Photo by Dusty Good
NEWPORT, R.I. – Lt.j.g. Tanner Buterbaugh applied the lessons learned from North Kingstown, Rhode Island 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's a retired Navy chief, so I thought seeing his ship was one of the coolest things in the world,” said Buterbaugh.
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.”
Buterbaugh is a 2012 graduate of North Kingstown Senior High School and a 2016 graduate of the Naval Academy.
There are many sacrifices and goals one must achieve to be selected as a surface warfare officer and Buterbaugh is most proud of selection as navigator for his ship, USS Forrest Sherman.
“I've learned tactical proficiency and gained the trust of my commanding officer,” said Buterbaugh.
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.
Buterbaugh is continuing a family tradition of military service.
“In addition to my dad, who served in the Navy as a chief, my uncle served as a navy captain.,” said Buterbaugh.
As Buterbaugh and other surface warriors continue to train, they take pride serving their country in the United States Navy.
“This is a high-pressure environment that challenges me to learn and grow every day,” said Buterbaugh.