Careers

Surface Warfare

MIDN Burdi

America鈥檚 Navy has the most modern, advanced fleet of ships in the entire world. Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are trained extensively to maintain and operate these ships, their crews and their systems. Providing direction. Leading by example.

America鈥檚 Navy has the most modern, advanced fleet of ships in the world. Surface Warfare Officers (SWOs) are extensively trained to maintain and operate these ships, their crews, and their systems鈥攑roviding direction and leading by example.

Surface Warfare Officers form the backbone of Fleet leadership. In this role, you will have the opportunity to excel as a leader. As a Surface Warfare Officer, you can expect to do any or all of the following:

  • Direct personnel operations aboard Navy vessels, such as aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, amphibious warfare ships, littoral combat ships, mine warfare ships, and patrol craft.

  • Become an Officer of the Deck and direct your bridge team to safely navigate your ship while at sea.

  • Manage shipboard vertical launch systems.

  • Utilize computer displays and advanced technology in battle and ship defense.

  • Provide support to Navy expeditionary forces, Theater Air Missile operations, anti-submarine warfare, surface-to-air warfare, and support and supply missions.

  • Land and launch aircraft while underway.

  • Deploy Marines in Amphibious Assault Vehicles from your vessel.

  • Conduct humanitarian assistance to vessels and people in distress around the globe.

  • Manage and maintain an engineering plant.

  • Learn about damage control and the employment of damage control systems.

  • The Surface Fleet is the backbone of America's Navy. For over 240 years, the men and women of the Surface Navy have been homeported and deployed around the globe.

  • Today鈥檚 Surface Fleet conducts a wide variety of missions across each ship class, adapting to modern threats and challenges.

Beyond the traditional Surface Warfare pathway, midshipmen can also request specialized roles within the Surface Warfare community. These options include:

Nuclear
Intelligence
Engineering
Oceanography
Information Professional
Cryptologic Warfare


These specializations allow officers to develop expertise in critical areas while contributing to the Navy鈥檚 mission.