Dallas Native Trains as a U.S. Navy Surface Warrior

By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo by Dusty Good

NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Clayton Lydick applied the lessons learned from Dallas, Texas to become one of the most elite surface warriors.

“Growing up in Dallas I played high school football, which is a really big deal in Texas,” said Lydick. "Playing sports I learned the importance of integrity. It's important to always do the right thing. My family's also very important to me. I have a brother and sister who are both very supportive."

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.

“My role mode growing up went to the Naval Academy,” said Lydick. "He was the quarterback and went on to serve as a Navy SEAL. When he would come in town I would talk with him, and he was a figure that I looked up to. I also remember September 11 sparked my desire to serve.”

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.”

Lydick is a 2006 graduate of Lake Highland and a 2011 graduate of the Naval Academy.

There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Lydick is most proud of graduating from the Naval Academy.

“The time and effort finally paid off,” said Lydick. "Getting to throw your hat into the air felt great. The sacrifice was worth it. You definitely grow as a person going through that experience.”

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 Lydick and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.

“This is my opportunity to give back,” said Lydick. "Being able to see the progress and growth of sailors is very rewarding. Knowing that you can positively impact an individual, as well as the Navy, is very important."