Naval War College Forges Future Leaders, Graduates Joint Service Students

Photo By Lt.Cmdr. Anthony Ohl | Lt. Cmdr. Greg Jonic, distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College (NWC), College of Naval Command and Staff (CNCS), provides remarks during a College of Naval Warfare (CNW) and CNCS graduation ceremony for 72 U.S. Navy, Army and Marine Corps students at NWC in Newport, R.I. The graduation served as a career milestone for the students as they move onward with expanded joint professional military knowledge and enhanced preparation for increased responsibilities. Nineteen students comprised of 16 Navy, two Marine Corps and one Army graduated from CNW. Fifty-three students comprised of 45 Navy and eight Army graduated from the CNCS.  

NEWPORT, RI, UNITED STATES

11.19.2013

Story by Chief Petty Officer James Foehl 

U.S. Naval War College

NEWPORT, R.I. - Seventy-two U.S. Navy, Army and Marine Corps students gathered with family and friends for their graduation from the College of Naval Warfare (CNW) and College of Naval Command and Staff (CNCS), Nov. 19, at U.S. Naval War College (NWC) in Newport, R.I.

The graduation served as a career milestone for the students as they move onward with expanded joint professional military knowledge and enhanced preparation for increased responsibilities.

“The Naval War College taught me to look at the bigger picture,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jimmy Wang, a CNCS graduate. “Everything we do at the tactical level serves a purpose at the operational level, which serves a purpose at the strategic level.”

“My year at the Naval War College has very well prepared me to build relationships with other countries and allies,” said Wang, who will serve as a foreign area officer for U.S. Pacific Fleet in his next assignment.

During the ceremony, 19 students comprised of 16 Navy, two Marine Corps and one Army graduated from CNW. Fifty-three students comprised of 45 Navy and eight Army graduated from the CNCS.

“Each of you departs this college more knowledgeable about your unique profession; more in-tune with both the responsibilities and rewards of selfless service to the nation; and intellectually refreshed to address the challenges of tomorrow,” said Rear Adm. Walter E. “Ted” Carter, Jr., president, NWC.

Guest speaker for the event, Rear Adm. Bruce H. Lindsey, Deputy Director for operations, The Joint Staff, commented on the expectations of the newly graduated students.

“I trust that you will take this knowledge that you’ve gained and academic rigor learned and apply both with a sense of boldness and judiciousness not only in your next job but the jobs that are surely to follow. You are the future leaders of America’s military,” said Lindsey.

For the Nov. 2013 graduating class, CNW student, U.S. Army Col. Michael Wawrzyniak, and CNCS student, Lt. Cmdr. Greg Jonic, were recognized as the president’s honor graduates for their exceptional standards of academic performance, NWC activities support, participation in civic and community service and the promotion of military services in the public interest.

After students received their diplomas, the ceremony drew to a close with a final quote read by Carter from founding NWC president, Rear Adm. Stephen B. Luce, “Attendance here will serve to broaden an officer’s view; extend their mental horizon on national and international questions; and give them a just appreciation of the great variety and extent of the requirements of his profession.”

• Date Taken: 11.19.2013
• Date Posted: 11.20.2013 10:16
• Story ID: 117068
• Location: NEWPORT, RI, US