The Marine Academy of Science and Technology at Sandy Hook recently welcomed Captain Ross Geske, a retired Marine Corps Unmanned Aircraft Commander, as the new Senior Naval Science Instructor, filling the position left vacant upon the retirement of Commander Tracie Smith-Yeoman, U.S. Navy, Retired, who held the position from 2012 to 2025.
Captain Geske, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, had an impressive military career that began when he enlisted in May of 2001 upon graduating high school. For the first four years of his career he served as a Combat Engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.
In March 2006, Captain Geske, a Sergeant at the time, reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California where he served as a drill instructor for new recruits. Captain Geske considers this the most challenging period of his career and also what would push him to pursue a future as a Marine Corps officer.
“While boot camp is grueling and physically taxing for every recruit,” said Captain Geske, “it is just as challenging for the Drill Instructors charged with their training and safety.” During this time he observed firsthand the differences between the officers and enlisted. “Officers are largely tasked with the management and leadership of enlisted personnel, though most officers have never been enlisted, instead commissioning right into an officer role. While this separation is certainly necessary, there is also importance in understanding the people you are in charge of. In addition, understanding the enlisted point of view directly correlates to better cooperation and trust.”
This belief would lead then Staff Sergeant Geske to the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) in 2009. After graduating the MECEP Preparatory School, Staff Sergeant Geske continued his education at The Citadel in South Carolina, where he graduated with a bachelors in Health and Exercise Science in 2012.
Following his graduation Captain Geske was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and became an Unmanned Aircraft Commander, serving in Jordan, Israel, Iraq, Spain, Greece, South Korea, mainland Japan and Kuwait. Captain Geske then served as a Forward Air Controller in Okinawa, Japan, directing the usage of artillery in coordination with friendly airplanes and helicopters.
During his time in Japan, Captain Geske had the opportunity to visit the island of Iwo Jima, considered hallowed ground by the US Marine Corps. The island stands as a testament to the perseverance, resilience, and determination held sacred by the Marines. During World War II, the Marines launched an assault on Iwo Jima that lasted for 36 days, resulting in capture of the strategic island but also in over 26,000 American casualties. While Iwo Jima served a crucial role in defeating the Japanese forces, it also became a symbol of Marine Corps heroism with the historic raising of the American flag upon Mount Suribachi. Since 1945 visitation to Iwo Jima by foreign military personnel has been restricted by the Japanese Government, making this visit even more significant.
In September 2018, Captain Geske became the first Unmanned Aircraft Commander to teach at the Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as an instructor for their Tactical Air Control Party course. Following a total of six years of teaching, which he describes as his most rewarding position, Captain Geske retired in September of 2024. Over his 23-year military career Captain Geske has been awarded three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals and four Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, among other awards.
After nearly a year of retirement, Captain Geske realized he missed the military environment that had taught him so much and helped him succeed. He also wanted to continue in the teaching profession, enjoying the consistent pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning that comes with being an educator. Thus, he chose to serve as an Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor, striving to provide high school students with the self-discipline, honor, courage, and commitment they need to succeed both within and outside of the military. As Captain Geske says, “I believe that I can never give the Marine Corps more than it has given me.” By choosing to guide the next group of military leaders and instilling in them his kindness, empathy, and dedication, he is certainly honoring the US Armed Forces in the best way he can.
Written by Cadet Lieutenant Junior Grade Laila Caramanica, a senior- class of 2026, hometown Oakhurst.
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