The Naval War College Foundation will present its highest honor, the Sentinel of the Sea Award, to retired Vice Adm. John Mustin at a gala Thursday, Nov. 5, at the New York Yacht Club in New York City.
Mustin served 34 years in the Navy, joining the Navy Reserve in 2001 and supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. His flag assignments included command of Expeditionary Strike Group Two, deputy commander of Naval Surface Forces, and deputy commander of the re-established U.S. 2nd Fleet. He finished his career as the 15th Chief of Navy Reserve, serving from 2020 to 2024.
He is a fifth-generation graduate of the Naval Academy from a family whose Navy service dates to 1896. His great-grandfather, Capt. Henry C. Mustin, was a pioneering naval aviator often called the father of naval aviation.
“The challenges facing our nation are only becoming more complex, and maintaining our maritime advantage will require exceptional leaders, innovative thinking, and a willingness to adapt at speed,” Mustin said.
Since retiring, Mustin founded a digital customer relationship management firm and most recently served as president of Saildrone, the maritime autonomy company.
Retired Capt. George E. Lang Jr., president and CEO of the foundation, said Mustin has built a legacy of his own on top of his family’s, leading at the highest levels of the Navy and Navy Reserve.
Past recipients include retired Adm. James Stavridis, retired Gen. James Mattis, Gary Sinise and Tom Brokaw. Proceeds from the gala support the foundation’s work funding Naval War College priorities.
Details are at nwcfoundation.org/sentinelofthesea.
