Marine Corps

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba –
Corporals course is a demanding professional military education development program designed to prepare U.S. Marines for the responsibilities of a noncommissioned officer. At Joint Task Force Southern Guard, service members from across the joint task force received a unique opportunity to attend the course while deployed at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Dec. 9-22, 2025.
“Training alongside Soldiers and Marines in the corporals course gave me a deeper understanding of how each branch executes the mission every day and how leaders overcome the same universal problems,” stated an Airman attending the course. In the eyes of one Marine attending the course, the joint environment helped the students understand each other services’ cultures and reemphasized the importance of joint interoperability.
“It took some time for me to let my guard down and start communicating with the other branches, but I realized we are all here for the same purpose. I know now it makes us a much more effective warfighting organization when we can communicate and work closely with our joint service members.”
Throughout the course, the students met in a classroom setting to learn the core duties of an NCO through discussion topics on tactical communication, navigation, career progression, leadership fundamentals, drill and ceremonies, and counseling techniques.
In addition to maintaining an academic standard, service members were expected to maintain a physical standard throughout the duration of the course. Every morning, students participated in group physical training. The training also helped in preparation for the obstacle course. The Obstacle Course developed confidence, trust, and mental fortitude through physically demanding team challenges including log jumps, rope climbs, climbing walls, balance beams, and pull-up bars, culminating in a sprint to the finish.
After two weeks of training, the students graduated from corporals course with the confidence to succeed as noncommissioned officers and a newfound appreciation for working in joint environments.
“To be an NCO is to care, not only for your Marines, but it’s your job to be the backbone of the Marine Corps,” a Marine stated. “Being an NCO means being a great leader, mentor, and overall good human being. Be a strong leader every day so we can be effective and lethal when the time comes.”

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Southeast announced Lt. Cmdr. John Nurthen, of Public Works Department Kings Bay, and David Walter, of the Planning, Design and Construction Directorate, as its 2026 Military Engineer of the Year and Civilian Engineer of the Year, respectively, recognizing their exceptional leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to mission excellence.

“Lt. Cmdr. Nurthen and David Walter set the gold standard for leadership at NAVFAC Southeast,” said Capt. Matthew Williams, commanding officer of NAVFAC Southeast. “They lead by example, influencing peers and stakeholders across commands. Their work strengthens our infrastructure, fosters innovation, and ensures we remain prepared for future challenges. By aligning their teams’ efforts with broader strategic objectives, they are not only executing the NAVFAC Commander’s intent but shaping the culture and success of NAVFAC Southeast.”

Military Engineer of the Year – Lt. Cmdr. John Nurthen

Nurthen has distinguished himself through exceptional technical acumen, visionary leadership, and a sustained commitment to advancing the Navy’s engineering enterprise. Assigned to Public Works Department Kings Bay, he has delivered measurable impact across research, construction, innovation, and workforce development.

During his graduate studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Nurthen collaborated with MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the Sloan School of Management on groundbreaking cybersecurity research focused on securing critical infrastructure and transient cyber assets. His work, briefed to NAVFAC and the Electric Power Research Institute, was recognized as a significant advancement in cybersecurity resilience.

Selected globally for the Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Leadership Development Program, Nurthen led a year-long study on barriers to artificial intelligence adoption in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. His findings, presented at the SAME Joint Engineering Training Conference, attracted the highest attendance of any session. Building on this work, he spearheaded a NAVFAC Expeditionary Warfare Center pilot using AI-assisted design tools, demonstrating the potential to reduce design timelines by up to 80 percent.

As Construction Management Team Lead, Nurthen directed the $200 million Military Construction project supporting 36 critical activities for the Columbia-class submarine program, a first outside the traditional Department of War budget or National Defense Authorization Act process. He also managed a $501 million construction portfolio at Naval Submarine Base (NSB) Kings Bay.

