NAVY ROTC UNIT GETS NEW LEADER

Capt. Vernon C. Huber assumed leadership of the Hampton Roads Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit (NROTC), headquartered at Old Dominion, during a change of command ceremony Aug. 25 at Little Creek Amphibious Naval Base. He succeeds Capt. Patrick Hunt.

The Hampton Roads NROTC Consortium, commissioned in 1982, provides complete NROTC programs at three universities: Old Dominion, Norfolk State and Hampton. The consortium offers technical training, producing professionally ready, highly motivated commissioned officers for service in the Navy and Marine Corps.

The future of NROTC is bright, said Huber. "As the Navy moves fully into the 21st century the need for well-rounded individuals with diverse educational and cultural backgrounds is greater than ever," he noted.

"The geographic location of our three campuses, and the outstanding and diverse educational opportunities they provide, make us the ideal choice for a majority of the individuals selected for this transition. We are one of the largest units in the Navy and continue to grow each year. The future is not only bright for NROTC in general, it is very bright for
Hampton Roads."

Huber, a native of Huron, S.D., is a 1973 graduate of Iowa State University, with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering and a commission as an ensign through NROTC. He later received a master's degree in aeronautical systems engineering from the University of West Florida.

During his more than 25 years of naval service, Huber served as a flight officer, flight officer instructor, administrator, executive officer, commanding officer, and most recently as Chief of Staff to Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 8.

"Our principal mission is to provide professional and leadership training to students in order that they may become commissioned officers at the completion of their undergraduate studies," said Huber. "The combined classroom and in-the-field experience we offer forms a solid foundation upon which newly commissioned officers can build their career."

Huber's personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.