The Ohio Naval Militia (State Defense Force of Ohio) stands as one of the three essential components of the Ohio State Defense Force, a statewide organization dedicated to providing military support during emergencies, natural disasters, and moments of critical need. Together with the Ohio Military Reserve and the Ohio Cyber Reserve, the Naval Militia forms a comprehensive framework that strengthens the state’s readiness across land, air, cyber, and maritime domains. The Ohio Military Reserve performs many of the missions most commonly associated with State Defense Forces nationwide, including establishing Point of Distribution sites during statewide emergencies—an effort that proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic when food, medical supplies, and protective equipment needed to be delivered rapidly to communities across Ohio. Their mission set also includes a multitude of missions, some of them are Search and Rescue operations, Cyber Defense, and Drone Reconnaissance. Drone capabilities, in particular, have become essential during emergencies and natural disasters, giving Emergency Operations Centers a real-time aerial picture of damage, flooding, infrastructure threats, and evacuation needs.
Completing the triad is the Ohio Cyber Reserve, a new but rapidly developing organization composed of civilian cyber experts who volunteer their time and skills to assist state agencies and the National Guard in protecting critical networks and countering cyber threats. These three forces work together to safeguard the people of Ohio across multiple operational fronts.
At the maritime edge of these efforts is the Ohio Naval Militia, whose unique mission centers on patrolling strategic sections of Lake Erie, with special attention to the impact area off Camp Perry. This zone is used by state and federal military units for weapons qualifications, making it essential that no civilian vessels drift into danger—whether accidentally or intentionally. The Naval Militia’s patrols ensure that training missions can be conducted safely, preserving both civilian life and military readiness.
Throughout 2025, the Ohio Naval Militia has maintained an active operational tempo, demonstrating not only its professionalism but its continued value to the safety and security of Ohio and its residents. One of the most significant recognitions this year occurred in June, when several sailors received the prestigious Captain David P. Dobbins Award for lifesaving actions taken on September 21, 2024. This award, issued by the United States Coast Guard, honors extraordinary performance during Search and Rescue operations on the Great Lakes. On that September evening, Lt. Jg. Chellis and his crew were the first responders to a capsized vessel. Upon arrival, they discovered an individual in critical condition. Acting swiftly, the crew administered CPR and transported the victim to the nearest marina, where EMS personnel took over. Their decisive actions directly contributed to saving a life, earning them both the Dobbins Award and the Ohio Naval Militia’s own Distinguished Service Citation. These sailors exemplified the highest standards of readiness, courage, and maritime expertise.
In August, the Naval Militia once again demonstrated its value to state and local authorities when it was requested by the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office to provide security support during the two-day “Bash on the Bay 8” music festival at Put-In-Bay. Large-scale public events near the shoreline of Lake Erie demand a coordinated maritime presence, and the Naval Militia played a key role in ensuring safety throughout the event.
That same month, the sailors worked closely with their partners in the Ohio Military Reserve during GuardCare 2025, held at the Trillium Event Center in Bucyrus. GuardCare is a collaborative event hosted by the Ohio National Guard, The Ohio State Defense Force, the Ohio Department of Health, and a collection of state and local agencies—including the Naval Militia—which provides no-cost medical services to Ohio residents. During this year’s event, Naval Militia personnel supported medical operations, with OS2 Clyde assisting patients as part of a joint medical readiness effort. Events like GuardCare highlight the interoperability of the Ohio State Defense Force components and their ability to operate seamlessly alongside state agencies for the benefit of local communities.
In addition to special missions and community support efforts, the Naval Militia undertook its annual training week in August 2025. This extended training period allows sailors to refine their maritime skills, conduct on-the-water operations, review emergency procedures, and reinforce team cohesion. Annual training provides an opportunity not only to strengthen mission-specific capabilities but also to deepen camaraderie and unit cohesion—qualities that are crucial when responding to emergencies on Lake Erie or supporting military training operations at Camp Perry.
The Ohio Naval Militia’s year has also been defined by ongoing, rigorous monthly training. In April, Ship’s Company One completed critical CPR and Stop the Bleed training, ensuring every sailor remains fully prepared to respond to medical emergencies both ashore and on the water. These lifesaving skills were demonstrated to be invaluable during the September 2024 rescue and remain a fundamental part of the unit’s readiness.
During September drill, the Naval Militia was asked to remove swim buoys from the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, a physically demanding but essential task that the sailors completed with their characteristic professionalism. Their ability to take on labor-intensive support missions underscores their importance to the broader military community at Camp Perry. They also conducted their annual physical fitness assessment, with SN Wise recognized as the most improved sailor. Maintaining physical readiness is a core requirement for anyone operating in maritime environments, where emergencies can unfold rapidly and sailors must be prepared to act under physically strenuous conditions.
