160325-N-QW561-010 MONTEREY, Calif. (March 25, 2016) Naval Officers and their families begin to gather for the winter graduation ceremony at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), March 25. NPS honored 301 graduates composed of representatives from every branch of the U.S. military as well as Department of Defense (DOD) civilians and international students from 10 nations. The NPS mission is to provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the Naval Service to enhance the security of the United States. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Ehrlich/Released)