Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Kenna Vanourney applied the lessons learned from London, Kentucky 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.
“My dad was a surface warfare officer, and my mother also in the navy,” said Vanourney. "I really looked up to both of them. I also enjoy the fact that we're mission-based and focus on people. Leaving the academy I knew as a surface warfare officer I could jump right into a leadership position.”
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.”
Vanourney is a 2007 graduate of North Laurel High School 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 Vanourney is most proud of being part of a successful command at sea.
“The ship I was on, USS Philippine Sea, was a phenomenal command,” said Vanourney. "We had a great team and getting to contribute to that team was very rewarding. It was amazing to see how much we could accomplish when we were all focused on the same goal."
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.
Vanourney is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“In addition to my parents, my sister also serves in the Navy,” said Vanourney.
As Vanourney and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is an opportunity to contribute to my country while I contribute to other people's personal and professional goals,” said Vanourney. "Having an impact on others is very valuable to me. It's the main reason I continue serving in the Navy."