SAN DIEGO – The Surface Warfare Officer Introduction (SWO INTRO) is a four-week course of instruction that was created in San Diego by Commander, Naval Surface Force in 2008, with over 1,000 graduates to date. The current class will hold a graduation ceremony Friday, Oct. 7, 2011.
Students dive into practical, hands-on training to learn about damage control, administration, engineering, navigation, seamanship, shiphandling and maritime warfare during the first four weeks. A fifth and final week is focused on leadership development.
The SWO INTRO course is taught by Afloat Training Group (ATG) instructors and various waterfront professionals to include Command Officers, Executive Officers, department heads and senior enlisted leaders. The students spend several hours on waterfront ships conducting practical exercises and gaining experience with experienced fleet assessors.
The SWO INTRO course is held in San Diego, Norfolk, Va., Mayport, Fla. and Yokosuka, Japan.