From Four Applications to the Submarine Force: David Rothenberg’s T3 Leadership Story

Incredible Story: Naval Academy Midshipman’s “T3” Leadership Example!

I’ve highlighted many former Midshipmen from our Alma Mater as exemplars of “Teamwork, Tone, Tenacity™” (T3) over the years, but never for their leadership as Midshipmen themselves.  Soon-to-be Ensign David Rothenberg, a stalwart of the USNA Jewish Midshipmen Club, is a first!

His inspirational style:

– TENACITY: David applied to the Naval Academy four (4) times!

– 2018 rejection from High School,

– 2019 re-application, and again a rejection while a Freshman at Texas A&M,

– 2020, finally, successful acceptance as a Sophomore at Texas A&M in 2020. After a Plebe Year, which included a severe shoulder injury and complex surgery, David decided to voluntarily resign from USNA.  He began attending George Washington University. There, he received a BS in Chemistry, Summa Cum Laude, in 2023 (and was a DC Paramedic Team Chief).

As a senior, David reconsidered his resignation from USNA and decided to reapply.  He spoke directly with former Superintendent VADM (Ret) Sean S. Buck, who readmitted him!

This was not ordinary persistence, but a rare combination of grit, self-belief, and refusal to accept “no” as final. He graduates tomorrow with a BS in Operations Research and is heading to submarine nuclear power school.  This is the kind of leadership attribute that inspires others in the Fleet to push through adversity.

– TEAMWORK: David chose Texas A&M – integrating into a different program, building relationships, and performing well enough to remain competitive for a future USNA slot. This shows humility and the ability to contribute effectively as part of a team. At USNA (twice), he operated in an environment that deliberately breaks down individualism in favor of collective mission success. True leaders in high-stakes environments like the Navy understand that individual excellence only matters insofar as it strengthens the unit; his story suggests someone who repeatedly subordinated personal convenience to long-term service in a team-oriented profession.

– TONE: David’s consistent demeanor, attitude, and presence project a quiet, resolute professionalism combined with infectious patriotism and optimism. Despite multiple setbacks, there is no indication of bitterness, entitlement, or defeatism. VADM Buck’s decision to re-admit him highlights that David presented his case with maturity, clarity, humility, and credible passion rather than desperation. In military leadership contexts, tone sets the climate: his reflects steadfastness, humility in the face of authority, and an inspiring belief in the mission (service to the nation via the submarine force). People with this tone are followed because they project quiet confidence and genuine commitment, not bravado.

Proud to have been with you along the way, David.  You’re a Mensch!

Fair Winds and Following Seas, shipmate!