Photo By Austen McClain | Capt. Ronald Rumfelt, Commander, Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC), addresses...... read more read more
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Thirty-five student naval aviators, assigned to Naval Aviation Schools Command (NASC) received the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) in a ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola March 10.
Captain Ronald Rumfelt, Commander, Naval Aviation Schools Command, presented the awards on behalf of Rear Adm. Matthew Pottenburgh, commander, Naval Service Training Command (NSTC). The medals recognized the students’ contributions to “Operation CHOMP,” or “Conquer Hardships, Own My Potential,” at Escambia High School.
CHOMP pairs junior officers awaiting flight instruction at NASC with students at the school for tutoring in mathematics.
“The students have demonstrated remarkable growth in both their mathematical skills and confidence,” said Dr. Dana Boddy, principal of Escambia High School. “This helps them succeed in math classes and will have a lasting, positive impact on their overall academic achievement. Often, our students are so engaged and focused, when working with the volunteers, that many want to continue learning, even after the bell rings.”
Since the program began, NASC students have accumulated more than 350 volunteer service hours.
Ensign Zachary Jon Linder, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, is one of the volunteers. In addition to tutoring, he volunteered his time assisting the school’s swimming team.
“Growing up, I was lucky to have strong mentors and role models to look up to in both school and sports,” said Linder. “The Navy not only allows me to pursue my dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, but also the opportunity to share my experiences and be that role model to the next generation.”
The MOVSM recognizes service members who perform substantial volunteer service to the community, beyond the scope of their official duties.
NASC, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, provides foundational education in technical training, character development, and professional leadership, and prepares U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and partner nation officers and enlisted students to be combat-ready aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, to meet the operational needs of their respective services.
NSTC oversees 98 percent of the Navy’s officer and enlisted accessions. NSTC, headquartered at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois, is the Foundry of America’s Fighting Force. NSTC transforms America’s sons and daughters into service professionals through Recruit Training Command, Officer Training Command-Newport, and the Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Additionally, NSTC leads the NJROTC citizenship development program, which instills leadership, character, and civic responsibility in high school students globally, including at Escambia.
For more information about NASC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NASC/.
For more information about NSTC, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/NSTC/.
| Date Taken: | 03.10.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.12.2026 15:32 |
| Story ID: | 560375 |
| Location: | PENSACOLA, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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