Midshipman Profiles
MIDN 2/C Ian Williams, ’26
MIDN Williams is originally from Las Vegas and is studying Economics and Data Science. In his free time he supports the Dodgers, follows Formula 1, and his newest passion is surfing, thanks to the surfing class he took this semester.
MIDN Williams was recognized for his leadership of the November Live Fire, where thirty midshipmen traveled to Camp Pendleton to receive one-on-one instruction on firearm handling from the Weapons Field Training Battalion, Operations Section. He is also responsible for planning and preparing the Winter Commissioning ceremony for 6 First Class Midshipmen in December. Previously, Ian has served as a Squad Leader and Supply Officer.
MIDN 3/C Nick De Fina, ’27
MIDN De Fina is a native of Chicago and a Marine Option. He is studying Political Science and Public Policy on the Pre-Law track and aspires to attend law school following his service in the Infantry.
In October, Nick was recognized for his leadership, performance, and dedication to teaching his fellow students with the Tuefel Hunden Award as the top performer in the Fall Marine Field Exercise. As the Battalion’s Athletics Officer, MIDN De Fina is leading the PT planning and raising standards in PRT/PFT performance. Thanks to his efforts, the Battalion has seen improvements in overall scores across the board. His leadership and initiative are an inspiration to the entire Trojan Battalion.
MIDN De Fina was the recipient of an Alumni League scholarship for the Fall 2024 semester.
MIDN 3/C Jaelin Baylon, ’27
MIDN Baylon is from San Diego, California, and is a Sophomore studying Human Biology. MIDN Baylon was recognized for her outstanding efforts as OIC of the Trojan NROTC Family Weekend Tailgate. Her leadership and attention to detail resulted in a successful and lively event showcasing her dedication and commitment to the Battalion.
In addition to her NROTC responsibilities, Jaelin is actively involved in numerous clubs at USC, including TroyPhi and the USC Women’s Basketball Club Team. Her continued contributions and active involvement serve as an inspiration, and we look forward to seeing all she will achieve in the future.
MIDN 1/C Matthew Villena, ’25
MIDN Villena hails from San Diego, CA, and is a senior studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. MIDN Villena was recently recognized for his efforts during New Student Orientation (NSO) and his performance in the 4/C TRAINO billet. He successfully onboarded 30 new 4/C MIDN into the battalion.
MIDN Villena previously spearheaded the implementation of the Battalion Slack workspace, saving the unit thousands of dollars each semester. Additionally, his leadership and efforts in the battalion have not gone unnoticed as he was last semester’s Spring Dining Out OIC and a Platoon ATHO.
Matt spent his 1/C summer cruise with HSM-73 “Battle Cats” and was recently selected to attend Naval Aviation training upon his commissioning next year.
MIDN 1/C Kaisa Liljenwall, ’24
MIDN Liljenwall is from Astoria, Oregon and is a senior studying Biomedical Engineering. Known for her passion in the Joint Assembly for Military Students, Liljenwall has watched the military community on campus grow and she is now the programming chair of JAMS.
Kaisa has also dedicated significant time to the development of younger Midshipmen as an NSO organizer, a 4/C mentor, and as a COMMO/TRAINING platoons leading figure. She’s hosted Q&A sessions with JROTC MIDN, and her role as an Honor Flight Volunteer demonstrates a heartfelt commitment to honoring our military veterans.
MIDN Liljenwall was awarded Alumni League scholarships for Spring and Fall 2024 semesters.
MIDN 4/C Ryan Tran, ’27
MIDN Tran is from Arizona where he fostered his love for service and particularly, his interest in drill and aviation. In high school, he was a member of the Marine JROTC program and held the titles of Drill Master, Public Affairs Officer, and Merchandise Officer.
MIDN Tran coordinated the ceremonies at the 2024 USC Veterans, Service Members and ROTC Students Gala. From the Color Guard presentation to the solemn POW/MIA ceremony, MIDN Tran’s meticulous attention to detail ensured the success and highest respect of the evening.
With the goal of earning his Navy Wings of Gold, Ryan attended the U.S. Navy’s Summer Flight Academy in Delaware and continues to pursue his private pilot’s license.
MIDN 2/C Bric Brown, ’25
MIDN Brown spent his early years in Western Europe following his father’s military career which developed a keen interest in military service and a desire for a career in Naval Special Warfare (NSW).
In his spare time, MIDN Brown is an avid fitness enthusiast. His dedication to physical fitness is not only a personal pursuit but also a demonstration of his readiness for the physical challenges that come with military service. This passion for fitness has extended to Bric’s leadership abilities, as evidenced by the personalized running plans he has provided, helping to enhance the fitness levels of his fellow Midshipmen.
MIDN 2/C Hunter Brophy, ’25
MIDN Hunter Brophy, is an avid pickleballer and cliff diver hailing from Carmel CA. Outside of the battalion, his time is spent hiking and in personal performance optimization He is working to understand the intricacies of physical training and recovery techniques that yield the best results. His unrivaled PT accomplishments are a sign that he on the right track.
With the desire to join the Naval Special Warfare (SEAL) community, MIDN Brophy displays a deep dense of purpose and motivated to make a meaningful difference through his service. “There is no better way to help others than to save their life. As a SEAL, I believe I can make the largest impact in the world and feel as though my life was given to me for a reason.” Hunter has successfully completed the USNA NSW Screener in November, showcasing his dedication to the rigorous training required for Naval Special Warfare.
MIDN Brophy was the recipient of an Alumni League scholarship for Fall 2023 and Fall 2024 semesters.
MIDN 2/C David Rozo, ’25
Midshipman Rozo is from Chatsworth, CA and is an Astronautical Engineering major. He currently holds a billet as Athletics Officer, where he has been incredibly impactful by bringing in new kinds of workouts, constantly challenging fellow Midshipman, and adapting to unforeseen changes in the schedule.
Recently, the Trojan Battalion had the opportunity to do a workout with Air Force Special Forces, which was made possible through the efforts of Midshipman Rozo. Along with being a dedicated Midshipman, he also frequently competes in Crossfit competitions where he performs incredible feats of strength. Most recently, Midshipman Rozo successfully cleaned and jerked 335 pounds. David has been selected for Submarine Warfare (Nuke).
MIDN 1/C Jack Saville, ’23
Since kindergarten, MIDN Saville has dreamed of being in the U.S. Navy. He joined the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program three weeks after arriving at USC. And in May 2023, he graduated with a degree in pharmacology and drug development from USC Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy.
Saville said he always had the urge to serve the country. He grew up in Manhasset, N.Y., in a family where many others have also joined the military. Saville’s great-uncle served in a tank battalion during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
“Being a part of the Naval ROTC Battalion at USC has been a gratifying experience,” Saville said, noting that the program provided him with naval knowledge, leadership skills, and friendships for life. Saville added that he uses the Navy’s core values of honor, courage and commitment when evaluating problems or trying to make ethical decisions. And by doing so, he has the ability to look at issues from different perspectives, setting him apart from peers in other classes.
After graduation, Jack will travel to Norfolk, Va., to complete required training and then head to San Diego, Calif., to serve as a surface warfare officer aboard the USS PEARL HARBOR (LSD 52).