The Ohio Naval Militia (ONM), an organized military unit that has served the State of Ohio and the nation since 1896, is seeking recruits age 17 and older who want to serve Ohio in a naval defense force.

The unit serves under Ohio's Adjutant General and is headquartered at the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, Port Clinton, Ohio. The Ohio Naval Militia is a part of the State of Ohio's Defense Forces which include the Ohio National Guard, Air National Guard, the Ohio Military Reserve and the Ohio Cyber Reserve. 

The unit notes, "Our current mission is to patrol the waters adjacent to the Camp Perry Training Center, to keep vessels from entering the impact area during live-fire exercises. This mission supports the State of Ohio and the U.S. Department of Defense by allowing the range to operate without interruption as armed service personnel perform weapons qualifications as part of their training or prior to deployment. Additionally, the ONM assists in times of natural disasters or other emergencies, as called upon by the Governor or the Adjutant General.

"If you would like to learn more about nautical operations and the Ohio Naval Militia and would be willing to volunteer one weekend a month and a week of annual training, please contact our recruiting officer, ENS Bergsman, at 614-654-4424 or email [email protected] for more information."