Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. Colin Doherty applied the lessons learned from Meridian, Mississippi, to become one of the most elite surface warriors.
“Growing up in a small town, I got to learn the community very well, so I learned that community and family are very important,” said Doherty.
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 wanted to continue my service as a department head surface warrior because I love my job,” said Doherty. "Getting able to be at sea is what I really enjoy."
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.”
Doherty is a 2007 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School and a 2011 graduate of University of Texas.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Doherty is most proud of earning his commission as a naval officer.
“Making the decision to serve was an honor for me,” said Doherty .
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.
Doherty is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“My dad was a Navy pilot,” said Doherty.
As Doherty and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I get to serve a calling higher than myself while taking care of my sailors to make sure they get home safely,” said Doherty.
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 wanted to continue my service as a department head surface warrior because I love my job,” said Doherty. "Getting able to be at sea is what I really enjoy."
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.”
Doherty is a 2007 graduate of Northeast Lauderdale High School and a 2011 graduate of University of Texas.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Doherty is most proud of earning his commission as a naval officer.
“Making the decision to serve was an honor for me,” said Doherty .
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.
Doherty is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“My dad was a Navy pilot,” said Doherty.
As Doherty and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I get to serve a calling higher than myself while taking care of my sailors to make sure they get home safely,” said Doherty.