NUWC Division Newport’s Academic Degree Training Program honors 42 graduates

NUWC Division Newport's Academic Degree Training Program honors 42 graduates

By NUWC Division Newport Public Affairs

The Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport celebrated the accomplishments of 42 students graduating from the Academic Degree Training Program after receiving degrees in mechanical engineering, systems engineering, ocean engineering, cybersecurity, and other fields.

Technical Director Marie Bussiere and former Commanding Officer Capt. Chad Hennings congratulated the graduates as Deputy Technical Director Steve O'Grady called each participant on stage to receive a certificate of completion.

"Just a few weeks ago, I introduced our command's new strategic vision, 'Mastery of the Seas at All Depths.' Today, I am here again to celebrate the people who are a living embodiment of that vision's ethos," Bussiere said. "Our vision isn't just a plan on paper, it's a way of life. A deep commitment to excellence in everything we do.

"Your hard work and sacrifice to complete an academic degree is the ultimate act of self-improvement. By mastering your craft, you make yourselves better. By making yourselves better, you make our organization better. And by making our organization better, you ensure the Navy has the technical and intellectual advantage it needs to secure our nation's undersea superiority."

"This ceremony allows the graduates to have a moment in the spotlight at work," said Jacquelyn McGovern, ADPT administrative technical specialist. "Some [students] attended classes online and may not have been able to attend their institution's graduation. This gives them the opportunity to be recognized and have their family come to celebrate. It rounds out the whole experience for them."

Since the inception of ADTP in 2018, Division Newport has seen a total of 315 graduates in the program which offers financial and other support. ADTP includes a Fellowship Program, Part-time Academic Training Program (PTADTP), and Naval Postgraduate School attendance. The numerous degrees and certificate programs provide professional education and development, that has increased in-house knowledge in mission-related disciplines, that support the division's technical and business capabilities.

This year's graduates attended 22 schools including the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, the University of Rhode Island, Stevens Institute of Technology, Roger Williams University, and New England Institute of Technology. Five of the graduates received a doctorate, 29 received a master's degree, eight received a bachelor's degree, one received an associate degree, and one received a graduate certificate.

"Division Newport wants to send its employees to school, to better themselves and their careers," McGovern said. "We have this opportunity available, so if you are thinking about it, you should apply."

NUWC Newport is the oldest warfare center in the country, tracing its heritage to the Naval Torpedo Station established on Goat Island in Newport Harbor in 1869. Commanded by Capt. Kevin Behm, NUWC Newport maintains major detachments in West Palm Beach, Florida, and Andros Island in the Bahamas, as well as test facilities at Seneca Lake and Fisher's Island, New York, Leesburg, Florida, and Dodge Pond, Connecticut.