Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Carlos Maldonado applied the lessons learned from Bronx, New York to become one of the most elite surface warriors.
Those lessons turned into an opportunity to learn leadership and the most innovative tactics of surface warfare at Surface Warfare Officers School, located in Newport, Rhode Island.
“I was enlisted in the Navy for 11 years as a machinist's mate, so when I earned my commission as an officer, I really liked the idea of driving and fighting ships,” said Maldonado.
Considered one of the Navy’s greatest assets, surface warfare officers must first train and be mentored at Surface Warfare Officer School. These students must pass a rigorous course structure in order to serve as surface warfare officers.
The mission of Surface Warfare Officers School is to ready sea-bound warriors to serve on surface combatants as officers, enlisted engineers, and enlisted navigation professionals to fulfill the Navy's mission maintaining global maritime superiority.
Once service members finish training they are deployed around the world putting their skill set to work aboard Navy ships, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, mine warfare ships and littoral combat ships.
“At Surface Warfare Officers School, we are committed to training, developing and inspiring our Navy’s surface warfare officers,” said Capt. Scott Robertson, SWOS commanding officer. “Our graduates leave our courses ethically, intellectually, professionally and physically prepared to deliver professional leadership on every surface vessel in the fleet.”
Maldonado is a 2000 graduate of Washington Irving High School and a 2011 graduate of Old Dominion University.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Maldonado is most proud of getting his education.
“I earned a bachelor's in mechanical engineering and a master's in systems engineering,” said Maldonado. "The Navy afforded me the opportunity to provide a great life for my family."
The future of surface warfare is rapidly changing, so the course and materials at Surface Warfare Officer School are constantly evolving to create the most dynamic, lethal, safe and professional warfighting team for the Navy the nation needs.
“It is critical that students report to the fleet with the academic baseline required to perform as warfighters in today’s maritime environment,” said Lt. Matt Gallagher, the command’s public affairs officer. “SWOS training is at the epicenter of professional development for surface warfare officers throughout their careers.”
Surface warfare has been a part of world history for more than 3,000 years, and the United States has its stamp on that history with actions ranging from the American Revolution to modern day operations at sea around the world.
As Maldonado and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving provides a sense of fulfilling a higher cause,” said Maldonado. "Our core values of honor, courage and commitment are very important to me. I have a sense of belonging as part of the Navy family."