“This mission was a great example of the unique leadership opportunities that cadets at UOG routinely participate in,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Anderson, the professor of military science at the University of Guam. “We work hard to expose our cadets to different experiences and locations, so joining UOG ROTC is a great way to see the world while earning a degree on Guam.”

Enriquo Nedlic, a senior public administration major, was one of the cadets to participate in the mission.

“Heading to Rota for Operation Talon Lightning was a great experience, especially since I had the opportunity to witness them deploying the biggest weapon in the ADA arsenal, the THAAD system,” he said. “As a third-year cadet in the University of Guam’s Army ROTC program, I took advantage of the opportunity to shadow, observe, and interact with the ADA officers.”

Amber Pangelinan, a sophomore criminal justice major, also participated in the mission to Rota. She said she was proud to attend the training and enjoyed engaging with the active-duty personnel who taught her how the launcher works using signals.

Nedlic said he also appreciated experiencing the culture in Rota — “the great hospitality, friendliness, and close association that the people of Rota have with one another,” he said.

Pangelinan and Nedlic are slated for off-island training this summer as well.

The UOG ROTC program was established in October 1979 and has commissioned more than 450 dynamic leaders for Guam, the Pacific, and the United States of America.