“The most rewarding project I’ve had the privilege of working on is the P-684 Trident Refit Facility (TRF) Expansion at NSB Kings Bay,” said Nurthen. “This once-in-a-generation project is vital to our nation’s strategic deterrence, supporting the new Columbia-class ballistic submarine program as we replace the aging Ohio-class fleet. The expansion of the TRF to accommodate this new class of submarines is crucial, and it’s not every day you get to work on something of this magnitude.”

Beyond project execution, he revitalized the Junior Officer Symposium by organizing immersive site visits to operational platforms, including a guided-missile destroyer and a ballistic missile submarine, providing 60 Civil Engineer Corps officers with firsthand operational insight.

Nurthen is also deeply committed to community engagement. He volunteers as a STEM instructor at a local middle school in St. Marys, Georgia, mentoring students in bridge design and construction. His efforts earned formal recognition from the Camden County School District for inspiring future engineers.

“Engineering is about service, solving real problems for real people,” said Nurthen. “I’m honored to work alongside such talented professionals and grateful for the opportunity to contribute to projects that strengthen national defense while inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

Civilian Engineer of the Year – David Walter

As Supervisor and Training Coordinator for NAVFAC Southeast’s Structural Engineering team, Walter has demonstrated exceptional leadership, technical mastery, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers.

As a senior structural engineering subject matter expert, Walter provides critical expertise in complex structural systems, including progressive collapse mitigation, blast resistance, high seismic design, and high-wind environments. His work supports both building and waterfront infrastructure, often in highly challenging geotechnical conditions.

In his role as lead supervisor for the Waterfront Structural Engineering team, Walter oversaw all Navy waterfront projects and inspections throughout the Southeast and Caribbean. His technical guidance has been instrumental in supporting fleet readiness, including providing expert recommendations for repairs to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency Headquarters in Barbados. He also plays a key role in major Navy investments such as the $650 million Kings Bay Dry Dock Recapitalization and the $500 million P-617 Transit Protection Program.

“One of the most rewarding projects of my career has been the Kings Bay Dry Dock Recapitalization,” said Walter. “The sheer scale of the steel and concrete repairs, along with the extensive mechanical and electrical system upgrades, was extraordinary. What made it truly successful was the close coordination and partnership among the contractor, TRF, NAVFAC, and our architecture and engineering team. Completing such a complex scope of work in just 15 months was an incredible achievement and a testament to the strength of the entire team.”

As a Design Manager, Walter leads multidisciplinary teams, develops cost and labor estimates, establishes project schedules, and proactively mitigates risk. His collaboration with NAVFAC Expeditionary Warfare Center ensures critical design requirements for blast resistance, mooring systems, and waterfront inspections are fully integrated.

Currently serving as Supervisor and Project Manager for the NAVFAC Southeast Area Support Group Jacksonville, he oversees more than 140 active design projects valued at over $300 million in design-in-place, consistently delivering results through disciplined oversight and technical excellence.

Beyond his professional duties, Walter is deeply committed to community service. He has served as a Cub Scout Den Leader for six years, supports Boy Scout Troop 2 as an active parent volunteer, leads scuba-certified scouting trips, and coaches youth sports including T-ball, baseball, and soccer. He is also a longtime member of the Contingency Engineering Response Team, supporting post-hurricane damage assessments, and an active participant in ACE Mentoring, MathCounts, and other STEM outreach programs.

“I am proud to provide my expertise and dedication to the Navy,” said Walter. “This recognition reflects the collective effort of the outstanding, hard-working professionals I have the privilege to work alongside every day.”

NAVFAC Southeast’s Engineer of the Year program recognizes individuals who exemplify engineering excellence, leadership, and service to the Navy and the nation.

About Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Southeast, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, provides planning, design, construction, contracting, environmental services, public works, real estate and facility maintenance for the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, Space Force, and other federal agencies across the Southeast. Its area of responsibility covers installations from Charleston, South Carolina, to Corpus Christi, Texas, and extends south to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The event demonstrated how advanced modeling and simulation can develop tactics and strategies for fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35 operating with uncrewed combat systems.

