Students of U.S. Naval War College’s (NWC) 2017 graduating class participate in a commencement ceremony at NWC in Newport, Rhode Island. The graduating class of 2017 included 423 resident students of the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, federal civilian employees and 105 international students. Additionally, 1,079 students completed coursework through NWC’s College of Distance Education programs. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zach Allan/Released)

Naval Command College

U.S. Naval War College welcomes senior officers from navies around the world to its Naval Command College (NCC). Since its founding in 1956, more than 2,100 officers from 91 nations have completed the program, with more than half reaching flag rank. NCC alumni include ministers of defense, ambassadors, heads of state, and heads of services.

Iconic anchor at the U.S. Naval War College

Naval Command College Program

Different international flags down hallway at U.S. Naval War College

Fostering friendship. Breaking barriers.

Each year, representatives from more than 40 countries are nominated to attend our 11-month residential program, which is designed to build trust, confidence, and cooperation between American and international officers. While in Newport, you’ll develop your strategic planning skills, and through our Field Studies Program, you’ll gain an understanding of American government, human rights, and the role of the free press and free market.

Learn More

Core Curriculum

You’ll hone your strategic, analytical, and management skills through four core subject areas: national security decision making, strategy and policy, joint military operations, and Leadership in the Profession of Arms.

View Core

Elective Courses

We encourage our International students to enrich their experience with electives. Choose from topics ranging from science and technology to history and geography.

Learn More

Field Studies Program

Our Field Studies Program will take you to cities across the United States, and you’ll participate in cultural experiences from a New England clam bake to exploring our nation’s capital.

Learn More

Incoming Students

Contact Information

Naval Command College

: (401) 856-5220
: NCC@usnwc.edu

More Information

Prepare for your arrival at Naval Command College—and see what others have done after completing our program.

Upcoming Events

National Security Decision Making Course Ends

May 31, 2024

All Events

Featured Faculty

See NCC Faculty

Sean M. Mahoney

Military Professor | National Security Affairs

Cmdr. Sean Mahoney joined the National Security Affairs Department after earning a Master's Degree (with distinction) from NWC in June 2020. Additional degrees include an Executive Master of Business Administration (with distinction) from the Naval Postgraduate School in 2017 and a B.A. from the University of Washington. A career E-2C/D naval flight officer, his operational tours include deployments in support of multiple global war on terror operations, and he most recently deployed as the assistant air officer aboard CVN-74. His shore assignments include the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Weapons School and VAW/VRC requirements officer at Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic.

Publications by this Professor

Wesley Bannister

Associate Professor | College of Maritime Operational Warfare

Professor Bannister is a retired Navy Captain with 31 and a half years of service and joined the Maritime Staff Operators Course staff in 2022. A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, his operational time includes multiple tours as an E-2C Hawkeye pilot, a tour as the Air Boss on USS ENTERPRISE, and a tour as the Maritime Operations Center Director and Fleet Operations Officer for US Seventh Fleet.

Publications by this Professor