Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Amey assumed the position of Battalion Commander of the NJROTC unit at MAST, the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, at their annual Change of Command ceremony recently. He succeeds Cadet Commander Nicholas Billows of Ocean, who was commander as a member of the Class of 2026.
Also assuming leadership positions at the Change of Command Ceremony are Cadet Lt. Nia Suresh Battalion Executive Office, succeeding Cadet Lt. Commander Andrew Viggiano both of Ocean, and Cadet Senior Chief Petty Officr Olivia Schmocker of Colts Neck, who is taking over as Battalion Commander Master Chief from Cadet Chief Petty Officer Argie Loucopoulos of Middletown
All three cadet officers are rising seniors at MAST The unit held its annual battalion promotion ceremony this week when all cadets receive their new assignments for the next school year.
As Battalion Commander, Cadet Amey will be responsible for the well-being of the entire unit, a demanding yet necessary position. Regardless of the numerous responsibilities, the change of command symbolizes the commitment Cadet Amey has made to his fellow NJROTC cadets.
Amey was the Gold Color Guard Commander for the past year before assuming command for the 2026-2027 school year. A resident of Keansburg, he also currently serves as Co-Secretary of the MAST Key Club and is a member of the MAST National Honor Society. Following graduation next year, he plans to pursue a career as an officer in the United States Army or Marine Corps.
Cadet Lieutenant Suresh served as Assistant Drill Commander this year before accepting the Battalion Executive Officer post for next year. As Battalion Executive Officer, also known as the Deputy Battalion Commander, she will oversee all Department Heads and junior cadet officers and in the event the Battalion Commander is unable to perform his duties it will be her responsibility to assume control of the battalion. Cadet Suresh currently also volunteers with both Monmouth Medical Center and West Long Branch Emergency Medical Services. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. The cadet plans to pursue a career in medicine with an end goal of attending medical school and becoming either an emergency room doctor or a cancer researcher.
Cadet Master Chief Petty Officer Argie Loucopoulos served this year as the Headquarters Platoon 1 Guide. As the new Battalion Command Master Chief, Cadet Schmocker is the highest ranked enlisted cadet, and works closely with the enlisted cadet leadership. She will serve an integral part of the battalion leadership, bridging the gap between enlisted cadets and cadet officers. Cadet Schmocker is a Key Club Officer, a member of the National Honor Society, and an active volunteer at her church. She has also been selected to attend a highly competitive program this summer – the Commander Naval Air Forces Private Pilot Scholarship Flight Academy Program. Cadet Schmocker plans to major in aerospace engineering and become an aviator in the Navy.
All eyes are on the MAST Battalion’s new leadership, but the current senior class is not done yet. Over the next few months the process of a full transfer of command and turn over will begin. This requires communication and coordination between the Class of 2026 and the Class of 2027. The transition will be complete within the next three months, , and the battalion will begin anew, ready to welcome rising freshman cadets in September.
The MAST community expressed the appreciation and thanks of all to the Class of 2026 for their service and their outstanding leadership. Staff and cadets wish continued success in all their endeavors to the graduates!
The incoming leadership in the Class of 2027 also reminded and urged all upcoming leaders to “trust yourselves and lead by example through kindness and respect. “ They also pointed out to the entire MAST NJROTC, that “over the past year you have continued to improve and never settled for average or good enough. You strove for excellence! It is now your responsibility to accept the challenge and keep climbing to reach your true potential. : The new leadership trio indicated they are “excited to see what you do next year, and we are confident that you will achieve great things! Bravo Zulu!”
Written By Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Laila Caramanica, Oakhurst
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