U.S. Naval War College with Newport Pell Bridge in the background.

About U.S. Naval War College

As the Navy’s “Home of Thought,” we educate and develop competent and ethical leaders, support combat readiness, strengthen global maritime partnerships, help define the future of our service branch, and contribute original strategy and legal research to the national and international community.

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Students of U.S. Naval War College’s 2019 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony on Dewey Field in Newport, R.I., June 14.
Students of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) 2019 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony on Dewey Field in Newport, R.I., June 14. The graduating class of 2019 included 318 resident students of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, federal civilian employees and 110 international students. Additionally, 1,080 students completed coursework through NWC’s College of Distance Education programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Jaima Fogg/Released)
U.S. Naval War College Academics

Academics

U.S. Naval War College (NWC) has trained more than 24,000 U.S. and international military officers and hundreds of federal civilian executives across its colleges and various academic centers. Whether our students are enrolled in a 10-month resident program or a short-term leadership course, they’ll benefit from NWC’s world-class faculty, rigorous curriculum, practical field study and research opportunities, and interactive wargaming experiences.

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Research & Wargaming at Naval War College
Research & Wargaming at U.S. Naval War College

Research and Wargaming

Simulating complex war situations—from sea to space to cyber—builds analytical, strategy and decision-making skills. Our Wargaming Department, established in 1887 and now part of the Center for Naval Warfare Studies, not only enriches our curriculum, but helps shape defense plans and policies for various commands and agencies. The center also houses a number of specialized units dedicated to advanced research about war and the prevention of war.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Hill carries the U.S. Marine Corps colors during the exercise Tiger TRIUMPH opening ceremony aboard the Indian navy amphibious transport dock ship INS Jalashwa (L41) in Visakhapatnam, India, Nov. 14, 2019.
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jeremy Hill carries the U.S. Marine Corps colors during the exercise Tiger TRIUMPH opening ceremony aboard the Indian navy amphibious transport dock ship INS Jalashwa (L41) in Visakhapatnam, India, Nov. 14, 2019. Tiger TRIUMPH gives U.S. and Indian forces the opportunity to exchange knowledge and learn from each other as well as establish personal and professional relationships. Hill, a native of Mishawaka, Indiana, is a squad leader with 3rd Marine Division. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Armando Elizalde/Released)
U.S. Naval War College Fundamentals

Fundamentals

U.S. Naval War College has something to offer for students, faculty, and visitors, whether that's world-class education, wargaming opportunities, or historical research. Learn more about us through our annual reports, and explore fast facts about the the campus and the curriculum.

News, Media, & Events

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U.S. Naval War College Graduation: March 2020

Mar. 03, 2020
12:00 p.m.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

Eight Bells Lecture Series: "African Americans in the Union Navy"

Feb. 14, 2020
12:00 p.m.
Sail Newport 11th Hour Great Room, 72 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI 02840

Featured Faculty

Faculty Directory
Joseph C Girard profile image

Joseph C. Girard

Vice President / Chief of Staff | U.S. Naval War College Leadership

Capt. Girard is Vice President and Chief of Staff for U.S. Naval War College. He has more than 3,000 flight hours in the F/A-18 aircraft. His awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (with Combat “V” distinction), seven Strike-Flight Air Medals, four Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and various unit and campaign decorations.

Publications by this Professor
Shoshana S Chatfield profile image

Shoshana S. Chatfield

President | U.S. Naval War College Leadership

Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield is the President of the U.S. Naval War College and a career naval helicopter pilot. A native of Garden Grove, California, she graduated from Boston University in 1987 with a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and French language and literature. She received her commission through Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) in 1988 and earned her wings of gold in 1989. Chatfield was awarded the Navy’s Political/Military (Pol-Mil) Scholarship and attended the Kennedy School of Government, receiving a Master of Public Administration from Harvard University in 1997. In 2009, the University of San Diego conferred upon her a doctorate of education.

Publications by this Professor

Featured Articles

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Senior international naval officers visit Bay Campus to learn more about URI, GSO

Tony LaRoche The University of Rhode Island

Naval War College debuts ‘NWC Talks’ video series

Susan Shalhoub Providence Business News

Two Campuses, One Course: Naval War College Faculty Teach at Brown Too

Sarah C. Baldwin Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs

    Our Mission

    The mission of the U.S. Naval War College is to educate and develop future leaders by growing strategic perspectives, critical thinking, and cultural awareness.

    Defining our Goal

    Upcoming Events

    The U.S. Naval War College events showcase the expansive depth and reach of our programs and faculty, while enhancing our relevance to the Navy and to national security.

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    About Wargaming

    Simulating war situations—from sea to space to cyber—builds analytical and decision-making skills that help shape defense plans and policies for various commands.

    More on Wargaming