By MC2 Michael Ehrlich

Naval War College Monterey Professor retired Cmdr. Michael McMaster is pictured outside Herrmann Hall, Jan 11. McMaster, an NPS alumnus, was recently honored with the Surface Navy Association's (SNA) Special Recognition Award for his support of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community and his mentorship of junior officers at NPS.

"This is about the Lieutenants. It's not about me," said McMaster. "I have been working with the SNA since 1999, contributing to the professional development of the SWO community."

McMaster retired from the Navy while serving as NPS' Deputy Director of Programs and Deputy Dean of Students in 2001. He remains a staunch supporter of the SNA.

"Being a member of the SNA is not a responsibility, it's something you want to do to stay involved with your community. I consider myself a mentor to these guys.

"The biggest thing for me over these 17 years is seeing these guys get on the phone and have a senior officer take their call," concluded McMaster. "Here they begin to build networks that they will work with for the rest of their time in the Navy."