Vice Admiral Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., USN (Ret.), 54th President of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC) and 62nd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy, was honored November 6 with the Naval War College Foundation’s (NWCF) highest distinction, the Sentinel of the Sea Award, during a ceremony at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.
The award recognizes American citizens whose service reflects the traditions and values of the Naval War College. In presenting the award, NWCF Chairman RDML A.B. Cruz III, USN (Ret.), commended Carter’s distinguished career, dedication to national security, and lifelong commitment to educating future leaders.
“The U.S. Naval War College, often called the Navy’s Home of Thought, is where the world’s foremost military minds study warfare, statesmanship, and the pursuit of peace,” Cruz said. “During his tenure as president, Admiral Carter led the creation of the Advanced Studies in Naval Strategy program. He later served on the Naval Education Task Force, developing a strategic vision for the future of naval higher education and advancing our nation’s leadership in cybersecurity. His dedication to education has continued well beyond his naval service.”
A Rhode Island native, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and later returned to serve as its longest continuously serving superintendent since the Civil War. In 2022, he received the Naval Academy’s Distinguished Graduate Award, its highest honor.
While leading the Naval War College, Carter was designated by the Chief of Naval Operations to oversee Navy-wide leadership and ethics training. He authored the white paper, “Ethics in the Navy,” which influenced ethical discourse across the service, and established the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center at Naval Station Newport.
The evening’s program included a tribute from the Honorable Christopher R. Hill, a five-time U.S. Ambassador and 1994 graduate of the USNWC.
“The point about the War College is it’s not about training,” Hill said. “What it is about is that things are going to change quickly, and the only thing that can keep up is the human mind. In short, this is about education.”
Before the award presentation, Carter participated in a fireside chat with Urban Meyer, former Ohio State national championship coach and FOX Sports college football analyst. Their discussion explored Carter’s experiences in the fleet, how those lessons guide his leadership as president of The Ohio State University, and his perspective on the Navy’s future.
A highly decorated naval aviator, Carter shared stories from two harrowing flight experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy.
“The teamwork of what we do in the military has always mattered,” Carter said. “The team concept is so important—and it really defined my leadership style.”
Carter joins past recipients of the Sentinel of the Sea Award, including ADM James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.); the Honorable John F. Lehman Jr.; Gen. James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.); former secretaries of the Navy the Honorable Paul R. Ignatius and Ambassador J. William Middendorf II; Gary Sinise; Tom Brokaw; Medal of Honor recipients Hershel “Woody” Williams, Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, Allen J. Lynch, David G. Bellavia, and Michael P. Murphy (posthumously); Adm. James “Jim” Hogg, USN (Ret.); and Gen. Michael V. Hayden, USAF (Ret.).