The Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) will present Vice Admiral John Mustin, USN (Ret.), with the 2026 Sentinel of the Sea Award at a gala held in his honor on Thursday, November 5, at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.
Vice Admiral Mustin served 34 years in the U.S. Navy, affiliating with the Navy Reserve in 2001 and supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His flag assignments included command of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, deputy commander of Naval Surface Forces, spanning the Surface Type Commanders of the U.S. Pacific and Atlantic fleets; plankowner and deputy commander of the re-established U.S. Second Fleet; and vice commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. He culminated his Navy service as the 15th Chief of Navy Reserve from 2020-2024.
The Sentinel of the Sea Award is the highest honor bestowed by the NWCF. It recognizes distinguished American citizens whose lives and careers reflect the values and traditions of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC). Honorees exemplify the U.S. Navy’s enduring motto, Non Sibi Sed Patriae / Not for Self but Country, through their unwavering dedication to the security, liberty, and strength of our Nation.
A member of the storied Mustin family, whose service to the U.S. Navy dates to 1896, Vice Admiral Mustin is a fifth-generation graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. His great-grandfather, Captain Henry C. Mustin, a pioneering naval aviator, is widely regarded as the “Father of Naval Aviation.” Continuing that legacy through his own decades of service in both the Navy and Navy Reserve, Mustin’s commitment to leadership, service, and developing the next generation of military leaders reflects the values and mission of the USNWC.
“It is a tremendous honor to receive the Sentinel of the Sea Award from the Naval War College Foundation. Service to our Navy and our Nation has been a defining part of my family for generations, and I’ve been privileged to carry that tradition throughout my naval career and while serving in defense technology leadership roles,” said Vice Admiral Mustin. “The challenges facing our Nation are only becoming more complex, and maintaining our maritime advantage will require exceptional leaders, innovative thinking, and a willingness to adapt at speed. The Naval War College is central to developing the leaders our Nation both needs and deserves, and it is especially meaningful to be recognized by a Foundation so deeply committed to that mission.”
The gala will bring together NWCF supporters, USNWC leadership, and guests to celebrate Mustin’s distinguished career and contributions to national defense. Proceeds from the event support the Foundation’s mission to provide resources that advance the USNWC’s priorities and enhance the education of its future leaders.
Following his retirement from naval service, Mustin continued his leadership in the technology and defense sectors. An entrepreneur, he founded Wasabi Rabbit, a digital customer relationship management firm, and most recently served as president of Saildrone, Inc., a leader in maritime autonomy.
“Vice Admiral Mustin embodies the spirit of the Sentinel of the Sea Award through a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to our Nation,” said Captain George E. Lang, Jr., USN (Ret.), President and CEO of the NWCF. “From a family whose service to the Navy spans generations, he has built a remarkable legacy of his own, leading at the highest levels of our Navy and Navy Reserve and continuing to advance our national security following his retirement. We are proud to recognize him with the Foundation’s highest honor.”
Upon receiving the Sentinel of the Sea medal, Mustin will join an esteemed group of past recipients, including Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), former Supreme Allied Commander Europe; General James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.), 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense; and veteran advocates Gary Sinise and Tom Brokaw.
For more information about the Sentinel of the Sea Award Gala, please visit sentinelofthesea.org or email alexa.waluk@nwcfoundation.org.