Graduate Students Participate in Fleet Week Fort Lauderdale 2025

Graduate students from DHP’s National Security Affairs and International Relations M.S. Program collaborated with NSU’s Military Affairs Office during Fort Lauderdale's Fleet Week 2025 to host the Military Flag Officer Panel at NSU. The panel’s focus included U.S. national security, international relations, STEM, cybersecurity, global trade, and career insight and advice.

Held annually by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, Fleet Week entails the docking of active military vessels in respective cities (Port Everglades, FL) to honor their service, engage with the local community, and showcase the capabilities of the U.S. military and its sea power.

Panelists included Rear Admirals John Hewitt (Commander Navy Region Southeast) and David Walt (Navy Expeditionary Strike Group 2 & Director Operations Division), and Captain Aaron Delano-Johnson (Coast Guard - Southern Command & International Affairs Officer). These distinguished guests answered students’ questions based on their respective geographical regions and expertise. They provided students invaluable career advice and insight into job opportunities in the U.S. Military and clarified the skills the U.S. Armed Forces is seeking.

Amber Paquette, DHP graduate student, staff, and undergraduate alumna, moderated and collaborated with NSU’s Office of Military Affairs to help make the panel vision come to fruition. Following the conclusion of the Panel, Admiral John Hewitt (Commander of the USS Cole) presented Ms. Paquette with a U.S. Navy challenge coin, a great civilian honor. In addition, DHP Graduate Assistant Gemma Cortés González and other staff assisted in other aspects of event organization and support.