2026 Spring Brigade Commander
POSTED ON: Thursday, March 5, 2026 2:12 PM by MC1 Sarah M. Thielen
U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Midshipman 1st Class (senior) Will Stallworth is currently serving as brigade commander for the 2026 Spring Semester.
Leading more than 4,400 midshipmen, the brigade commander is responsible for maintaining the highest state of readiness and professionalism, ensuring brigade efficiency, addressing deficiencies to the Commandant of Midshipmen, and, when necessary, recommending corrective action.
Stallworth is a robotics and controls engineering major, has service-selected Navy Pilot, and will head to Pensacola, Fl., for flight training after graduation and commissioning. As a Hoover, Ala. native, he didn’t have any direct family ties to USNA, but felt called in the direction of a service academy.
“This experience has already been a rollercoaster but I’m so blessed to have it. I came here to support others and give back, and while I was leading them, I was also learning from them and contributing to their development,” said Stallworth. “Brigade Commander is all or nothing.”
Throughout his time at the Academy, Stallworth has demonstrated he could take on this role. His selection reflects both his professional performance and the trust placed in him by USNA leadership.
“Midshipman Stallworth was selected after multiple levels of interviews bringing to light his leadership abilities and future potential to lead the brigade,” said U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Harrison Rosenbaum, 16th Company Officer and a mentor of Stallworth. “I think he is a genuine person who wants to see those under him succeed and reach their highest potential.”
Stallworth had previous experience leading his peers as the 16th Company Commander for the Fall Semester.
“Something can be functioning properly and still have room for improvement,” said Stallworth. “I aim for us to be a disciplined family. We live together, eat together, and we need to hold each other to the standard and be accountable.”
As he continues to adapt to his role, Stallworth strives to make a positive impact here that will carry on to his time in the fleet. His mentors are confident he’s a great fit for the position.
“I think the qualities that make him a good leader in general also make him a good fit for brigade commander,” said Lt. Kevin Navarro, a USNA Class of 2020 graduate and mentor of Stallworth. “The term "servant leader" is thrown around quite a lot, but that's exactly what he is. He actually cares about the people he's in charge of and is going to stand up for them. It's a classic tale of having a great opportunity thrust upon you that you weren't particularly seeking out.”
As the spring semester continues, Stallworth will see the brigade through daily routines, formal parades, and countless ceremonies leading to his class’s graduation and commissioning.
“We like to use “prove the investment.” I am the man I am today because others chose to pour into building me. I can do my part to appreciate that by keeping myself on an upward trajectory and being the best person I can be for my family, my teams and my nation. Even when we feel like we’re on our paths alone, so many people helped or had influence on where you’re at now.”
In addition to his duties as Brigade Commander, Stallworth remains actively engaged across USNA. Reflecting the breadth of his involvement, he serves as Taekwondo President and has been a member of the Orchestra, supporting the physical and personal development of his fellow midshipmen.
Category: Midshipman, People, General Interest, Press Releases