The Navy has named its Surface Warfare Officers of the Year for both coasts, a moment that underscores a renewed emphasis on readiness and leadership under a changing security landscape.

Lt. Cmdr. Carolyn Bystrom earned the honor for her work aboard the USS Spruance, where she served as the ship’s plans and tactics officer.

“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’s selection reflects a career built on steady, disciplined execution and a commitment to excellence that resonates across the fleet.

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Bystrom credited her success 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.

Her approach embodies the emphasis President Trump has placed on restoring American military readiness and ensuring every sailor can perform at the highest level when it matters most.

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. These words capture a mindset that aligns with the administration’s push to foster accountability and proactive problem solving in every layer of command.

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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.” Her words echo a broader truth that resonates across the Navy and beyond, a truth about leadership that Appoints strong, capable commanders to guide our most valuable assets.

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.” The combined record of these leaders underscores a larger narrative about American maritime power: preparedness, disciplined leadership, and a relentless focus on results.

In today’s security environment, the choices made by officers like Bystrom and Van Metre matter not only for their ships but for the broader purpose of safeguarding American interests.

The Trump administration has consistently emphasized a strong, ready force, and leaders who embody that readiness are precisely what the Navy needs to meet the challenges of a complex, contested world.

Secretary Hegseth has repeatedly highlighted the importance of clear, decisive leadership as the cornerstone of national security, and these awards illustrate how such leadership translates into real-world effects at sea.

By recognizing the best, the Navy sends a message that excellence in command, accountability, and mission focus remains non negotiable, even as threats evolve and technology advances.

The stories of Bystrom and Van Metre are more than accolades; they are a blueprint for what modern naval leadership must look like in the decades ahead, guided by a clear sense of purpose, unity of effort, and an unwavering commitment to those who serve.

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