Newly Commissioned Naval Officer’s Guide

Fully revised, this third edition of Newly Commissioned Naval Officer’s Guide continues to be an essential resource for those making the pivotal transition from midshipmen and officer candidates to newly commissioned naval officers from all service communities. Chapters address the principles of basic leadership, naval policy, service etiquette, and personal and professional administration. With new insights from those who have recently made this transition, this book serves as a gateway to the many digital and print assets available to newly commissioned officers. It underscores continued preparation, repetition, action, leadership, accountability, and focus on the job at hand as lifelong career fundamentals. A brief history of the U.S. Navy is included, as well as sample communications and helpful hints, making this volume an important source of advice and information for young leaders who, by their service, make a difference in the U.S. Navy, the nation, and the world.

CDR Samantha A. O’Neil (retired) is a surface warfare officer who served at sea as a division officer in USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and as the chief engineer in USS Preble (DDG 88) and USS Cowpens (CG 63), where she was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Association Leadership Award. Ashore, she served as a company officer at the United States Naval Academy and as a staff member in the Commander’s Action Group at Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific. As a Navy reserve officer, she served as executive officer of the Navy Reserve Commander, Naval Surface Force Pacific Headquarters unit and executive officer of the Navy Reserve Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center headquarters unit. She is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, the University of Maryland, and the U.S. Naval War College. CDR O’Neil is co-author of Surface Warfare Officer’s Department Head Guide for the Blue & Gold series with Naval Institute Press.