Upon completion of Officer Candidate School (OCS), newly commissioned Surface Warfare Officers can expect an advanced training process that includes classroom study, field experience and the application of their comprehensive training in settings at sea and ashore.
Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS)
During this 20-week course that takes place in Newport, Rhode Island, Officers learn all about surface force combat systems, tactical concepts, propulsion systems (gas, turbine, diesel and steam), maneuvering, navigation, personnel administration, shipboard organization and the responsibilities of leading teams of Sailors as a division Officer before reporting to an assigned conventional surface ship.
First sea tour
Next comes assignment as a division Officer on a conventional surface ship, commanding a team of Sailors responsible for a certain component of the ship — anything from electronics to weapons to engineering systems. Here, Officers are working toward Surface Warfare qualification — earning the right to wear the coveted Surface Warfare Officer insignia and taking on all the responsibilities that go with it. This is an 18-month tour alternating between deployments, patrols, days in port, maintenance, local operations and leave.
Naval Nuclear Power School (NNPS)
Through Naval Nuclear Power Training Command (NNPTC), Officers will attend Nuke Power School in Charleston, South Carolina. This 24-week graduate-level course of intensive study covers a variety of science and technology-based subjects: from ordinary and partial differential equations to thermodynamics to reactor dynamics. NNPS provides the foundation of knowledge necessary for a theoretical understanding of nuclear propulsion.
Nuclear Power Training Unit (NPTU)
Often referred to as Prototype, this 26-week phase of the learning process involves hands-on training at one of two NPTUs — in either Charleston, South Carolina, or Ballston Spa, New York — where there are several reactor prototypes in operation. Here, Officers apply the concepts learned at Nuke Power School — studying systems and components of a nuclear propulsion plant and working with all the associated systems of a full-scale operating plant. The training culminates with qualification as Engineering Officer of the Watch.
Second sea tour
With proven abilities as a Surface Warfare Officer on a conventional ship and nuclear training, the next assignment is as a division Officer in the engineering plant of a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This is an 18-month tour alternating between deployments, patrols, days in port, maintenance, local operations and leave.
Shore assignment
After completing their sea tours, Surface Warfare Officers may fill positions anywhere from Nuke Power School to Prototype to Submarine School. Others may be selected to serve on high-level staffs, commands and strategic projects, or they may elect to work in recruitment positions or further their education at Naval Postgraduate School (NPGS). The ultimate goal for many: to one day command their own ship.
