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COME LEAD
AMERICA'S NAVY

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Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) serve in every type of surface ship in the Navy. When you are selected for surface warfare, you have the opportunity to choose the type of ship and home port of your first duty assignment. Then, after graduation from the Academy, you report to your ship. Your first tour of duty lasts about 24 months.

A new ensign typically serves as a division officer, with responsibilities for leading 12 to 50 enlisted personnel and directing a portion of the ship's equipment and operations. Typical positions include those of anti-submarine warfare officer, gunnery officer, communications officer and damage control assistant. In addition, you are expected to work toward qualification as combat information center watch officer, officer of the deck and Navy surface warfare officer.

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What is surface warfare?

The Surface Fleet is the backbone of America’s Navy.  For 240 years the men and women of the Surface Navy been homeported and deployed around the globe.  Today’s Surface Fleet conducts a wide variety of missions across nine different ship classes.

Where is Surface Warfare?

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