1st Company Commander: 1/C Luke Swartz

My name is Luke Swartz, and I am incredibly fortunate to serve as First Company’s Commander for the 2026-2027 academic year. The Company Commander role is a unique one that I am eager to fill. I serve as a mentor and leader to both my staff and the Candidates, challenging and supporting them as they look to grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. Looking ahead to both Orientation and the following academic year, my vision is straightforward. Start the year off with regimental success at Orientation, then use that forward movement to ensure that it carries toward academic success in the future, assuming the candidates are willing to support each other and
give one hundred percent each and every day. A little about myself, I grew up in central Massachusetts. I chose to attend the Academy to both
pursue my passion for becoming the best version of myself possible and become an officer in the United States military as well as a Merchant Mariner. Throughout my time at the Academy, I have been fortunate to engage in some incredible opportunities. Recently, I have taken training
orders aboard an amphibious transport dock, where I learned and participated in the evolutions a U.S. warship takes to get Marines on the beach. Furthermore, I spent time on U.S. flagged merchant vessels moving containerized cargo between California and Hawaii. Additionally,
spent time afloat onboard a forward deployed and combat tested destroyer, learning the intricacies of both the mission and leadership required while in some of the most trying conditions. Upon graduation, I look to commission into the United States Navy, as well as obtain my third mate’s ticket.

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Orientation Day 1

This morning, the First Company Staff took charge of this upcoming year’s fourth class platoon. It was both incredibly rewarding and motivating to see each candidate for the first time take a leap of faith into the traditions, customs and courtesies we have here at the Academy. Rest assured, should they look to further themselves, be a sponge, and be a good shipmate, the payoff in the end will be well worth the short-term adversity they are currently facing.

The rough outline of the day started with lunch, then back to the gym to acquire the pertinent sea bag items required for success throughout Orientation. This was followed by drill on both ends of dinner where shortly after they headed to their first of two lectures, one on the medical resources the Academy provides and the other on firefighting which is an essential step in those looking to join the fire service or sailing on ocean going vessels.

Lastly, looking ahead, improvement is in the cards, as well as Cold Water Survival Training tomorrow, which is a requirement for those seeking a U.S. Coast Guard license. This training will teach the Candidate how to utilize items found aboard our Training Ship and many others like it. 

Orientation Day 2

DECIMATION…  is the only word that comes to mind. Today we took on Sixth Company in water polo for intramurals, and it was truly exhilarating seeing how we performed. Every game, 6th scored first in a best of five series, fortunately, we only needed three games to show them what we were made of. Our work ethic and grit were a prime example of what is required when the talent may not necessarily be there.  Building up to that reveille sounded early at 0545, and we quickly began movement for the Football Field. The Squad Leaders ensure that these Candidates are motivated and out of their racks faster than the alarm clock they usually like to hit snooze on. The annual tradition of Meeting the Cadre was just a short while later. Here they learned what we are looking for from them as they look to transition into basically trained cadets.  The next movement brought us to breakfast and, shortly after, the pool, where they learned the basics of Cold Water Survival, which is a requirement for being aboard the Training Ship.  In the evening, we pivoted to evening Patio, an evolution that shows off the knowledge learned throughout the day to the Regimental Staff. Needless to say, the knowledge was there, the few hundred feet march on and off was not up to their standards. We will continue to work harder tomorrow to ensure that we are in step, aligning, and looking sharp.  Lastly, we did some room prep, getting the Candidates’ rooms up to Academy standards, which will carry on throughout the duration of both Orientation and the academic year.

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Orientation Day 3

Today started with the initial PT test, this is designed to give both the Staff and Candidates the metrics required to track growth and success. The Candidates did an incredible job, they motivated their shipmates and did their best to find individual success within one another. They will continue to work on their physical fitness as the training schedule progresses. 

