MSOE Navy ROTC student and Midshipman First Class Steven Peterson was ranked first in Order of Merit among future Surface Warfare Officers. The national designation is based on Peterson’s grade point average, demonstrated leadership, and physical performance in the Navy ROTC.  

Peterson, along with approximately 279 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Midshipmen from around the country selected their first ships, and by virtue of being the number one NROTC student in the United States, he was the first to make his selection. Peterson chose the USS SAMPSON (DDG 102), which is based in Everett, Washington. 

“I was happy that all the hard work I put into academics and the NROTC tests paid off. I was excited that I was able to choose any ship and anywhere to go in the entire world,” said Peterson.  

When deciding what ship to choose, Peterson took homeport location, culture aboard the ship and deployment schedule into consideration. With Everett being located near Seattle and offering numerous outdoor activities, it was the perfect fit for Peterson.  

“One of my friends is currently on USS SAMPSON and after talking to him, I learned that the culture is great and it is a very tight knit crew, which is what I wanted. The deployment schedule also will allow me to get my qualifications that every Surface Warfare Officer must get on time.”  

Peterson is a senior majoring in mechanical engineering at MSOE. He is originally from Crystal Lake, Illinois. He always knew he wanted to serve his country, but he also knew he wanted to attend college and obtain a degree in engineering. That led him to join Marquette’s NROTC program which partners with MSOE.  

“I chose the Navy because some of my role models growing up, such as my grandfather who was a World War II veteran who served in the Navy, and their stories really influenced me to choose the same branch,” said Peterson. “The Navy also gives me the ability to do very cool things that normal 23-year-olds don’t get to do, and I get to travel the world while doing it.”  

Being a part of the NROTC provided Peterson with valuable training and life experiences that prepared him for his future career in the Navy. After graduation, Peterson will stay in Milwaukee for a few months working for the NROTC unit. He will then attend the two-month long Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC) in San Diego before reporting to the USS SAMPSON in Everett. He also was selected as an engineering option, which means the Navy will send him to graduate school followed by working as an engineer for the Navy. 

While NROTC may be challenging, Peterson recommends any interested students give it a try to see if it is the right fit.  

“ROTC has taught me so many important life skills. I have been able to meet interesting people and do very cool things that I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. It definitely has its challenges, especially while balancing a rigorous course load like MSOE, but the rewards are very much worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”