, announced to the crowd the service selections of the seniors. Watch that video below.

Men’s team

• Riley Mita – Navy Pilot
• Joe Esposito – Navy Pilot
• Dan Bowden – Navy Pilot
• Billy Draves – Naval Flight Officer (NFO)
• Kevin Stoddard – Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD)
• Dain Bomberger – Navy Special Warfare (SEALS)

Women’s team

• Melissa Boughton – US Marine Corp
• Brianna Bilunas – Naval Flight Officer (NFO)
• Sam Brennan – Surface Warfare (SWO)
• Amanda Thach – US Marine Corp
• Ange Sawick – Navy Pilot