Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Steve Matsui applied the lessons learned from Huntington Beach, California 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.
“When I was enlisted, I got to spend time on the bridge of the ship, and it made me want to be part of the surface warfare community,” said Matsui.
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.”
Matsui is a 1998 graduate of Edison High School and a 2009 graduate of Thomas Edison State University. He has also earned a master’s degree from the U.S. Naval War College.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Matsui is most proud of ability to provide help with those who need it.
“I've helped people in the local community as well as junior sailors,” said Matsui. I've helped sailors become chief and I'm proud of that. I've helped five people become commissioned as officers, and I've encouraged people to stay in the Navy or helped those transition out of the service.”
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.
“My uncle served in the Army and that influenced me to join,” said Matsui. "He went to boot camp with Elvis Presley and served honorably."
As Matsui and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy has taught me the importance of taking care of the people back home,” said Matsui. "I do the jobs that others aren't qualified to do, so I step up and do what I need to do. Some people don't see the sacrifices we make, but regardless I am happy to do my part."