The Navy's newest department heads completed training during a ceremony at Admiral Michael Mullen auditorium at the Surface Warfare Officers School (SWOS), Naval Station Newport Dec 1.

Fifty-six surface warfare officers successfully completed their 27-week course to become department heads afloat.

Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander Expeditionary Strike Group 2, guest speaker for the event, looked to his own experience as a department head for words of encouragement for the graduates.

"My department head tours were the most effectively challenging and personally rewarding jobs I've had," said Kitchener.

Distinguished graduates included Lt. Andrew Bartholomeaux who received the Arleigh Burke Award, as selected by his 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 23. He also received the City of Newport Award for demonstrating the highest qualities of professionalism and leadership.

Lt. Samuel Graessle received the Newport Navy League Award for academic excellence as the top graduate for the class, as well as the Top Gunner award, given to the prospective department head with the highest grade point average in the tactical action officer curriculum.

Lt. Jethro Ramos was selected for the Top Snipe award, as the prospective engineering officer with the highest grade point average in the engineering curriculum.

Many of the graduates will arrive at their respective ships within the week to begin their 18 or 36-month tours.



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