U.S. Naval War College holds change of command ceremony

ByLt.Cmdr.PeterPagano

U.S. Naval War College

NEWPORT,R.I. RearAdm.PeteGarvin relieved Rear Adm. Shoshana Chatfield as president of the U.S. Naval War College (NWC)duringachangeofcommandceremonyheldonboardNavalStationNewport, Rhode Island, June 23 SecretaryoftheNavyCarlosDelToro,an alumnusofNWC,presidedoverthechange ofcommandceremonyandservedasguest speaker “I couldn’t be more pleased that Rear Adm. Chatfield has been nominated to represent our Nation with honor and distinction as the U.S. Military Representative to the North Atlantic Treaty OrganizationMilitaryCommittee,”saidSecretary DelToro “Andwhiletodayisabittersweet dayforRearAdm.Chatfieldandherfamily, they can rest assured that their beloved schoolisingreathandswithherrelief Rear Adm. Garvin, we are excited to have you onboard,andIhavenodoubtyouareeager to get to work as the 58th President of the Naval War College.”

Inherremarks Chatfieldhighlightedthe integral role an NWC education plays in thedevelopmentofstrong capableleaders

“Education isn’t something that you do during a gap year between sea duty,” remarkedChatfield.“Foralargeenterprise like ours, education is an essential part of human capital development.”

NWC provides professional military education programs as a graduate-level institution,meanttodevelopstudents’ability to anticipate and prepare strategically for the future, strengthen the foundations of peace, and create a decisive warfighting advantage

Thecollegealsoconductsresearch,analysisandwargamingtosupporttherequirementsoftheNavy,combatantcommanders, the U.S. intelligence community and other departments and agencies of the U.S. Government.

Chatfield also recalled the resiliency of the college through the COVID-19 pandemic as a significant source of pride during her tenure as president.

“Ourconnectiontothiscollegedeepened throughourcollectiveresponsetoCOVID,” said Chatfield. “Every person assigned contributed to this success and you should be rightfully proud of this accomplishment.”

Duringthepandemic,Chatfieldoversaw the successful transition of the college’s educationandresearchprogramstovirtual andhybridformats Fortheseefforts,NWC wasawardedtheMeritoriousUnitCitation

At the close of her remarks Chatfield announced the creation of the Daniel J. CurranAwardforOutstandingProfessional in Physical Security, to honor the service, dedication and legacy of its namesake, a U.S.ArmyveteranandmemberoftheNWC security team who passed away in April 2021 The annual award will be presented to a security professional who exemplifies outstandingdedication,service andprofessional excellence

During the ceremony, Chatfield also presented Del Toro with the NWC Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award, whichrecognizesthecollege’smostdistinguishedgraduateswhohaveattainedpositions of leadership and prominence in the field of national security

Garvin thanked Chatfield and outlined hisprioritiesaspresidentmovingforward: maintaininganadaptivecurriculum,fostering intellectual curiosity, supporting partnersandallies,andcultivatingadiverseand inclusive environment.

“Together wewillbuilduponthestrong foundationoftheNavalWarCollege innovatingandadaptingtomeetthechallenges ahead, said Garvin. “I am deeply honored to serve as president and look forward to working alongside every one of you in pursuit of excellence, knowledge, and a more secure future.”

Garvin is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. NavalAcademyandmostrecentlyservedas commanderofNavalEducationandTraining Command in Pensacola, Florida.

For imagery of the ceremony and other informationaboutNWC,visitthecollege’s Flickr page at https://www.flickr.com/gp/ usnavalwarcollegeri/XEq8206yN4 and follow its social media accounts:

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