In a solemn ceremony, three young men received their commissions into the U.S. Navy shortly before they received their bachelor’s degrees from SUNY Maritime College.

Harold Klausner, a Marine Transportation major from Huntingtown, Maryland, received his commission as a strategic sealift officer in the Navy.

Joseph Pellegrino, a Marine Operations major from Huntington, New York, received his commission, also as a strategic sealift officer in the Navy.

Joseph Pesko, a Mechanical Engineering major from Throggs Neck, New York, received his commission into Naval Nuclear Power School.

“Today we are here to honor three great Americans. They join the ranks of the Naval officer corps and there is no doubt these three men have shown great courage,” said Capt. Heedong Choi, commanding officer of the New York City NROTC Battalion housed at SUNY Maritime. “From this day forward, you will serve your family, mentors, professors and many others like them. You need to continue to have honor, courage and commitment to ensure you will represent them well.”

During the ceremony, the students received their commissions in leather-bound portfolios embossed with the seal of the United States, took the oath of office, and received their first salutes and the insignia of their new ranks.

The NROTC program at Maritime includes 134 students who will serve as active-duty officers in the U.S. Navy or Marine Corps, or as reservists in the Navy. In addition to more than 100 SUNY Maritime students, the unit includes students from Columbia, Fordham and Molloy College.