Navy Names Surface Warfare Officers of the Year
•February 11, 2026
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Why It Matters
These recognitions spotlight the Navy’s emphasis on tactical excellence and resilient leadership amid high‑end conflict, reinforcing readiness for great‑power competition. They also signal to the broader defense community the effectiveness of the Navy’s cultural reform programs.
Key Takeaways
- •Bystrom honored as Pacific Fleet SWO of Year
- •Bystrom led USS Spruance through Houthi drone attack, 30‑hour battle
- •Van Metre named Atlantic Fleet SWO of Year
- •Van Metre’s combat systems leadership protected USS Mason from missiles
- •Awards underscore Navy’s ‘Get Real, Get Better’ culture
Pulse Analysis
The Surface Warfare Officer of the Year awards serve as a barometer for operational proficiency across the Navy’s two major fleets. By highlighting Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom’s role on the USS Spruance, the Pacific Fleet underscores the importance of tactical planning and rapid decision‑making in contested littoral zones. Her crew’s successful defense against Houthi‑sponsored drone swarms demonstrates how destroyers can project power and protect maritime traffic in the volatile 5th and 7th Fleet areas, reinforcing U.S. presence in the Indo‑Pacific.
On the Atlantic side, Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre’s recognition reflects the critical function of combat‑systems officers in integrated strike‑group operations. The USS Mason’s ability to neutralize hostile drones and anti‑ship ballistic missiles while operating with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group showcases the Navy’s layered defense architecture. Van Metre’s focus on mentorship and clear communication illustrates how senior watch officers cultivate a culture of continuous learning, essential for maintaining edge in the evolving high‑end warfare environment.
Both awardees embody the Navy’s “Get Real, Get Better” initiative, a self‑assessment framework designed to drive cultural change and operational excellence. By publicly rewarding leaders who excel in real‑world combat scenarios, the Navy reinforces its commitment to talent development, resilience, and innovation. This emphasis not only boosts morale but also signals to allies and adversaries alike that the U.S. maritime force remains adaptable and ready for the challenges of great‑power competition.
Navy names surface warfare officers of the year
The Navy presented two recipients with an esteemed award that recognizes the best surface warfare officer from each coast, according to a Navy release.
Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom received the honor for her service with Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, while Lt. Cmdr. Brian Van Metre earned the Atlantic Fleet’s Surface Warfare Officer of the Year award.
“This prestigious distinction honors those who embody the core values and ethos of the SWO community — demonstrating exceptional leadership, professionalism, and warfighting proficiency,” the release said.
Bystrom was awarded for her time aboard the USS Spruance as the vessel’s plans and tactics officer. She credited her success on the vessel to advocating for herself and for other sailors.
She also said she always prioritizes maintaining a high degree of expertise and proficiency, as other service members look to her to lead.
Cmdr. Leigh Tatum, Spruance’s commanding officer, said she had a knack for evaluating herself to get better as well.
“She really does embody ‘Get Real, Get Better,’” Tatum said. “We have a mantra on our ship. We call it ruthless self-assessment.”
Get Real, Get Better is a Navy initiative meant to strengthen service-wide culture by emboldening leadership and problem-solving, according to the Navy website.
Bystrom has served aboard the USS John S. McCain and USS Shiloh and as a naval gunfire instructor and range safety officer at San Clemente Island for Expeditionary Warfare Training Group, Pacific.
She also reported to Destroyer Squadron 21 in San Diego.
Bystrom was aboard the Spruance when it deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet and U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln.
She was also aboard the Spruance when it transited the Bab el-Mandeb Strait with the USS Stockade and USS Indianapolis and came under fire from Houthi-backed drones and missiles.
Bystrom and her shipmates destroyed the threat after an over 30-hour battle.
After receiving the award, Bystrom said it was emblematic not just of her efforts but of everyone around her too.
“You take care of your sailors, they’ll take care of you,” Bystrom said. “I’m happy to represent this ship and receive this award, but it’s definitely not just me.”
Across the coast, Van Metre received his award for his service as combat systems officer for the USS Mason.
He attributed his success aboard the vessel to the leadership that sculpted him by setting high standards and prioritizing communication among leadership and service members.
“Any time that I had a question on how a system was supposed to operate or what’s needed to succeed, no matter the time of day or night, I was lucky enough to have some of the best junior officers, mustangs, chiefs and junior sailors in the Navy to ask,” Van Metre said. “Their ability to problem solve and innovate was instrumental to Mason’s success during combat operations.”
Van Metre, as a senior watch officer, has paid that approach forward, mentoring junior officers on how to remain calm amid turmoil.
The Mason deployed with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group to the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
During the deployment, Van Metre and the vessel’s sailors destroyed drones and anti-ship ballistic missiles directed at the Mason and other U.S. warships.
Capt. Chavius Lewis, commanding officer of the Mason, sang Van Metre’s praises.
“Brian is the future commanding officer we want leading our ships in the high-end fight and great power competition,” said Capt. Lewis. “A brilliant tactician who ensured Mason delivered when it mattered most.”
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