After hygiene time and breakfast, we went to one of their first meetings with the Academy’s academic staff, where they learned about the tools available to them to ensure academic success here at the Academy. This was followed by a short session of drill. As we continue to progress, time spent on the drill deck is one of the most important evolutions we can do. One’s ability to obey and carry out precision orders is crucial to the team’s effectiveness as a unit. This was followed by a presentation put together by the Company’s Senior Staff where I, alongside my team, briefed the Candidates on what we expected of them. Following the presentation, I turned the deck over to the Officer In Charge, LT Cargile, who spoke to them about her time here as a student as well as a Company Officer. 

This took us to chow where we had a subpar performance in Patio. The Regimental Staff was so impressed by our performance that we earned a few push-ups. Needless to say, going forward it is imperative that we do our best each and every task we try to accomplish. Shortly after chow, we headed to the gym where First got fitted in their uniforms. Evening chow was the first time First wore a new uniform, the At-Sea uniform, which is symbolic of the forward progression they have made here at the Academy. 

Lastly, a leadership position was announced. The Cadet Candidate Platoon Leader, or CCPL for short. This position is one awarded to the highest performing Cadet Candidate of the day. He spoke to the Company for five minutes and shared insightful tips and tricks he used to memorize his Youngie Knowledge.

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Orientation Day 4

Today started with the first actual PT of Orientation. The PT session included a variety of bodyweight field exercises like planks, burpees, push-ups, flutter kicks, and more. Although the energy was slow to be found, they quickly realized that the pain was temporary and their shipmates who surround them will support them in perpetuity. I was incredibly impressed at the quality of form, work ethic, and drive they brought to the turf.

This took us to breakfast and a quick uniform change into the Academy’s working uniform for firefighting. They loaded onto the buses and headed to Bridgewater, where they engaged in instruction led by the Massachusetts Fire Academy staff.

Early afternoon, they took on Fourth in dodgeball. Although we fell short of victory, we played in a well-fought match of kickball. Spirits were down, but we persevered and will continue to stay strong. We took roughly thirty minutes to brush up on some knowledge and headed to the Patio. The Regimental Staff had some adjustments that needed to be made clear, but a Push Up Party was avoided. 

Lastly, after dinner, we took to the field where we tried our best to work on some drill and figure out how to tack down some of the fundamentals now that we are almost a week in. As well as some evening room prep in an effort to foster that standard that they will be expected to maintain throughout the academic year. Tomorrow we remain on campus, doing more uniform fittings, as well as academic meetings that look to foster success early on, assuming these Candidates take advantage of the tools in their toolbox.

Fighting First continues to work harder each day. Ready to go tomorrow!

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Orientation Day 5

PT today started strong with a cadence run. The atmosphere that both the Candidates and Squad Leaders brought to the table was unreal. As we continue to move forward, the physical ability of the Candidates continues to increase, whether it’s leaving nothing left in the tank or pushing each other to be the best versions of themselves they can be, something is working. 

After Hygiene Time and breakfast, we had a day full of meetings. The Candidates seem to be incredibly receptive to the knowledge they are required to retain in these meetings, which at times can be a tall order with long days and a comfortable chair in AC. These meetings were broken up intermittently with some fun on the Drill Deck with their Squad Leaders. These meetings carried us into more uniform fittings where some final changes were made to the Candidates uniforms. 

In the early afternoon, we took on Fourth company in intramurals, where they took to the field to play ultimate frisbee. It was a well-fought game but Fourth took it at the end. A quick change of uniforms later, we found ourselves back out preparing for the hardest challenge yet, Patio. Patio today was intense, the Regimental Staff brought some tough questions, to which First had a mediocre response to. They were disappointed but supportive, ensuring that if we put in the work, the growth will follow. 

Lastly, we took to the field to utilize some Company Commander time to polish off some drill. Fortunately, 1/C Carlson, the Battalion Commander, stopped by and was a great resource to help us with column maneuvers. His prior experience as a Marine OCS graduate gave the company tips and tricks we believe we needed to thrive. 

This brought us to TRO time, where 1/C O’Brien, the company’s Training and Retention Officer, spoke to the candidates to aid their mental and physical wellbeing. 

These past few days have shown that, should we look to be a little better each day, there is no telling where this company can go.

