The Challenge

The General Prize Essay Contest invites you to “dare to write to advance the professional, literary, and scientific understanding of sea power and other issues critical to national defense.” Participate in this open annual essay contest to discuss the most compelling issues, ideas, and solutions impacting the sea services. There is no restriction on topic. All essays are judged in the blind by the Naval Institute’s Editorial Board composed of serving Sea Service professionals. 

$6,000 First Prize

$3,000 Second Prize

$2,000 Third Prize

Eligibility

The contest is open to all persons eligible for membership (including those already members) in the Institute. Essay must be original and not published or being considered for publication elsewhere.

  • Word Count: 3,000 words maximum (excludes footnotes/endnotes/sources)
  • Include word count on title page but do not include your name on title page or within essay 

Winners announced and published in the May 2020 Proceedings.

Selected Submissions

PRIZE
TITLE
NAME
First Prize
Lieutenant Commander Jeff Vandenengel, U.S. Navy
Second Prize
Hunter Stires
Third Prize
Lieutenant Commander Joshua M. Portzer, U.S. Navy
Funded by
Andrew and Barbara Taylor

Previous Winners

2010 General Prize Essay Contest

PRIZE
TITLE
NAME
First Prize
Captain Victor G. Addison Jr., U.S. Navy
First Prize
Captain Victor G. Addison Jr., U.S. Navy
First Prize
Captain Victor G. Addison Jr., U.S. Navy
First Prize
Captain Victor G. Addison Jr., U.S. Navy
Second Prize
Dr. Joe DiRenzo III and Vice Admiral James D. Hull, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Third Prize
Captain Brian J. Donlon, U.S. Marine Corps
Third Prize
Kirk Ross

1921 General Prize Essay Contest

PRIZE
TITLE
NAME
Prize Winner
Captain J. V. Chase, U.S. Navy
Honorable Mention
Lieutenant Commander Holloway H. Frost, U. S. Navy
Honorable Mention
Commander G. C. Westervelt, U. S. Navy, and H. B. Sanford
Honorable Mention
Captain J. K. Taussig, U. S. Navy
Honorable Mention
Captain T. T. Craven, U. S. Navy
Honorable Mention
Captain R. Drace White, U. S. Navy

1916 General Prize Essay Contest

PRIZE
TITLE
NAME
Prize Winner
Lieutenant Junior Grade H. H. Frost, U. S. Navy
First Honorable Mention
Lieutenant Commander J. K. Taussig, U. S. Navy
Second Honorable Mention
Lieutenant Ridgely Hunt, U. S. Navy
Third Honorable Mention
Commander D. W. Knox, U. S. Navy
Third Honorable Mention
Lieutenant Commander Thomas Lee Johnson, U. S. Navy