BERKELEY, Calif. - Rear Adm. Richard W. Meyer, deputy commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet administered the oath of enlistment for 102 Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets and midshipmen in front of 33,493 spectators during halftime of the UC Berkeley vs. Syracuse football game, Nov. 16, 2024.

The event took place at California Memorial Stadium and was the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that the annual UC Berkeley Military Appreciation Game involved Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force ROTC cadets and midshipmen from multiple universities in the Bay Area, including UC Berkeley, Stanford, UC Davis and California Maritime Academy.

With cadets in formation at the 50-yard line, Meyer recognized the commitment and sacrifices of veterans while lauding those same virtues of future service members. Meyer, a Berkeley alumnus, further highlighted UC Berkeley's enduring connection to military history and its long-standing participation in the ROTC program.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and principles that have kept our country strong for nearly 250 years,” said Meyer. "These volunteers stand ready to defend our nation, embodying the courage and dedication that this institution has long fostered."

Capt. Randy Van Rossum, commanding officer, Navy ROTC at UC Berkeley, was the previous chief of staff at Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, and was very grateful that Rear Adm. Meyer was able to represent his former command and UC Berkeley at the historic event.

"Having the deputy commander of 3rd Fleet recognize these men and women and their commitment to their country is something special," said Van Rossum. "It has been fantastic to get back into a routine and bring back events like this. The cadets and midshipmen, I hope, will remember this for the rest of their careers."

After his address, Meyer administered the oath of enlistment to the ROTC cadets and midshipmen, a moment that underscored their affirmation to defend the U.S. Constitution and serve the nation.



“Taking the oath today was an honor, and it was a great experience. I’m excited and motivated and ready to get out to the fleet.” said Cadet Roshan Tomov from California Maritime Academy.

The ceremony concluded with accolades from Meyer to the UC Berkeley community and fans in attendance. “Thank you for your unwavering support of our veterans and future service members,” he exclaimed. “Go Bears!”

As an integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific in addition to providing realistic and relevant training necessary to flawlessly execute our Navy’s timeless roles of sea control and power projection. U.S. 3rd Fleet works in close coordination with other numbered Fleets to provide commanders with capable, ready forces to deploy forward and win in day-to-day competition, in crisis, and in conflict.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.