Students Talk Security | United We Stand, Divided We Sink

Notre Dame International Security Center

An Interview with Lt. Austin Chung by Benjamin Erhardt Summary: Notre Dame sophomore Benjamin Erhardt sits down with his former professor and current Notre Dame Naval ROTC instructor, Lt. Austin Chung, USN, to discuss a variety of topics centered on the theme of bolstering American security while promoting unity. Their discussions include: the importance of international alliances in promoting American security and foreign policy interests abroad, Lt. Chung's own experiences from his time serving in the Navy while based in Japan, and -- in light of the upcoming 2020 elections -- civil discourse in the military and how it helps promote unity and constant maintenance of American security. Biography: Lt. Austin Chung graduated from Villanova University in 2013 with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He received a commission through the Villanova University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps as a Surface Warfare Officer Nuclear Option and reported to his first tour onboard USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) stationed in San Diego, CA. While serving onboard USS Chancellorsville, he received his Officer of the Deck, Surface Warfare Coordinator, and Surface Warfare Officer qualifications. He then reported to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) based in Yokosuka, Japan where he served as the Reactor Controls Division Officer and deputy to the commands Reactor Training Assistant. While stationed with Forward Deployed Naval Forces Japan, he completed four Western Pacific Patrols and two maintenance availabilities, received his Propulsion Plant Watch Officer, Engineering Officer of the Watch and Nuclear Engineer Officer qualifications, and was recognized as the 2017 Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific Propulsion Plant Watch Officer of the Year. At Notre Dame, Lt. Chung works with senior-year students in Notre Dame's Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. In this role, he prepares the seniors to enter the fleet as well as teaching the Naval Operations class.