U.S. Naval War College Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

The U.S. Naval War College has 4 executives leading key functions including information technology, operations, administration, and command information.

Dedicated to fostering strategic thinking and leadership, U.S. Naval War College equips naval officers, government civilians, and international military personnel with advanced education to navigate complex global security challenges through rigorous academic training and research.

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, orchestrates the institution's operational efficiency and administrative functions. Halvorsen oversees daily operations, ensuring seamless execution of academic programs and support services for naval officers, U.S. government civilians, and international military personnel. This multifaceted role involves managing resources, streamlining processes, and aligning departmental activities with the college's strategic goals in maritime strategy, national security, and operational planning. As Chief of Staff, Peter Halvorsen provides direct support to the college's leadership, facilitating communication and driving key initiatives. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities extend to optimizing the college's infrastructure and resource allocation to support its mission of developing leaders for complex global security challenges. This executive ensures the smooth functioning of all non-academic departments, thereby enabling the faculty and students to focus on rigorous academic training and research.

    Bruce Burns - Chief Information Officer

    Bruce Burns, the Chief Information Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the strategic implementation and oversight of all information technology infrastructure and digital resources. Burns ensures the college's technological capabilities effectively support advanced education, professional development, and research initiatives in maritime strategy and national security. This leadership involves managing cybersecurity protocols, optimizing network performance, and integrating innovative digital tools to enhance the learning experience for naval officers, U.S. government civilians, and international military personnel. The Chief Information Officer's role is critical in maintaining the integrity and accessibility of academic data and operational systems, directly contributing to the college's mission of developing leaders capable of addressing complex global security challenges. Burns's focus remains on leveraging technology to advance the college's educational objectives and research output, ensuring robust digital support for its diverse student body and faculty across its Newport, Rhode Island, operations.

    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, leads the critical command information systems and the management of information resources. Pangborn ensures the integrity, security, and operational readiness of the technological infrastructure supporting advanced education and professional development for naval officers, U.S. government civilians, and international military personnel. This role involves direct oversight of systems essential for strategic planning, national security studies, and operational planning, directly impacting the college's ability to deliver its graduate degrees and specialized courses. The Director, Information Resources Department's mandate includes managing data, implementing robust cybersecurity measures, and ensuring the availability of critical information for academic research and leadership development. Joseph Pangborn's leadership is vital for maintaining the technological backbone that enables the U.S. Naval War College to fulfill its mission of preparing leaders for complex global security challenges.

    Brendan Little - Chief Administrative Officer

    Brendan Little, the Chief Administrative Officer at U.S. Naval War College, directs the comprehensive administrative operations supporting the institution's educational and research mandates. Little ensures the efficient management of human resources, financial services, and facilities, providing essential support for naval officers, U.S. government civilians, and international military personnel engaged in advanced studies. This leadership position is crucial for maintaining the operational framework that enables the college to offer its diverse programs in maritime strategy, national security, and operational planning. The Chief Administrative Officer's responsibilities encompass developing and implementing administrative policies, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering a productive work environment. Brendan Little's strategic oversight guarantees that the college's administrative functions align seamlessly with its core mission of developing leaders equipped to address complex global security challenges through rigorous academic training and research.

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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.