To prepare for operations in colder weather—and to ensure the highest level of safety during maritime missions—the sailors also trained with Mustang cold-weather suits. These suits offer flotation support and protect the wearer from extreme conditions, making them critical gear for sailors working on Lake Erie, especially during the fall and early spring seasons when temperatures can be dangerously low. This emphasis on safety and preparation reflects the Naval Militia’s long-standing motto: safety first, safety always.
Throughout 2025, the Ohio Naval Militia has demonstrated a high degree of readiness, capability, and dedication. Whether saving lives on the Great Lakes, supporting public safety operations, working alongside other components of the Ohio State Defense Force, or conducting intensive training, these sailors continue a legacy of service that dates back more than a century. Their contributions ensure the ongoing safety of Lake Erie’s waterways and strengthen Ohio’s overall emergency preparedness. As one of the three pillars of the Ohio State Defense Force, the Naval Militia’s commitment to service remains unwavering, proving once again that Ohio’s Navy stands ready to serve whenever called.
PATROL SEASON STARTING
As we enter springtime, the Ohio Naval Militia (ONM) is ready for a busy and intensive patrol season. The ONM conducts multiple patrols during drill weekends, ensuring that National Guard personnel are uninterrupted as they qualify with weaponry as well as keeping the boating public away from the live fire range.
With an abundance of opportunities for growth and development, we need YOU. You’ll gain valuable military training and boating and leadership skills.
TRAINING
This past drill, Ship’s Company One underwent annual CPR and Stop the Bleed training. This training ensures that our sailors are up to speed on the current best practice for first aid and emergency CPR. With this preparation, our sailors will be ready for medical emergencies in and out of the water.
Are you interested in joining the Ohio Navy? Contact LT Bergsman at [email protected]
May 2025 Patrol Weekend
The highly trained, professional sailors of the Ohio Naval Militia performed another successful patrol, providing vital security for Ohio and our country.
Be part of our proud legacy.
Contact us at [email protected].
Ohio Navy Sailors Receive the United States Coast Guard’s, Captain David P. Dobbins Award
Lt Chellis, Ens Duggins and SN Cavender received this distinguished citation in response to their lifesaving actions on September 21, 2024.
The Dobbins award recognizes outstanding actions taken during Search and Rescue missions on the Great Lakes.
BZ sailors. You embody honor, courage and commitment.
Annual Training Week 2025
The Ohio Naval Militia recently completed its annual training week. This is when we hone our skills on and off the water – to best serve you.
It’s also opportune for team building and camaraderie.
Since 1896, the Ohio Naval Militia provides a vital security mission for Ohio and our country.
Contact us at 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
Service: It’s What We Do
The Trillium Event Center in Bucyrus hosted the Ohio National Guard, in partnership w/ the Ohio Department of Health & local agencies including the Ohio Naval Militia; GuardCare 2025 was a two-day event where Ohio residents received a wide array of no-cost health services. Pictured is OS2 Clyde tending to a patient.
Ohio’s Navy, serving Ohio and our country since 1896.
“Bash on the Bay 8″Music Fest, Put-In-Bay, Ohio
By request of the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office, the Ohio Naval Militia helped provide security at this exciting 2-day event.
Serving Ohio and our country, that’s what Ohio’s Navy does since 1896.
Call 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
Training – Preparation – Execution
Sailors in the Ohio Naval Militia are trained and well prepared when they perform their vital security mission for Ohio and our country. Do you want to be an integral part of something bigger than yourself?
Call 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
Ready – Willing – Able
At September’s drill, the Ohio Naval Militia was asked to remove Camp Perry Joint Training Center’s swim buoys. Our sailors were more than willing to undertake this laborious task. Since 1896, serving Ohio and our country.
BZ!
Call 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
Most Improved – Physical Readiness Test
Ohio Navy sailors had their annual physical training exercises during September drill.
SN Wise!
BZ to all for their commitment to Ohio and our country.
Call 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
Safety First…Safety Always
Sailors of the Ohio Naval Militia donned Mustang cold weather suits. They protect the user from inclement weather & provide flotation in case of accidental falls in the water.
Safety first…safety always.
Call our recruiters at 614.816.4119 or [email protected]
The Ohio Naval Militia proudly recognizes LTJG Chellis, Ens Duggins and SN Cavender. On 21 September 2024, LTJG Chellis and his crew responded to a distress call for a capsized vessel. Being the first on scene, they encountered a seriously injured person; they administered CPR and transported the victim to a marina where local EMS took over.
For their extraordinary actions, these sailors were awarded the Ohio Naval Militia’s Distinguished Service Citation.
Well deserved, sailors…BZ!
Contact [email protected]
Sources: Ohio Naval Militia