U.S. Naval War College Holds November Graduation For Students of Colleges of Naval Warfare, Naval Command & Staff

Official Statements

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “NEWPORT, R.I. — The U.S. Naval War College (NWC) graduated 29 students from its Colleges of Naval Warfare (CNW) and Naval Command & Staff (CNCS) on Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. “I want to congratulate another deserving and tested class of graduates, who successfully completed this rigorous course of study here at the U.S. Naval War College and will return to the wardrooms and front lines better prepared to lead and to win,” said Rear Adm. Darryl Walker, president of the war college.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “I'm proud of the work they put into learning history, strategy and operational art here during their year at the war college, and I'm excited to see what this class can accomplish on the battlefield, leading staffs and commanding forces. “I also want to thank the hard-working faculty and staff who developed and revised curricula, challenged these men and women in the classrooms and provided the administrative support necessary to reach this milestone here today,” he continued.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “The graduating November class selected Associate Dean of Academics and retired U.S. Air Force Col. Tim Schultz, Ph.D., as its faculty speaker for the Friday ceremony. Using anecdotes from President Abraham Lincoln, Greek mythology, modern warfare and popular culture, Schultz spoke about the importance of innovative thinking, learning from mistakes and adapting quickly to overcome them. “All of you remind us of how fortunate we are as faculty, and as staff, and leadership, to educate those who will shape and define our future,” he told the graduates in the audience.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “I can’t think of a higher privilege.” Lt. Cmdr. John Paul Mulligan, U.S. Navy, and Lt. Col. Joseph Owens, U.S. Army, were recognized at the Friday event as the honor graduates from CNCS and CNW, respectively. The honor graduates each thanked the family members in attendance, as well as the faculty and staff who supported them. “This year has given us more tools to use in the service of those we lead and the Constitution we swore to defend,” said Owens. “This opportunity comes with solemn responsibilities.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “We are expected to be masters of our craft, and our craft is not simply flying planes or helicopters, or driving ships or tanks. Our craft is war. Continued sacrifice and hardship are our future. We recognize fully that our nation expects us to be experts in all facets of the profession of arms, and we cannot settle for anything less than accomplishing any mission that our nation asks of us.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “Owens said that his fellow graduates should be proud of their accomplishments over the past year, but should not be satisfied. “Earning a degree from the Naval War College is a significant step in our careers, but we should remember that it is only a step,” he said. “Education is not the end in and of itself, rather it is an experience that builds greater capacity to lead, fight and win our nation’s wars.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “Mulligan said he and his classmates “are truly graduating at the intersection of doctrine, theory and practice.” “We will return to the fleet and joint force equipped with new skill sets and knowledge,” he said. “But that newly gained knowledge means we’re all charged with the responsibility of ensuring our nation’s unmatched tactical lethality is applied in the best way to achieve operational success and strategic victory. I know our class is up to the task and I’m excited to work with you across the joint force down range.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “CNCS provides intermediate-level officers from the U.S. Navy, Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Guard - as well as civilians with equivalent seniority - courses to develop essential leadership and strategic skills, while preparing for increased responsibilities and promotion. The O-3 and O-4-level students who complete the program are awarded Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) Phase I certification, as well as a Master of Arts in defense and strategic studies. CNW is geared toward senior-level officers with a courseload intended to prepare them for executive-level civilian leadership.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “It features core courses in national security decision making, strategy and policy, joint military operations, and Leadership in the Profession of Arms, as well as access to more than 120 elective courses and independent research projects. The O-5 and O-6-level students who complete this senior program are awarded JPME Phase II and a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies. Both programs have yearlong cycles that begin in November and March, as well as during the traditional academic year, running from August to the following June.”

• U.S. Naval War College, November 13: “Established in 1884, NWC informs today’s decision-makers and educates tomorrow’s leaders by providing educational experiences and learning opportunities that develop their ability to hedge aggressively, innovate continuously, fight distributively, delegate confidently, and command with clarity within complex battlespaces.”