The 21-year-old ocean engineering major said he is both anxious and excited about taking on the six-stripe shoulder boards.

''It’s a huge responsibility and I know a lot will be expected of me,'' said Rykaczewski, a Satellite Beach, Fla., native. ''My focus will be representing the Midshipmen as best as I can, finding out what their wants and needs are, and getting them to the administration.''

Rykaczewski said he applied for the Brigade Commander position because of the challenge it presented, but was surprised by his selection. Rykaczewski believes taking on additional challenges at the Naval Academy helps prepare Midshipmen to be better officers.

''He has a hard job in front of him, but I think he’s the perfect person for it,'' said Midn. 1⁄C Genevieve Studer, Brigade Executive Officer. ''He’s outgoing, well-liked, and a solid performer, but he still has the people skills that are needed in a position like this.''

Rykaczewski’s visions include strengthening honor in the brigade, upholding professionalism, and taking ownership of being a Midshipman as a job.

''I would like to see us really take on our roles as Midshipmen, anywhere in the chain of command,'' said Rykaczewski. ''It’s important to take ownership of the people below you. You have a responsibility to them to set a good example and provide them with as much knowledge as you have to help them along.''

Rykaczewski said he believes in solving problems at the lowest level possible, and said the brigade chain of command, from squad leaders and up, must take responsibility for their subordinates. He also stressed the importance of taking and showing pride as a Midshipman.

''Having pride in this institution is really the biggest thing. If you have pride in the Academy and what you’re doing, you’ll take things more seriously and want to become the kind of leader the Naval Academy is here to teach you to be,'' said Rykaczewski. ''If we can show that sense of pride to the Class of 2011 and show them that we have an interest in them and their lives, they will see good examples of leadership and maybe better understand what type of leader they want to someday be.''

Rykaczewski hopes to enter either aviation or the special operations community upon commissioning.