The Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) announced on June 23 that Vice Admiral Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., USN (Ret.) will receive the prestigious 2025 Sentinel of the Sea Award at a gala held in his honor on Thursday, November 6, at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.
A Distinguished Career in Naval Aviation and Leadership
38 Years of Distinguished Service
Vice Admiral Carter served 38 years in the U.S. Navy, amassing over 6,300 flight hours and earning the national record for carrier-arrested landings.
Transforming the U.S. Naval War College
As the 54th President of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), he led numerous initiatives, including the launch of the Advanced Studies in Naval Strategy Program, strengthening the College’s academic and strategic mission.
“I’m deeply humbled and grateful to the Naval War College Foundation for this extraordinary honor. To be mentioned alongside the distinguished Americans who have previously received this award is an honor in itself,” said VADM Carter. “I have always believed that each of us has an opportunity to answer the call of service before self, and I have strived throughout my life and career to uphold those values. To have been part of the work and mission of the U.S. Naval War College is a great privilege—one whose lessons in leadership and service I will carry forever.”
Leadership in Ethics and Naval Education
Naval Ethics Trailblazer
Designated by the Chief of Naval Operations, VADM Carter led Navy-wide leadership and ethics training. His white paper, Ethics in the Navy, influenced ethical discourse across the Navy and joint forces.
Establishing a Lasting Institution
During his tenure, he founded the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center at Naval Station Newport, further reinforcing ethical leadership throughout the fleet.
U.S. Naval Academy Distinction
A native of Rhode Island, VADM Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and returned years later to serve as its 62nd Superintendent — the longest continuously serving since the Civil War. In 2022, he was awarded the U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award, the institution’s highest honor.
A Celebration of Leadership and Legacy
The Sentinel of the Sea Gala will bring together NWCF supporters, USNWC leadership, and distinguished guests to honor VADM Carter’s lifetime of service.
“I have had the distinct honor of serving alongside this great American on land and at sea,” said CAPT George E. Lang, Jr., USN (Ret.), NWCF President and CEO. “His leadership, strength of character, and commitment to developing future leaders make him the perfect recipient of this award. I look forward to celebrating his legacy this fall in New York.”
A New Chapter in Higher Education Leadership
Following his naval retirement, VADM Carter transitioned to academia. Since January 2024, he has served as the 17th President of The Ohio State University. He previously led the University of Nebraska System, where he drove research innovation and expanded statewide access to medical education.
He also serves on national leadership boards including:
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Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors
About the Sentinel of the Sea Award
The Sentinel of the Sea Award is the highest honor bestowed by the NWCF. It recognizes distinguished American citizens whose lives and service embody the core values of the USNWC and the Navy’s enduring motto, Non Sibi Sed Patriae / Not for Self but Country.
A Distinguished Lineage of Recipients
Upon receiving the Sentinel of the Sea medal, VADM Carter joins a distinguished list of past honorees, including:
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ADM James G. Stavridis, 16th Supreme Allied Commander, NATO
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GEN James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.), 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense
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The Honorable John F. Lehman, Jr., 65th Secretary of the Navy
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Veteran advocates Gary Sinise and Tom Brokaw
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Medal of Honor recipients including LT Michael P. Murphy, USN (posthumously)
Attend the 2025 Sentinel of the Sea Gala
📍 Location: New York Yacht Club, New York City
📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Celebrate the extraordinary career and enduring legacy of VADM Carter with fellow supporters of the Naval War College.
👉 Learn more: nwcfoundation.org/sentinelofthesea
📩 Contact: alexa.waluk@nwcfoundation.org