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Class News

Handsome Dan appointed Midshipman Captain in Yale's NROTC

Handsome Dan (aka "Sherman") was appointed a midshipman in the United States Naval Reserve with the rank of Midshipman Captain

November 7, 2015

Between the first and second quarters of the football game against Brown in Yale Bowl, Handsome Dan (aka "Sherman") was appointed a midshipman in the United States Naval Reserve.  Accompanied by Chris Getman '64 and the Corps of Yale Midshipmen on the field, President Peter Salovey did the honors of placing the pin on Sherman's collar.  The citation read:

KNOW ALL YE BY THESE PRESENTS: and to all Salty Dogs, Teufel Hunden, Ghosts of Handsome Dan I through XVI, and all Canis Yalensis, GREETINGS:

          Know ye that reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of Handsome Dan XVII, I do appoint him an honorary Midshipman Captain in the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Unit Yale University, to rank as such from the seventh day of November, two thousand and fifteen. This midshipman officer will therefore carefully and diligently discharge the duties of the office to which appointed by doing and performing all manner of things thereunto belonging.

          And I do strictly charge and require those midshipmen and other personnel of lesser rank to render such obedience as is due a midshipman of this grade and position. As a midshipman, you are responsible for the accomplishment of your assigned mission and the safety and professional development of all junior midshipmen under your charge. You will be the embodiment of our institutional core values of honor, courage, and commitment.  You will lead your midshipmen with firmness, fairness, and dignity, while observing and following the orders of officers appointed over you, acting in accordance with the laws of the United States of America.


Midshipman Battalion Commander
NROTCU Yale University

Commander Keith Lanzer, of the Holy Cross-Yale NROTC Consortium, reported:

  • The Midshipmen wore their Service Dress Blues and provided the backdrop for the on-field presentation.
  • Handsome Dan was given a uniform (worn prior to the actual event).
  • Handsome Dan's honorary rank was given to him (pinned on the uniform).
  • During the event there was a presentation of "Official Designation" by President Peter Salovey.
  • Handsome was given an official Naval ROTC Challenge Coin.
  • A Navy Midshipmen narrated the event from the broadcast booth.
  • The Yale Precision Marching Band provided background and accompanying music.

Handsome Dan's first order, at the request of the announcer, was a bark, at which the Corps of Midshipmen snapped to attention, saluted, and marched in formation off the field.