College of Maritime Operational Warfare Graduates Winter Executive Level Operational Level of Warfare Course

NEWPORT, R.I. – The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) graduated 13 students from the Executive Level Operational Level of Warfare Course (ELOC) at its Newport, Rhode Island, campus on Jan. 30, 2026.

The Winter ELOC brought together senior officers from U.S. Navy and Marine Corps commands for education and practical application on Maritime Operation Center processes in execution at the operational level of war.

"The best of the best are assigned to lead our Navy's fleet staffs and Maritime Operations Centers around the world,” said Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, NWC president. “Our nation will rely on these officers to understand their forces and theaters, control the battle space and take decisive action in ever-evolving, complex environments. This course at the U.S. Naval War College is a critical step in their advancement as warfighters and leaders."

ELOC is designed to prepare senior officers enroute to leadership positions in operational Navy staffs. The course includes classified sessions on operational functions and concepts as well as discussions with current numbered fleet commanders.

Each ELOC course lasts for one week and there are three held per year in the Summer, Winter and Spring. This is designed so that students can attend classes before or on their way to Maritime Operations Centers (MOC) and fleet staff assignments.

ELOC is part of NWC’s College of Maritime Operational Warfare (CMOW), which aims to improve the capability of Navy commanders to lead maritime, Joint and multinational forces as well as improve the capability of Navy staff members to plan, execute, assess and function cohesively as a MOC.

Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. The college delivers excellence in education, research and outreach, informing today’s decision makers, educating tomorrow’s leaders and engaging partners and allies on all matters of naval power in order to preserve the peace, respond in crisis and win decisively in war.