Introducing the New U.S. Naval War College Provost, Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Michael O’Hara, Ph.D.

The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) welcomed retired U.S. Navy Capt. Michael O’Hara, Ph.D., as its newest provost as of Aug. 1, 2026.

O’Hara, who most recently served as the dean of the NWC’s Center for Naval Warfare Studies (CNWS), replaces retired U.S. Army Col. Stephen Mariano, Ph.D., who held the position since 2022.

As dean of CNWS, O’Hara led a faculty of 190 civilian and military experts, and technical practitioners conducting classified wargaming, analysis, and research on high-end warfare, deterrence, force design, and emerging technologies in support of the Chief of Naval Operations and the Joint Force.

A former naval flight officer and naval intelligence officer, O’Hara designed courses such as Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Leaders, Game Theory & Strategic Decision Making, and taught in the Strategy & Policy department, before serving as Chair of the War Gaming Department. He is recipient of the Vice Admiral Thomas R. Weschler Award for Inspirational Teaching.

As Provost, O’Hara becomes the NWC’s chief academic officer and oversees the academic enterprise of the College, including educational quality, faculty development, research, accreditation, and curriculum innovation, ensuring the institution remains at the forefront of professional military education and strategic thought.

The following represents Provost O’Hara’s answers to a few introductory questions in his own words.

What are some of your top priorities as the incoming provost?

My number one priority is to educate leaders to face the uncertainties and the complexities of modern warfare. Our graduates must be ready for challenges on battlefields perhaps we haven’t even seen yet. 

How has your military and academic experience prepared you for the role of provost?

The Naval War College’s strength, like the strength of our Navy, is forged in the foundry. The foundry is all about people. Our faculty and staff is comprised of brilliant, dedicated patriots who are dedicated to the mission. Throughout both my military and academic careers, I have priorized leadership, teamwork, and growth. Like many of our faculty and staff, I have maintained relationships in the fleet and Joint Force as well as in security-focused research communities. Additionally, I spearheaded a multi-year modernization effort for the U.S. Navy’s wargaming enterprise, integrating a network of warfighters, research and development centers, national laboratories, and the intelligence community to produce decision advantage for senior operational commanders. This experience has kept me close to the fleet and to the networks that create the decisive combat edge.

Do you see the role of the U.S. Naval War College evolving in the coming years, and if so, how?

The Naval War College will lean into its heritage of wargaming and it will become even more adept with artificial intelligence. Since Lt. McCarty Little introduced the technique to the college 140 years ago, wargaming has remained a feature of a Newport education. Complemented by reading, seminar discussion, simulations, and battle problems, the Naval War College curriculum foster in our students a habit of mind so they can adapt to the “continual, unremitting change” that was true of war in the age of our first NWC President, Admiral Luce, and is certainly true today.  

What are you most looking forward to as you begin work as the provost?

First, I look forward to highlighting the incredible work that occurs everyday in our classrooms. Next, I am eager to share with decision makers the findings from wargames, analysis, and research of our students and faculty. Finally, I will continue to engage with our allies and partners.  

What advice do you have for incoming U.S. Naval War College students? How about new faculty or staff?

Be curious, build learning communities, and take advantage of this incredible opportunity to learn from our faculty and each other. That’s advice that applies to students and faculty/staff alike.