Springfield man named Ohio Naval Militia Commandant

Gov. John Kasich has appointed Dr. Robin Osborn of Springfield as the new Commandant for the Ohio Naval Militia.

Osborn was also promoted to Rear Admiral (lower half) effective April 1 by Major General Debra Ashenhurst, Adjutant General of the Ohio National Guard.

“It’s a job I wanted to do,” Osborn said.

The Ohio Naval Militia (ONM) is an organized, unarmed, all-volunteer unit that has served the State of Ohio and the nation since 1896. It’s state operational headquarters is on the Camp Perry Training Site, just outside Port Clinton, Ohio, on Lake Erie. The ONM’s active mission is patrolling the live-fire government impact area off Camp Perry and keeping pleasure boaters and fishermen from entering.

Osborn served 27 years in the United States Navy, attaining the rank of Captain and retired from the Naval Reserve in 2006.

“Once you’re out, you miss it, and that partly drove my interest in the position,” he said.

Locally, Osborn founded Crystal Clear Imaging in 2002 and currently continues the practice of radiology there. He spent 10 years at Mercy Medical Center, including a stint as Chief of Radiology. With Crystal Clear Imaging up and running, he says he “now has some time to devote to ONM.

“I wanted to get back in naval activities, and this was about the only available option for someone my age,” he said.

The 58-year old Osborn believes his lengthy Navy resume was key in getting the job.

“I think they kinda wanted that,” he said.

He said most of his predecessors had a credible amount of naval experience, but “I think they were looking for recent naval experience.”

Osborn said his role as Commandant includes setting “the tone for how we look and how we act.” He also wants to boost recruiting, citing the biggest problem they have is a lack of awareness of the ONM.

“The bigger we are, the more we can do,” Osborn said.

Osborn pointed out the all-volunteer unit includes military career people and those who did not serve but wish they had. It’s open to both men and women, ages 17 to 67.

“It’s an opportunity to give back to your state,” Osborn said.

The ONM’s mission also provides support for the Ohio National Guard and other military units and they perform weapons qualifications prior to deploying overseas. Osborn said the ONM could be activated by Gov. Kasich in the event of a state emergency, including natural disasters, or for safety and security.

His awards include: Meritorius Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal, Public Health Unit Commendation, fleet marine force ribbon, and Navy and Marine Corps overseas service ribbons.

Osborn is also a past President of the Clark County Medical Society. His wife, Crystl, is a physician at Mental Health Services of Clark County. They have three children.

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