Please join us for our Spring Celebration Zoom recognizing the firsties and their families.
If you want to join early, there will be a "cocktail hour" beginning at 6:30.
We are fortunate to have the opportunity to congratulate New Jersey Firsties and their families. The club will hold a brief Annual Meeting to vote on the incoming slate of officers. We will then take time to celebrate our Firsties with a program of speakers followed by time for Firsties and their families to reminisce about their four years by the Bay before commissioning and heading out to the Fleet or Corps. It is always wonderful and re-affirming to hear the Firsties and their parents speak on the eve of Commissioning. Thank you for your service.
Register to receive the ZOOM Link
GUEST SPEAKERS with Q & A
Lieutenant Eric Washkewicz
USNA Class of 2013
Gates Scholar, Cambridge University
Submarine Warfare Officer
Physics Instructor; USNA
"Then and Now"
Lieutenant Eric Washkewicz, a Submarine Officer hailing from West Orange, NJ, is currently stationed at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. A 2013 graduate of the Naval Academy, he received a Dual Major in Mechanical Engineering (BS) and Ocean Engineering (BS), and was a 4 Year Member of the Varsity Lightweight Rowing Team. He earned an MPhil in Energy Technologies the following year as a Gates Scholar at Cambridge University.
In May 2016, after completing nuclear power training in Charleston, South Carolina, he reported to the USS Hartford (SSN-768), homeported in Groton, Connecticut where he completed two EUCOM Deployments, one WESTLANT Deployment, and ICEX 2018, serving as both the Midwatch Officer of the Deck and Contact Manager. He served as the Fire Control Officer, Anti-Terrorism Officer, Chemical-Radiological Controls Assistant, Assistant Engineer, Assistant Operations Officer, Communications Officer, and Primary COMSEC Manager. USS Hartford earned the CSS-12 Battle E Award in 2017, as well as the 2017 Battenberg Cup, annually awarded to the most tactically proficient warship in the Atlantic Fleet.
In May 2019, he left the USS Hartford and reported to the US Naval Academy, where he serves as a Senior Physics Instructor, the Deputy Director of the United Kingdom International Scholarship Program, the Officer Representative for the both Catholic Midshipman Club and Club Fencing Team, and a Volunteer Varsity Lightweight Rowing Coach.
Lieutenant Washkewicz will be leaving the Navy in July 2021 to enter formation as a Catholic Seminarian. He will study at Moreau Seminary with the Congregation of Holy Cross at Notre Dame University.
Captain Andrew F. Smith
United States Navy
Commanding Officer, Naval ROTC
Rutgers University and Princeton University
"What's next?"
Captain Andrew F. Smith was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, earned his commission through Aviation Officer Candidate School in July 1991, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in July 1992.
Captain Smith's at sea assignments include operational tours with the Seahawks Patrol Squadron Twenty-Three (VP-23), the Red Lancers of Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10), and USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) as the Operations - Administrative Officer, participating in the initial actions of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 following the attacks of 11 September.
Captain Smith served as the Commanding Officer of the Pelicans of Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45 from 2009-2010, conducting a split deployment to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa and Cooperative Security Location, Comalapa, El Salvador. During his tour, VP-45 was awarded consecutive CNO Aviation Safety “S” Awards (2009, 2010) and the Battle Efficiency Award in 2010. Captain Smith also served as the Commanding Officer of USS WASP (LHD 1) from 2016-2017, deploying to the Mediterranean Sea and participating in Operation Odyssey Lightning, conducting 100 consecutive days of airstrikes against ISIL terrorist forces in Sirte, Libya. Additionally, he led WASP through hurricane relief efforts as the first US Navy asset to arrive on scene in Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Captain Smith's shore assignments include instructor duty with Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), the P-3C Fleet Replacement Squadron, Operations Officer in Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Eleven (CPRW-11), Action Officer in the J-6 Directorate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Operations, Plans, and Policy Officer assigned to Task Force 72 (CTF-72) in Atsugi, Japan. While assigned to CTF-72, he assisted in the US efforts to support Japan following the Great Tohoku Earthquake of March 2011in Operation Tomodachi. CAPT Smith also served as the Fleet Execution and Certification Branch Head (N71) at United States Fleet Forces Command.
In July 2018 Captain Smith assumed command of the Naval ROTC Unit at Rutgers University and Princeton University.
Captain Smith is a graduate of the Naval War College in 2002 with a Masters of Arts, Defense and Strategic Studies and the National War College in 2013 with a Masters of Science, Defense and Strategic Studies. His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal (4), and other personal, campaign and service ribbons.
Captain Smith and his wife, Maryann, reside in Mendham, NJ, with their three sons, Ryan (17), Sean (15), and Brady (13).
Annual Meeting
The club will hold a brief Annual Meeting outlining the events of the coming year and voting on the slate of officers below.
The nominating committee slate for 2021-2022 is:
President - Manesh Naidu & Tanuja Koppal
VP Membership - Mike & Mary Alice Tolen
VP Arrangements - Gina Zacharria
Secretary - Ilda & Chip Wood
Treasurer - Jon Shavel
Immediate Past-President - Randy Benoit
Director - Larry & Chie Davis
Director - Sherry & Charles Kee
The incoming president will appoint two more directors and fill committees. If you are interested in volunteering to support the Brigade of Midshipmen, please contact Mansh and Tanuja at:
A fun day on the links in support of the Brigade.
Don't Golf ? Stop in about 3:00 for cocktails and appetizers. There are plenty of ways to support the day. We will host a few hours of reception following the event. We do "once around" update on all the mids. A great time to catch up and share your experiences.
For more information, contact Bill Asdal at
Upcoming Calendar of Events
The club officers are optimistic that we will be able to hold more events than last year and we are really looking forward to potentially being able to cook for the Mids come September!!
Welcome Aboard Picnic: Sun. May 23 or May 30 TBD Welcome incoming plebes and their families (ZOOM at this point)
Golf Outing: Tues. July 13 Fundraiser and cocktail party
Summer Picnic: late July / early August Enjoy the company of fellow members.
Tailgating for the Mids: Sept. 4, Sept. 11, Oct 2, Oct. 9, Oct 23, Nov. 20 Join the fun!
Fall Dinner: late October Speaker and camaraderie
Holiday Party: Sat. Dec 4 Celebrate the holidays with fellow members
