The USS Montana Committee congratulates the first recipient of the annual scholarship funded by the Committee, EMN1(SS) Eric Rodriguez. He is a former member of the commissioning crew, or “plankowner”, of the Virginia Class nuclear-powered fast attack submarine USS MONTANA.

An Electricians Mate, Nuclear*, and qualified submariner, Rodriguez is currently assigned to the Submarine Maintenance Monitoring Support Performance Team in Norfolk, Virginia, and is a sophomore at Old Dominion University majoring in Electrical Engineering Technology. He is a recipient of three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and served aboard the USS MASSACHUSETTS (SSN 798) before joining the USS MONTANA (SSN 794) crew in October 2020 and serving aboard her until June of 2024.

Rodriguez said that helping to bring the MONTANA to life demanded dedication, technical precision, and leadership that “…inspired me to pursue higher education to further strengthen the knowledge and skills I bring to the Navy.”

In expressing gratitude for the USS MONTANA (SSN 794) Scholarship, he said that it will help alleviate the financial burden of the education that, as he continues to serve, “…will directly support my growth as a leader in the submarine force—enhancing my critical thinking, broadening my strategic perspective, and preparing me for increased responsibility in the fleet.” Rodriguez also expressed a commitment to excellence that he said defines the USS MONTANA, the State of Montana, and his future in the Navy.

Committee Chairman Ron Davis said that he is very pleased and proud that the first scholarship is going to a plankowner of the USS MONTANA, and that EMN1(SS) Rodriguez plans to further his Navy career and leadership capabilities by the education he is pursuing. Said Davis, “We also thank our many Committee members and donors across Montana and elsewhere for encouraging and supporting this project to benefit our sailors and their families.”

The USS MONTANA (SSN 794) Scholarship is for $2,000 annually.

It is administered by the Dolphin Scholarship Foundation. Established in 1960 by submarine spouses, the first Dolphin scholarship of $350.00 was awarded in June, 1961. Since its founding over 64 years ago, DSF has granted over $15,000,000 to more than 1,600 outstanding students attending fully accredited universities and colleges throughout the United States. Today, DSF sponsors 131 ongoing scholarships with an annual grant ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 per student, for two to four years of full-time undergraduate studies, as well as students pursuing trade/vocational certification.

USS Montana Committee Steering Group member and scholarship leader Mike Halligan notes that the USS MONTANA (SSN 794) Scholarship has unique features. It is available to all past, present, and future USS MONTANA crew members, and also to their dependents. In addition, preference is given to those applicants who will attend Montana two- or four-year accredited higher education institutions for undergraduate or graduate programs – even online, as well as vocational education schools.

Said Halligan, “As we see how much demand there is for the scholarships, and how often they are used in the Treasure State, we have flexibility to adjust or expand the program.”

For more information, please use the USS Montana Committee website Contact page.

*Electrician’s Mates (Nuclear) are involved in the supervision, operation, maintenance, and administration of naval nuclear propulsion plants and associated equipment.