Top Surface Warfare Officers Honored by US Navy

The U.S. Navy has announced the recipients of its 2023 Surface Warfare Officer of the Year awards, recognizing two officers for exceptional leadership and operational excellence across the fleet. As reported in the article “Navy names Surface Warfare Officers of the Year” published by Military Times, Commander Matthew Noland and Lieutenant Commander Virginia McGee have been selected for the prestigious honors in the sea and shore categories, respectively.

Commander Noland, who currently serves as the executive officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Gonzalez, was named Sea Surface Warfare Officer of the Year for his distinguished performance in leadership and warfighting readiness. His selection reflects a sustained record of achievement, including the successful execution of complex deployments and the fostering of a mission-focused culture aboard his ship. Navy officials cited his ability to lead through high-tempo operations and ensure constant crew preparedness as critical to his selection.

Lieutenant Commander McGee, recipient of the award for Shore Surface Warfare Officer of the Year, currently holds duties at the Surface Warfare Schools Command in Newport, Rhode Island. Recognized for her contributions to officer training and professional development initiatives, McGee has played a key role in modernizing surface warfare education. Her work has enhanced fundamental warfighting skills across the Navy’s surface force, helping to prepare the next generation of surface warfare officers for the evolving challenges of maritime security.

In a Navy statement, Vice Admiral Brendan McLane, commander of Naval Surface Forces, praised both officers for exemplifying the Navy’s highest standards of professionalism and commitment to mission success. “Commander Noland and Lieutenant Commander McGee reflect the excellence and dedication that define our Surface Warfare Officer community,” he stated.

The Surface Warfare Officer of the Year awards have been presented annually since the 1980s and are among the most respected recognitions available to career surface warfare personnel. Nominees undergo a rigorous selection process based on leadership, performance evaluations, operational success, and contributions to team development. This year’s honorees were selected from a wide pool of officers serving across the active-duty surface fleet.

The awards come at a time when the U.S. Navy continues to emphasize operational readiness and leadership excellence amidst growing global maritime competition. As the fleet adapts to challenges in the Indo-Pacific and other strategic regions, top-performing officers like Noland and McGee are seen as essential to maintaining U.S. naval superiority.

By highlighting outstanding professionals in both operational and educational billets, the annual recognition underscores the Navy’s dual commitment to immediate mission effectiveness and long-term institutional development. As the service navigates a complex security environment, the examples set by this year’s winners remain instrumental in shaping the future effectiveness of America’s surface warfare community.