U.S. Naval War College Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduates

Newport, R.I. - The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) celebrated its in-residence spring graduation onboard Naval Station Newport, March 6, 2026.

The ceremony honored a total of 51 graduating officers from the U.S. Navy, Army and Marine Corps. Graduates included 12 students from the College of Naval Warfare’s (CNW) senior-level leadership program and 39 students from the College of Naval Command and Staff’s (CNCS) intermediate-level leadership program.

"I want to congratulate our latest group of graduates on their successful completion of this rigorous and valuable training,” said Naval War College President Rear Adm. Darryl Walker. “Make no mistake, the men and women who are completing their tenures at the U.S. Naval War College today are better prepared to successfully lead joint, lethal U.S. and coalition forces through all phases of conflict. These graduates will return to the tip of the spear with better relationships with each other and the United States Navy, as well as ready to fight and win."

U.S. Navy Capt. Matthew E. Curnen from CNW and Lt. Cmdr. Brittany A. Collins from CNCS both earned the President’s Honor Graduate award, which merits its recipient based on their outstanding achievement across a spectrum of disciplines including academic performance, participation in NWC activities, participation in civic and community activities and promotion of armed / government services in the public interest.

The ceremony also honored 11 students for their outstanding academic performances. Curnen, along with CNCS students Lt. Cmdr. Melissa A. Seets and Lt. Cmdr. David M. Yonkings, received highest distinctions for ranking among the top five percent of their class. Eight additional students received distinctions for ranking among the top 15 percent of their class.

Col. Patrick M. McCarthy Jr., military prof. at NWCs College of Leadership and Ethics, was selected by the students to provide keynote remarks and bestow parting words of wisdom during the graduation.

Equipped with the ability to prepare strategically for the future, many graduates will assume leadership roles at staffs around the world. Others will take command of ships, squadrons and other units where their mental strength and flexibility can be used to create a decisive warfighting advantage.

NWC students participate in a one-year graduate-level program that accommodates either in-resident or distance learning status. They earn Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) credits and either a diploma or a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies or Defense and Strategic Studies. Graduates are comprised of U.S. and international officers in the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard, and various U.S. civilian government agencies.

Both CNW and CNCS programs advance the core teachings of NWC and prepare students to think critically, strategically, and operationally in military and civilian environments. Each program attracts officers and civilians at varying levels in pursuit of greater responsibility: senior level for CNW and intermediate for CNCS.

Established in 1884, NWC is the oldest institution of its kind in the world. More than 50,000 students have graduated since its first class of nine students in 1885 and about 300 of today’s active-duty admirals, generals and senior executive service leaders are alumni. Since creating a program for international officers in 1956, the college has more than 4,500 international alumni from 137 countries worldwide. Approximately ten percent of these alumni have become chief of their country’s respective navy.