Surface Warfare Schools Command - SWSC

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

🧭 Classic skills for modern mariners 🧭

Yesterday’s clear skies provided the perfect backdrop for students in SWSC’s Surface Navigator (SURFNAV) course to take to the roof for hands-on celestial navigation practice. The ideal weather allowed the students to conduct practical demonstrations with sextants, sharpening their skills in traditional seafaring methods.

While modern warships rely heavily on advanced satellite and electronic navigation systems, mastering celestial navigation remains a vital, battle-tested capability. Ensuring our navigators can guide their ships using only the sun, moon, and stars guarantees our Fleet remains resilient, self-reliant, and capable of safely navigating the world's oceans under any operational condition.

05/22/2026

Heading into Memorial Day weekend, SWSC reflects on the legacy of service and profound sacrifice of those who died in the line of duty. SWSC’s history is deeply rooted in its origins as the U.S. Naval Destroyer School. This heritage is built upon the courage of generations of Surface Warriors, from the "Tin Can Sailors" of World War II to modern warfighters patrolling the seas today.

The training conducted every day at SWSC serves as a living tribute to the fallen. By forging the next generation of naval leaders, SWSC ensures that the sacrifice of those who came before is never in vain. Their bravery remains the foundation of naval readiness and the shield of the nation.

We have the watch.

05/20/2026

Yesterday, SWSC hosted Admiral James Kilby, Vice Chief of Naval Operations. During his visit, Admiral Kilby met with SWSC leadership to discuss strategies for enhancing Surface Warfare Officer development and later engaged with students to share his insights and guidance, reinforcing the Navy's priorities and expectations for future leaders.

SWSC regularly hosts top-level Navy leaders like Admiral Kilby to enrich the in-class curriculum and provide invaluable perspectives to its students. His engagement with SWSC leadership and students alike highlights the Navy's dedication to developing strong, capable, and innovative surface warfare leaders.

05/18/2026

A familiar face on the quarterdeck!

Earlier today, SWSC welcomed back Rear Adm. Brian T. Mutty, Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations (J3) at Joint Force Command Naples. During his visit, Admiral Mutty, who served as the Commanding Officer of SWSC from 2022 to 2024, took the time to meet and speak with students in the Prospective Commanding Officer course.

Maintaining strong ties with former leadership serving in key joint operational roles is vital for our mission. Engagements like this bring invaluable, real-world Fleet insights directly back to the schoolhouse, ensuring our training pipelines remain aligned with the complex demands of global maritime operations and joint warfighting.

05/15/2026

⚓⚓SWSC Change of Command⚓⚓

Surface Warfare Schools Command welcomed Capt. Vic Sheldon as the new commanding officer today during a change of command ceremony.

Prior to becoming the commanding officer of SWSC, Capt. Sheldon was the Deputy Commander of Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center - SMWDC, and served as commanding officer of USS Princeton (CG 59), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) and USS Scout (MCM-8), USS Sentry (MCM 3) and USS Champion (MCM 4) as commanding officer of rotational MCM Crew Persistent.

Welcome to SWSC, Capt. Sheldon! And best of luck to Capt. Baggett, who has left a legacy of excellence!

Read the full change of command article here: www.dvidshub.net/news/565406

View the full photo album here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/swsc_newport/albums/72177720333665190/

05/13/2026

🤝Bringing the Joint Force to the Bridge🤝

Earlier today, SWSC hosted students from the U.S. Naval War College's Joint Military Operations department. Representing different branches of the U.S. military, the students joined our Senior Officer Training department (N75) for a hands-on lesson and demonstration utilizing SWSC's state-of-the-art Full Mission Bridge simulators.

Providing this immersive training allows officers from across the services to experience surface warfare tactics firsthand, fostering vital joint interoperability and ensuring our Armed Forces are prepared to maintain global maritime superiority.

05/08/2026

🚢 Strengthening Global Partnerships ⛴

Our International Surface Warfare Officers School (ISWOS) students recently traded the classrooms of SWSC for a day in New London!

The group visited the U.S. Coast Guard Academy , where they explored the campus, met with cadets, and gained firsthand insight into maritime training. These visits are a vital part of our mission to build lasting relationships with our international partners and enhance maritime cooperation across all services.

05/05/2026

Congratulations to the recent graduates of the Basic Division Officer Course (BDOC) at Mariner Skills Training Center Pacific, San Diego! These junior officers have successfully completed intensive foundational training in navigation, damage control, seamanship, and maritime warfare, preparing them to report to their first ships.

Forging competent and confident Surface Warfare Officers from day one is essential to the readiness of the Surface Force. By harnessing these critical skills early in their careers, these officers are now equipped to step aboard their ships and uphold the Navy's mission of global maritime superiority.

04/30/2026

💡🤖 Innovating for the future fight! 🤖💡

SWSC has stood up a new AI working group to explore how to leverage cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance training, streamline operations, and boost the tactical readiness of the Surface Warriors trained at SWSC.

From the schoolhouse to the Fleet, SWSC staff is committed to integrating next-generation tech to ensure our Sailors maintain the warfighting edge in an evolving battlespace.