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

About U.S. Naval War College

As the U.S. 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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McCarty Little Hall at the U.S. 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.

Learn about Research & Wargaming
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

All News & Media

Application Period Opens for Fleet Seminar Program

Apr. 01, 2022
News Publication

2022 Cyber & Innovation Policy Institute Summer Workshop

Jun. 12-14, 2022
8:00 a.m.
U.S. Naval War College, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

International Maritime Staff Operators Course Class 22-01 Graduation

Jun. 03, 2022
8:00 a.m.
Naval War College Museum, 686 Cushing Road, Newport, RI 02841

Featured Faculty

Faculty Directory
Erin Meehan Profile Image

Erin Meehan

Associate Professor | College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Professor Erin Meehan joined the Naval War College faculty in July 2018, and in August, she founded an advanced warfighting team, the "Rochefort Group," focused on maritime information warfighting. A career Navy Cryptologic Warfare Officer, she has served in many Navy and joint assignments. She graduated in 1999 from the U.S. Naval Academy, holds a M.A. in Humanities from Salve Regina University, and is a Ph.D. candidate researching Somali oral poetry during the Dervish movement from Salve Regina University.

Publications by this Professor
John B. Atkinson faculty photo

John B. Atkinson

Associate Professor | College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Retired Marine Colonel with over 28 years of operational & combat experience. Undergraduate matriculation from Boston College. Commands include Assault Amphibian (AA) Platoon, Company, Battalion, and independent Colonel Command. Deployments include in support of NEO, SC, HA/DR, NATO operations, & two Iraq combat tours ~ one as a foreign combat advisor. Senior staff tours include Chief, Global Force Management & Chief, Current Operations, USEUCOM; Portfolio Manager / Director Fires & Maneuver Integration, HQMC; & Senior Planner, Future Concepts, HQMC. A DG of the USMC Amphibious Warfare School, Command & Staff College, and U.S. Naval War College. Holds two Master’s Degrees w/ Distinction.

Publications by this Professor

Featured Publications

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A New Analogy: America and China through the Lens of the Pax Britannica

Brian C. Chao U.S. Naval Institute

Genocide - Is It or Isn't It?

Hayat Alvi NWC Foundation

South Korea, the Quad, and Maritime Security

Terence Roehrig National Bureau of Asian Research

More Information on the College

    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.

    See Upcoming Events

    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