Jobs of the Surface Warfare Officer and Their Career Path

Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) in the United States Navy have a diverse range of responsibilities and career paths that encompass leadership, operations, and management of surface ships. These officers play a vital role in ensuring the readiness, effectiveness, and combat capability of the Navy’s surface fleet. Let’s explore the jobs of SWOs and their career progression within the Navy.
Upon commissioning as ensigns, Surface Warfare Officers undergo initial training at the Surface Warfare Officer School (SWOS) in Newport, Rhode Island. Here, they receive comprehensive instruction in ship handling, navigation, seamanship, and warfare tactics, preparing them for leadership roles aboard surface ships.
After completing initial training, Surface Warfare Officers are typically assigned to a variety of sea and shore billets, where they gain practical experience and develop their leadership abilities. Sea assignments may involve serving aboard surface combatants such as cruisers, destroyers, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers.
In sea assignments, Surface Warfare Officers serve in various roles, including:

• Division Officer: As division officers, SWOs are responsible for leading and managing a division of sailors within a ship’s crew. They oversee the training, morale, and professional development of their division members and ensure the efficient operation of ship systems.

• Department Head: After gaining experience as division officers, SWOs may advance to department head positions, where they oversee the operations and administration of a specific department aboard the ship, such as engineering, operations, or combat systems.

• Bridge Watch Officer: Bridge watch officers are responsible for safely navigating the ship and executing navigation and seamanship procedures while underway. They work closely with the ship’s captain and senior officers to maintain situational awareness and ensure the safety of the ship and its crew.

• Combat Information Center (CIC) Officer: CIC officers are responsible for overseeing the ship’s combat systems and coordinating the detection, tracking, and engagement of potential threats, including enemy ships, aircraft, and missiles.

In addition to sea assignments, Surface Warfare Officers also have opportunities for shore assignments, which may involve staff positions at naval headquarters, training commands, or other shore-based facilities. These assignments provide opportunities for professional development, advanced education, and preparation for future leadership roles within the Navy.
Throughout their careers, Surface Warfare Officers have the opportunity to specialize in specific warfare areas such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-air warfare, mine warfare, or amphibious warfare. These specializations enable officers to develop expertise in particular mission areas and assume leadership roles in specialized units or staff positions.
As Surface Warfare Officers progress in their careers, they may advance to higher ranks and assume command of surface ships or other leadership positions within the Navy. Ultimately, Surface Warfare Officers play a critical role in commanding and operating surface ships, ensuring maritime security, projecting power, and defending the nation’s interests at sea.