Rep. John McGuire Celebrates Navy ROTC Partnership Between Liberty University, the University of Virginia, and the Department of War

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, a partnership a year in the making was finalized between Liberty University, the University of Virginia, and the Department of War, that will allow Liberty students to participate in a Navy ROTC (NROTC) program thanks to efforts by Representative John McGuire.

Last year, Liberty University reached out to Representative McGuire requesting assistance getting approval for a cross-town agreement with the University of Virginia's Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps unit. While LU has a base Army and Air Force ROTC unit, they have been lacking a Navy ROTC option for students.

The agreement, finalized today, will allow for Liberty University students to travel to UVA's campus to complete their NROTC training and commission as officers in the United States Navy and Marine Corps.

"Students seeking to serve as officers in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps should be given every opportunity to do so," said Rep. John McGuire (VA-05). "Over the past year, I have been proud to facilitate conversations with the University of Virginia, the Department of War, and Liberty University to create a cross-town agreement that will allow Liberty University students to participate in an NROTC unit, complete their training, and be commissioned as officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It is amazing what we can accomplish when we work together with a common goal. I would like to thank my friend, Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao, UVA, and Liberty University, for working closely with me to make this happen. I look forward to seeing what these incredible students accomplish in service to our great nation."

Background:

• On October 3, 2025, Representative McGuire sent a letter to the Secretary of War advocating for Liberty to be considered a cross-town affiliate of UVA's NROTC unit.
• On January 12, 2026, Representative McGuire received a response that the Department of the Navy will consider the agreement proposal during its annual review of ROTC unit placement.
• On August 24, 2026, the agreement was finalized.