In a prestigious gathering at the New York Yacht Club in New York City on November 8, Admiral James G. Stavridis, USN (Ret.), 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, was celebrated as the recipient of the Naval War College Foundation’s (NWCF) highest honor—the Sentinel of the Sea Award. This award is given to American citizens representing the traditions and values of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC). In his presentation, NWCF Chairman Daniel E. Holland III highlighted ADM Stavridis’ distinguished service, vigilance, and dedication to our Nation’s security and values.
“The threats we faced when Admiral Stavridis served in uniform have evolved and become more dangerous as our adversaries continue to challenge the rules-based order in new and complex ways,” Holland said in his remarks. “As these threats have evolved, Admiral Stavridis has remained at the tip of the spear, in uniform and as a civilian.”
A retired four-star Naval officer, ADM Stavridis served as the 16th Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, leading global operations from 2009 to 2013 and responsible for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter-piracy, and cyber security. He also served as Commander of U.S. Southern Command, responsible for all military operations in Latin America from 2006-2009. Today, he continues to shape global affairs as Partner and Vice Chair of Global Affairs at Carlyle and Chair of the Rockefeller Foundation’s Board of Trustees while sharing his insights through bestselling books like 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, and his latest work, The Restless Wave: A Novel of the United States Navy.
The evening’s celebration was an inspiring tribute to ADM Stavridis’ impact on national and international security. Lawrence Di Rita, Head of Global Public Policy for Bank of America, served as Master of Ceremonies. Di Rita, who first met ADM Stavridis at the U.S. Naval Academy, shared insights into their shared experiences, including the harrowing events of September 11, 2001, when both were in the Pentagon. “The plane hit close to Jim’s office,” Di Rita recalled, emphasizing the resilience and leadership ADM Stavridis exhibited that day and throughout his career. “I remember calling throughout the day to learn if he was all right and finally connecting the next day. A few years later, we worked together as partners. He was the senior military assistant to the secretary, and I was the special assistant and the head of public affairs.”
Ahead of the evening’s Sentinel of the Sea Award presentation, ADM Stavridis was joined on stage by David Rubenstein, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Board of Carlyle and renowned historian, philanthropist, and television host for an intimate fireside chat. The conversation explored ADM Stavridis’ experiences, reflections on his literary journey, and perspectives on today’s global challenges. While sharing his perspectives on the current threat landscape, he encouraged Americans to unite following the recent presidential election.
“Wherever you are on the political spectrum…you’re an American. You need to support your new president. You need to respect the other side and recognize that we can succeed as Americans together.”
ADM Stavridis joins ranks with previous Sentinel of the Sea recipients for their dutiful service: The Honorable John Francis Lehman, Jr., 65th Secretary of the Navy, General James N. Mattis, USMC (Ret.), 26th U.S. Secretary of Defense; Secretaries of the Navy, the Honorable Paul R. Ignatius and Ambassador J. William Middendorf, II; veteran advocates Gary Sinise and Tom Brokaw; Medal of Honor Recipients Chief Warrant Officer Four Hershel “Woody” Williams, USMC (Ret.), Staff Sergeant Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, USA (Ret.), First Sergeant Allen J. Lynch, USA (Ret.), Staff Sergeant David G. Bellavia, USA, and Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy, USN (posthumously); ADM James “Jim” Hogg, USN (Ret.); and GEN Michael V. Hayden, USAF (Ret.).
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