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Orientation Day 6

The usual wake-up came at 0530, when First was up and at it early. We took to the field early, engaging in a variety of field exercises. These were focused on the required muscle groups needed to excel at the upcoming physical fitness assessment. After Hygiene Time and Morning Chow, we headed back to the dorms. Due to intermittent precipitation and Candidate feedback from our CCPL, the staff allotted time to study in their rooms. This study hours format allowed for either individual or small group activity in preparation for the upcoming Patios. 

Shortly after, they changed into Boiler Suits and took to the gangway of the T.S. Patriot State. The evolution at hand was a familiarization tour, which is a requirement for those who are planning on going aboard throughout their time at the Academy. This proved beneficial, not only did it open their eyes to the “Why” behind a lot that we do, but it also showed those who are prospective in the licensed track majors what shipboard life is really like leading up to Mini-Cruise. 

This took us to lunch, where a mediocre performance on Patio ensued. It is clear that learning the required knowledge is just not clicking as easily for First as it may be for other companies. As we continue to make forward movement, we need to work harder and ensure we are learning the knowledge that is a standard of the Academy. 

Administrative tasking took up the afternoon, taking student ID photos and getting their printing account online. This led us to the evening Patio, where we earned ourselves a Push-Up Party. Lastly, First went to a brief about basic shipboard customs and the Safety Management System we utilize onboard to keep all cadets and crew safe.

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Orientation Day 7

Today was a busy day for First, after the usual morning PT and Chow evolution we headed to Admiral’s Hall for a presentation on watchstanding as well as a brief on customs and traditions. This was followed by more drill. We learned a new movement today, a flank. Although it needs work, the effort is there and that is all the company staff can ask for. 

This took us to Patio, where we saw a clear need for improvement. Basic shipboard emergency signals were just not there. This was a point in which I showed discontent in the platoon’s ability to both put forth the effort as well as question their readiness for the Mini-Cruise which is about to happen in the coming days. I believe the platoon took the criticism well and found both the energy and effort ahead.

Three more meetings took place, Regimental Manual Briefing, SGA & MMA History, as well as Academic Majors Breakout Sessions. All of these were well received and provided information pertinent to both the academic and regimented lifestyle we have here on campus. 

This brings us to Evening Patio, where I can proudly say we did really well. Marching was aligned, in-step and our knowledge was there. We took it as a win as we headed in for Chow. On the menu were some meatball subs. Lastly, after chow they met with the ships cadet leadership to discuss emergency procedures onboard for both now and while serving out in the industry. 

Tomorrow First heads off campus to learn small boat handling, sailing, and the fundamentals of rowing.

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Orientation Day 8

Today was a strong day for First. Not only did the Cadet Candidates receive a lighter wake-up due to it being Sunday, but there was time allotted for personal reflection as well. This provided time for them to relax and prepare for the day ahead. 

Breakfast was exhilarating, a First Company favorite: Biscuits and Gravy. The team had to eat quickly though, to be aboard the buses and headed off campus to The Pond. 

When arriving at The Pond, they learned about the day’s evolution, sailing, open lifeboat operations as well as rowing in “The Barge.” This was a well-received day to relax and take the rigors of Orientation off as a Company. The weather was overcast and rainy towards the end, but that did not matter as the water wars onboard the sailboats ensued. The Cannons (a bucket) turned the Pond into a naval battleground for both the Candidates as well as the Senior Staff. The Candidates used this as an opportunity to take revenge and took great pride in doing so. 

Upon return to campus, gears shifted, and we had to reel it back in. In preparation for our USCG Boat Drill tomorrow, we had to complete three tasks: an afloat fire drill, an abandon ship, as well as an ashore evacuation drill to ensure the safety of the vessel and most importantly, its occupants. 

Lastly, Patio was there. Following a full day of not studying, I was worried. I was fortunate to be proven wrong as we killed Patio. The Reggies were impressed, and so was I. Following dinner, we took to the drill deck and polished up some facing movements, where we were honored to be joined by both the RC and RXO. They were impressed again, which was a great feeling to end the night on. Those who opted to join a religious service had the opportunity before heading to bed. First is Ready to Fight tomorrow!

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