YEARBOOK

Words from the Fall 2016 BNCO and BNXO
“The fall semester is generally considered the harder semester in the school year and this semester was no
different. Combined with a new freshman class and everyone returning from a relaxing summer, a new battalion
structure was being implemented. This was the second semester the new structure was implemented. The new
structure provided more 1/C with division-officer-like responsibilities than before and encouraged the entire battalion
to become more involved with the various activities and responsibilities in the unit. Despite the absence of the
previous 1/C who had implemented the new structure, the midshipmen did an outstanding job of acclimating to the
new structure, and it was truly amazing watching all the midshipman work so well together despite the changes.
Another highlight during the semester was our annual Navy Ball. This year we had the honor of having retired
RADM Emerson and several other plank owners of the Gator Battalion join us for the event. It was eye opening
listening to their experiences when our unit was in just its infant stages. The ball was a huge success and served as
testament to the hard work and dedication of MIDN 2/C Manieri and her team.
Serving as the BNCO of the best damn unit in the country was both an honor and a privilege. I couldn’t have done it
without the help of the BNXO, Midn 1/C Gray, and the Administration and Operation Department Heads, Midn 1/C
Whitson and MIDN 1/C Amaya, as well as the rest of the battalion. The experiences and lessons I learned while
working with my peers and the unit staff are something I will never forget. As always, Go Navy and Go Gators!”
-MIDN 1/C Matthew Smutny, BNCO
“Every day, in everything that you do, give all that you can. As leaders, we owe our future Sailors
and Marines this level of dedication. At the end of the day, our training and aspirations should be
focused for their benefit and mission accomplishment. Midshipman Smutny and I were blessed to
work for the greatest midshipmen staff and the best damn unit in the country. Every
accomplishment is credited to the hard work and dedication of the midshipmen that we strived to
serve. It was an honor and privilege to work for each one of you. In addition, I’ve learned more from
all of you than I have learned in my four years at the University of Florida. We are in a people’s
business where personnel are the most valuable resource. However, we must remember that as
leaders we cannot treat people as just resources. Know your team and their abilities. Recognize
them for their accomplishments. If you treat your team as people with their own unique stories, you
will find that they can accomplish anything. Warriors, as we move on to another year with new
challenges, surprises, and adventures, remember this: every day, in everything that you do, give all
that you can. Semper Fidelis.”
-Midn 1/C Joseph Gray, BNXO