Surface Warfare Officer

ABOUT America’s Navy has the most modern, advanced fleet of ships in the world. Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are extensively trained to maintain and operate these ships, their crews, and their systems. In this role, you will lead by example and have the opportunity to excel as a leader. You may serve as a Commanding Officer over an elite crew and be an authority in all aspects of Navy assignments, including: Directing personnel operations aboard Navy vessels like aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships, and frigates Managing shipboard vertical launch systems Using computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense Supporting Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and supply missions RESPONSIBILITIES Surface Warfare Officers are involved in nearly every aspect of Navy missions. As a SWO, you may be in charge of any number of shipboard operations and activities, working with specialized forces like: Aircraft Carrier Forces : Defend aircraft carriers by coordinating air, submarine, and surface ship defense Cruiser-Destroyer Forces : Provide attack and defense with missile and firepower capabilities, supporting anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare Amphibious Forces : Embark and transport vehicles, equipment, and personnel for amphibious assault operations Combat-Logistics Forces : Provide support with fuel, ammunition, food, and supplies, as well as repair, maintenance, and rescue capabilities through Fleet Support Ships Mine Warfare Forces : Detect, identify, and neutralize maritime mines You may also serve in the prestigious Navy Nuclear community, working on nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers. WORK ENVIRONMENT As a Surface Warfare Officer, your work will take place at sea and ashore, in various environments. Sea duty may involve serving aboard ships, while shore duty could include assignments at the Pentagon, at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA, or in command and management positions at bases and stations worldwide. TRAINING & ADVANCEMENT Unless commissioned through the Naval Academy or ROTC, those pursuing a SWO position must attend Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Newport, RI. Newly commissioned SWOs undergo advanced training that includes both sea and shore-based instruction. New Surface Warfare Officers will be assigned to a surface ship, where they will lead a team of Sailors in responsibilities such as electronics, weapons, and engineering systems. The focus is on earning full Surface Warfare qualification. After completing initial sea tours, SWOs may be selected for high-level staff, command, or strategic roles. Promotion opportunities are competitive and based on performance. The ultimate goal for many is to command their own ship. EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES Surface Warfare Officers can advance their education through opportunities at institutions such as: Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Navy War College (NWC) Completing Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at various service colleges QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS To become a Surface Warfare Officer, a four-year degree from an accredited U.S. college or university is required. You can enter the SWO community through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), the U.S. Naval Academy, or Officer Candidate School (OCS) if you already have a degree. Candidates must: Be a U.S. citizen Be between 19 and 29 years old at the time of commissioning Meet the Navy’s physical standards General qualifications may vary depending on whether you are currently serving, have served before, or are entering for the first time.