U.S. Naval War College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

U.S. Naval War College has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, operational management, information resources, and administrative oversight.

Dedicated to advancing maritime strategy and national security, U.S. Naval War College fosters academic excellence for military and government leaders to address complex global security challenges through rigorous research and professional development.

Leadership Roles at U.S. Naval War College

  • Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff - Peter Halvorsen
  • Chief Information Officer - Bruce Burns
  • Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department - Joseph Pangborn
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Brendan Little
  • Peter Halvorsen - Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff

    Peter Halvorsen, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff at U.S. Naval War College, manages the daily operational functions of the institution. Halvorsen coordinates administrative workflows to ensure the effective delivery of graduate degrees and professional military education programs. By overseeing the alignment of internal resources with the college's strategic objectives, the Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff supports the development of international military personnel and government civilians. This leadership role involves managing complex logistical requirements for specialized courses focused on operational planning. Peter Halvorsen drives organizational efficiency by streamlining communication between faculty, staff, and external stakeholders. The Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff monitors institutional performance metrics to ensure the college meets its mission of preparing leaders for global security environments. Through rigorous oversight of operational processes, Halvorsen secures the necessary support structures for the college's diverse academic programs and research initiatives.

    Bruce Burns - Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Burns, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the digital infrastructure supporting advanced military education. Burns manages the secure integration of academic networks with national security communication protocols. By overseeing the modernization of campus-wide data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless access to research databases for intermediate and senior military officers. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive information assets while facilitating collaborative learning environments across the institution. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, Bruce Burns maintains the integrity of the college's digital research capabilities. The Chief Information Officer coordinates with academic departments to align technological resources with the evolving requirements of maritime strategy. By optimizing network performance and reliability, Burns supports the mission of developing leaders capable of addressing complex global security challenges. This strategic focus on digital transformation remains essential for maintaining the college's position as a premier center for professional military education.

    Joseph Pangborn - Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department

    Joseph Pangborn, the Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department at U.S. Naval War College, manages the comprehensive information resources department. Pangborn architects the knowledge management systems that underpin the college's research into maritime strategy and national security. By overseeing the Information Resources Department, the Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department ensures that faculty and students possess access to critical intelligence and academic archives. This leadership role involves directing the acquisition and distribution of specialized research materials essential for operational planning. Joseph Pangborn coordinates with command leadership to integrate information resources into the broader curriculum for senior military officers. The Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department optimizes the accessibility of digital libraries to support the college's mission. Through the strategic management of information assets, Pangborn facilitates the rigorous academic training required to address complex global security challenges.

    Brendan Little - Chief Administrative Officer

    Brendan Little, the Chief Administrative Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the administrative functions that sustain the institution's academic and professional development programs. Little manages the personnel and facility operations necessary for hosting international military personnel and government officials. By overseeing the administrative support services, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures the smooth execution of specialized courses and graduate degree programs. This leadership role involves coordinating with the board and executive leadership to implement policies that enhance the college's operational effectiveness. Brendan Little drives the development of internal processes that support the mission of preparing leaders for complex global security challenges. The Chief Administrative Officer monitors compliance and resource allocation to maintain the high standards of the college's educational environment. Through the management of administrative infrastructure, Little supports the overall strategic goals of the institution, ensuring that all departments possess the necessary resources to deliver high-quality professional military education.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding U.S. Naval War College Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads U.S. Naval War College?
    U.S. Naval War College is led by Peter Halvorsen (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff), along with executives such as Bruce Burns (Chief Information Officer) and Joseph Pangborn (Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department).
    Who is part of U.S. Naval War College’s executive team?
    The executive team of U.S. Naval War College includes leaders such as Peter Halvorsen (Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff), Bruce Burns (Chief Information Officer), Joseph Pangborn (Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does U.S. Naval War College have?
    U.S. Naval War College has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in U.S. Naval War College’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of U.S. Naval War College includes roles such as Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Staff, Chief Information Officer, Chief Information Officer, Command Information & Officer & Director, Information Resources Department, Chief Administrative Officer.