North Columbus News

The Naval War College Foundation (NWCF) has announced that retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., currently the president of The Ohio State University, will be honored with the 2025 Sentinel of the Sea Award. This accolade is set to be presented at a gala on November 6 at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.

The Sentinel of the Sea Award is the NWCF’s most prestigious recognition, honoring American citizens whose lives and careers embody the values and traditions of the U.S. Naval War College. Recipients are noted for exemplifying the U.S. Navy’s motto, “Non Sibi Sed Patriae — Not For Self But Country,” through their dedication to national security and liberty.

Carter's career in the U.S. Navy spanned 38 years, during which he logged over 6,300 flight hours and set a national record for carrier-arrested landings. As the 54th president of the U.S. Naval War College (USNWC), he initiated several key programs, including the Advanced Studies in Naval Strategy Program.

Originally from Rhode Island, Carter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and later served as its 62nd superintendent, becoming its longest-serving leader since the Civil War era. In 2022, he received the U.S. Naval Academy Distinguished Graduate Award.

During his tenure at USNWC, Carter was tasked by naval leadership to spearhead Navy-wide leadership and ethics training initiatives. He authored "Ethics in the Navy," a white paper that impacted ethical discussions within naval forces and established the Naval Leadership and Ethics Center at Naval Station Newport.

Expressing his gratitude for this honor, Carter stated: “I’m deeply humbled and grateful to the Naval War College Foundation for this extraordinary honor. To be mentioned alongside distinguished Americans who have previously received this award is an honor in itself.” He added that being part of USNWC's mission was a privilege that imparted lasting lessons in leadership and service.

The gala event will gather NWCF supporters, USNWC leaders, and guests to celebrate Carter’s contributions to defense and education sectors. Among attendees will be retired U.S. Navy Capt. George E. Lang Jr., NWCF president and CEO, who has worked closely with Carter in various capacities within naval operations.

Lang remarked: “I have had the distinct honor of serving alongside this great American on land and at sea... His leadership... makes him the perfect recipient of this award.”

After retiring from naval service, Carter transitioned into higher education administration roles; since January 2024, he has been serving as Ohio State’s 17th president following his presidency at the University of Nebraska System.

Carter also holds positions on multiple boards including those related to higher education councils and competitiveness organizations.

Upon receiving this award, Carter joins a notable group of past recipients such as Adm. James G. Stavridis; John Francis Lehman Jr.; Gen. James N. Mattis; Paul R. Ignatius; Ambassador J. William Middendorf II; Gary Sinise; Tom Brokaw; Medal of Honor recipients Hershel “Woody” Williams; Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura; Allen J. Lynch; David G. Bellavia; Michael P. Murphy (posthumously); Adm. James “Jim” Hogg; Gen Michael V Hayden.