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U.S. Naval Institute Essay Contest Winners

The U.S. Naval Institute provides an independent forum for those who dare to read, think, speak and write to advance the professional, literary and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to global security. Each year, the Institute sponsors a number of essay contests.
The winners of four of these contests will be recognized at WEST 2026 February 10-12, 2026 in San Diego.

Essay contests have been central to the work of the Naval Institute since 1879. They fulfill the Institute’s educational mission by encouraging writing on issues of concern to the Sea Services and provide thought-provoking articles that spur ongoing discussion—not only in Naval Institute media (print and digital) but also in other leading defense and national security forums. 

2025 Enlisted Prize Essay Contest | Funded by The Honorable Ellen Lord
The Enlisted Prize Essay Contest dared enlisted personnel in the Sea Services to write on a topic that makes the naval profession stronger. No subject was too large or too small.

First Prize: Petty Officer First Class Marcus Lewis, USNR
“Bases Are for Service Members” - Published in the July issue of Proceedings

Second Prize: Petty Officer Second Class Andréa Mayrose, USN
“A Schoolhouse Built on Trust” – Published in the September issue of Proceedings

Third Prize: Petty Officer First Class Kenneth Vidmar, USN
“Readiness Is About More than Sailors” – Published in the October issue of Proceedings

 

 

 

 

2025 Coast Guard Essay Contest | Co-Sponsored by Susan Curtin and the U.S. Naval Institute
The Coast Guard Essay Contest asked authors what the U.S. Coast Guard can do today to be more effective tomorrow. The contest, open to all contributors, challenged authors to consider topics such as changes required to meet global missions, barriers to mission execution and how to remove them, and how to better leverage partnerships at home and abroad.

First Prize: Lieutenant Isaac LaLonde, USCG
“Close the Icebreaker Gap with ICE Pact” – Published in the August issue of Proceedings 

Second Prize – Coauthors: Ensign Merrill Magowan, USCG and Ensign Travis Moore, USCG
“How Unmanned Systems Can Improve SAR” – Published in the August issue of Proceedings 

Third Prize: Chief Petty Officer William Bleyer, USCG
“Time to Evolve the Boatswain’s Mate Rating” – Published in the August issue of Proceedings

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Marine Corps Essay Contest | Co-sponsored by MajGen Charles F. Bolden Jr., USMC (Ret.), and Mr. Dirk P. Mosis III
The Marine Corps Essay Contest challenged authors to advance new thinking about how the U.S. Marine Corps will tackle the diverse and difficult security challenges of the 21st century. Authors were encouraged to write about the toughest and most difficult issues—the topics everyone knows need addressing but some are hesitant to even acknowledge.

 First Prize: Major Dilan Swift, USMCR 
“Thinking Like Insurgents: COIN Lessons for Stand-In Forces” – Published in the November issue of Proceedings 

Second Prize: Major Sean Harper, USMC
“Give the King of Battle Wings” - Published in the November issue of Proceedings 

 Third Prize: Coauthors: Majors Aaron Barlow, Major Patrick Moecher and Major Caleb Kadrmas, USMC
“First to What Kind of Fight?” – Published in the November issue of Proceedings

 

 

 

 

 

2025 Innovation for Sea Power Essay Contest | Sponsored by The Waters Family
The Innovation for Sea Power Essay Contest asked authors to examine how the Sea Services can integrate emerging technologies, innovation, and a culture of rapid learning to maintain strategic advantage in an increasingly complex threat environment.

 First Prize: Lieutenant Colonel Frank G. Hoffman, USMC (Ret.)
“Naval Leaders Need to Think Fast, Slow and Augmented”

Second Prize: Coauthors: Captain Michael Kidd, USN and Ms. Giana Farry
“Nano-scale Weapons vs. Full-Scale Productivity” 

Third Prize: Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Warren, USMC
“Defend the Iron Mountain”