Hertford alumnus Admiral Munsch receives international defence leadership accolades

10 October 2025

Hertford College is proud to celebrate the recent achievements of Admiral Stuart B. Munsch in the promotion of global maritime security.

Admiral Munsch attended Hertford as a Rhodes Scholar and earned an MA in PPE. Currently serving as Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Force Command Naples, he was recently awarded Norway’s prestigious Defence Service Medal with Laurel Branch. This honour recognises his efforts towards strengthening NATO cohesion and advancing effectiveness in underwater operations in the High North and Arctic regions – areas of growing strategic importance.

In a statement, Admiral Munsch expressed his appreciation:

‘I’m deeply grateful to Norway for this recognition on behalf of the people of NAVEUR/NAVAF and proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in defence of the High North.’

In the same month Admiral Munsch accepted Spain’s Premio Especial de la Armada award on behalf of the U.S. Navy. This award recognises the longstanding trust and cooperation and shared commitment to maritime security between Spain and the United States, safeguarding sea lines of communication, deterring aggression, and enhancing collective defence.

We extend our warmest congratulations to Admiral Munsch.