Naval Command College Holds Annual Clambake
Photos
By Matthew Breen
Naval War College Public Affairs
The Naval Command College (NCC) held its annual clambake on Aug. 21, 2008. The event
took place at Kempenaar's Clambake Club in Middletown, RI.
The clambake, hosted by the NCC staff and the Kempenaar family, was held in honor
of the NCC’s incoming class of 2009 which consists of 51 international and United
States officers.
Guests included Rhode Island State Senator June Gibbs, Attorney General Patrick
Lynch, and several Newport, Middletown, and Portsmouth council members, chamber
of commerce, police and fire chiefs, judges, town administrators, and Navy League
members.
NCC Deputy Director, Commander Otto Sieber said that the clambake was a success.
“This clambake was particularly well attended and had one of the largest guest lists
in recent history at around 575,” said Sieber.
Guests were treated to a meal consisting of clams and lobster as well as vegetarian
choices prepared by the Kempenaar staff.
The event was an opportunity for students to socialize with each other and Aquidneck
Island residents.
“The students are welcomed into the local community with open arms and shown New
England hospitality at a typical clambake - as only New Englanders can do. This
is a unique opportunity and a great step in their welcome to the U.S.,” said Sieber.
“I made friends with local people who were very friendly,” said Commander Panos
Papandreou from Greece. “Everybody had a great time.”
The NCC clambake is a 56-year-old tradition. It was started by Esau Kempenaar in
honor of the Dutch officer who was part of the first NCC class in history. This
year’s event was hosted by four generations of Kempenaars.
State Senator Gibbs presented each student a certificate declaring them an honorary
citizen of Rhode Island.
Papandreou said he was flattered to receive the certificate from Gibbs because it
makes him feel welcomed to the United States.
“I am flattered. It’s nice because at first it is always difficult to adapt to this
situation,” said Papandreou.
The NCC is a facet of the international programs offered at the Naval War Collge.
It enables specially selected senior international naval officers to develop skills
in national security, decision making, strategy building, and policy. Also, it builds
skills in analytical frameworks and allows students to gain expertise in joint war-fighting
doctrine.
The NCC class of 2009 began their academic year Aug. 18 and are scheduled to graduate
June 19.
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