“Modern warfare is demanding more from our aviators,” said NAWCAD Commander Rear Adm. Todd Evans. “This milestone shows the Joint Simulation Environment’s impact on equipping them with the advanced tactics they need to win future battles.”

During the demonstration, F-35 pilots used touch-screen tablets to control multiple CCA during simulated missions. Using advanced operational communication systems and precision-guided missiles, pilots engaged complex threats in the JSE’s highly realistic virtual environment.

The JSE is the Department of War’s state-of-the-art digital test and training range that replicates real-world combat scenarios in a virtual environment. Built by NAWCAD engineers, the JSE combines cockpit simulators, advanced software, and domed visual displays to allow pilots to train and test systems in a safe, controlled setting. The JSE enables pilots to fly more sorties in one week than they can on open-air ranges in a year, sharpening their skills and improving readiness.

The Navy’s CCA are multi-role uncrewed combat vehicles that will operate with crewed fighters enhancing the mission effectiveness of crewed platforms in highly contested environments. They are central to the Department’s future strategy, enabling pilots to focus on high-level decision-making while expanding operational capabilities. The JSE is playing a key role in developing tactics and operational concepts for integrating these systems with fifth-generation platforms like the F-35.

NAWCAD’S JSE continues to integrate additional platforms and enhance the fidelity of its simulated environment with planned additions of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler to enable integrated test and training in fiscal year 2026.

NAWCAD hosts dozens of squadrons and hundreds of pilots annually, fostering joint and international collaboration in advanced air combat training. The JSE is expanding with additional Navy and Air Force facilities under development at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nellis Air Force Base, and Edwards Air Force Base, to train tactical pilots.

NAWCAD employs military, civilian, and contract personnel. It operates test ranges, laboratories, and aircraft in support of test, evaluation, research, development, and sustainment for all Navy and Marine Corps aviation platforms. Based in Patuxent River, Maryland, NAWCAD also has major sites in St. Inigoes, Maryland; Lakehurst, New Jersey; and Orlando, Florida.

MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAIʻI – Five World War II (WWII) veterans visited MCBH on Dec. 4, 2025, and shared their experiences in battle. After meeting with U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion (LAADBN), Marine Air Control Group 18, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, the veterans paid their respects at the Iwo Jima memorial.

One of the veterans was retired U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Don Graves, a flamethrower operator and veteran of the battle of Iwo Jima. Graves stood before the memorial, which depicted six Marines raising a U.S. flag atop Mount Suribachi, and began to speak:

“Do you know how they got that flag up there?” Graves asked the Marines. Graves went on to explain that it was raised using a makeshift pole out of a drainpipe. While fighting up the other side of the hill. As he fought up the other side of the hill and reached the top, the flag seemed to rise inexplicably. “It was beautiful! Listen, 520 ships out in the bay opened up with everything they had tracers, rockets, everything in the sky. It was spectacular like the Fourth of July. And then the fighting continued.”

Then, Graves spoke about his last week on Iwo Jima before replacements arrived. “We got down by the cemetery at the foot of Mount Suribachi, and [Col.] “Harry the Horse” Liversedge said ‘We hit the beach with 300 men, and now there are 18 of us. I’m going to ask you to go through that gate and say goodbye to your buddies and your officers.’”

Graves continued, “As we approached, there was a letter on the left side of the opening. Every Marine read it, and we went in. This is what it read:

“Fellas,” Graves said. “When you go home, tell our folks that we did our best, that they may have many more tomorrows.”

Graves lamented that Marines do cry, feel sorrow, and get mad. “We wanted to fight the rest of those eight square miles like hell. We wanted to get that battle won, and we did it!”

Graves recalled a few more memories before taking group photos with the LAADBN Marines and his fellow WWII veterans who accompanied him. They all shook hands, expressing their gratitude for their time and sacrifices. The visit served as a reminder for all Marine Corps Base Hawaiʻi service members of the legacy of Marines that have gone before them to answer the nation’s call proving the importance of Marines’ strategic role in the Indo-Pacific region.