U.S. Naval War College Graduates Summer 2026 ELOC Class

NEWPORT, R.I. — The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) graduated 32 students from the College of Maritime Operational Warfare’s Executive Level Operational Level of Warfare Course (ELOC) at Naval Station Newport on July 17, 2026. This five-day course was held from July 13–17 in the Naval War College’s Decision Support Center.

ELOC prepares senior leaders to lead, coach, and mentor operational-level staffs by providing training in operational warfare concepts, staff organization, and planning methodologies. This cohort included active-duty and reserve-component senior officers from naval commands and a Department of War senior civilian.

ELOC Director Dr. Hank Brightman, an NWC professor, leads the course with support from two retired Navy admirals, whose extensive operational and senior-level command experience ensures robust classroom discussion. The course also brings serving senior flag officers into direct dialogue with students, providing current perspectives, leadership insights and practical advice on the challenges of serving on fleet staffs and leading a Maritime Operations Center (MOC).

NWC President Rear Adm. Darryl Walker emphasized ELOC’s importance in preparing senior officers to integrate maritime operations into Joint warfighting.

“The Navy needs its very best senior officers to lead its fleet staffs and Maritime Operations Centers, where these warfighters must process the expectations and intent of combatant commanders along with ever-changing battlespace conditions to make decisions affecting tactical forces and ensuring mission accomplishment.” Walker said. “The experienced College of Maritime Operational Warfare instructors at the U.S. Naval War College provide these senior officers with the training they need to arrive in those crucial billets ready to execute and win."

ELOC strengthens the ability of operational staffs and MOCs to lead maritime, joint and multinational forces. The course focuses on translating a commander’s intent and operational plan into orders and direction for tactical commanders. It also includes classified discussions with current numbered fleet commanders, providing insights into contemporary global security challenges.

NWC conducts three ELOC classes each year in the winter, spring and summer, allowing students to attend before assuming fleet staff or MOC assignments.

ELOC is administered by NWC’s College of Maritime Operational Warfare (CMOW), which provides operational-level education and training to strengthen the effectiveness of maritime commanders and staffs.

Established in 1884, the U.S. Naval War College informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders for service in complex operational environments.