CONGRATULATIONS ENSIGN NEHA ATHAVALE, USN (MHS CLASS OF 2007)

Then Cadet Neha Athavale pictured as a cadet lieutenant and battalion commander.

Navy Surface Warfare Officer Qualification Badge.

Well-deserved congratulations go out to Ensign Neha Athavale, USN, of the USS Germantown who was recently awarded qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer.  Qualification as a Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) is a significant professional milestone for a naval officer and generally requires a year to a a year and a half of dedicated effort as a division officer assigned as a member of a ship's complement of officers.

As a cadet, Ensign Athavale served as Drill Team Commander and Battalion Commander.  She was selected to attend the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School upon graduation from Middlletown High School.  She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2012.

USS Germantown (LSD-42)

A hidden challenge:  Two cadet bonus points to the cadet who properly translates the Germantown's motto.