Navy's Newest Department Heads Graduate SWOS

NEWPORT, R.I. (NNS) -- The Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS) graduated Department Head Class 221 in the Pringle Auditorium at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., May 2.

The class, consisting of 50 Surface Warfare Officers, completed the 27-week course designed to prepare officers for duty as chief engineers, combat systems and weapons officers, operations officers on all classes of ships, and as first lieutenants on amphibious ships.

The course is divided into two major subdivisions - Tactical Action Officer (TAO), which focuses on areas such as undersea warfare, air defense, and surface warfare, and Operations, Readiness, Training, and Engineering (ORTE), which explores the specifics of each student's prospective job assignments.

"The length of the SWOS Department Head course, a full six months, is indicative of the investment the Navy has made in the future readiness of the students and in their importance to the mission of the ship," said Capt. Richard Brown, SWOS commanding officer. "A significant graduation ceremony is merited to acknowledge these facts and to note each officer's passage from student to ship's officer."

The guest of honor for the ceremony, Rear Adm. Kevin Sweeney, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10, thanked the families and friends of the graduates for witnessing this major achievement in their careers. After congratulating the graduates, Sweeney reminded them of the importance of the demanding roles they were about to undertake and how they will be relied upon as leaders on their ships.

"The duties and responsibilities of the shipboard department head are significant and reflect a great degree of authority," said Sweeney. "As fully-trained surface warriors, your commanding officers will be counting on you to lead your respective departments and to provide advice on key command decisions; so make sure you are up to the task. Do what is right and trust your instincts. Those things will keep you out of trouble and on the path to success - we are counting on you."

Lt. Ryan Pierce, prospective operations officer for the guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) received the Arleigh Burke award for the graduate recognized by classmates as the individual possessing the strongest leadership, industry and perseverance; best exemplifying the fighting spirit of Admiral Burke's famous squadron, the 'Little Beavers' - Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23.

"The course was more challenging than I expected," said Pierce. "It was also a huge honor to be chosen by my classmates for this award."

Lt. Eric Duffield, prospective weapons officer for the guided-missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) received the City of Newport award for demonstrating the highest qualities of professionalism and leadership, as reflected by his overall contributions to the class.

Other awardees honored during the graduation ceremony were Lt. James Drennan, and Lt. Paul Tranbarger. Drennan, the prospective weapons officer for the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) earned the Top Gunner award for having the highest overall grade point average for the tactical action officer portion of the course. Drennan also received the Newport Navy League award for academic excellence as the top graduate for department head class 221. Tranbarger earned the Top Snipe award for having the highest overall grade point average for the engineering portion of the course.

The graduates will report to their next assignments aboard ships around the world in the coming months.
After more than 50 years, the Department Head course remains the flagship course at SWOS. Approximately 275 students attend the course each year.

SWOS is headquartered in Newport, R.I. and oversees nine learning sites, which provide more than 1,000 courses a year to more than 67,000 Sailors.

SWOS uses a mix of blended-learning techniques comprised of instructor-led classes, hands-on labs, simulation and computer-based training. Courses include specialized training supporting all enlisted engineering ratings, and Surface Warfare Officers at every level. Building maritime partnerships, the command also provides training to many international students.

For more information about Surface Warfare Officers School, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/swos/ .

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnet/.