Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt. j.g. Lanika Vann applied the lessons learned from Milwaukee, Wisconsin 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 like being able to have a positive impact on my sailors,” said Vann.
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.”
Vann is a 2015 graduate of Savannah State University.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Vann is most proud of earning her surface officer pin.
“It is a challenging road to get my pin, but it was definitely worth it,” said Vann. "Also being able to help other people get their pin after I obtained mine was very rewarding."
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 dad was in the Navy and that influenced me to join,” said Vann. "I saw his hard work and dedication. He carried himself with pride every day and that made me called to serve."
As Vann 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 staying current on knowledge, not just in America, but throughout the world,” said Vann.