Lt. Alisha Hamilton wins Navy League award

Naval Postgraduate School student Lt. Alisha Hamilton received the Navy League Award for Highest Academic Achievement from Monterey Peninsula Council President John Sanders on March 17.  Hamilton, a surface warfare officer who earned a master’s degree in national security affairs, was commended for her bearing, motivation and community involvement as well as her 3.91 grade point average.

Her thesis, “Defending the Amazon: Conservation, Development and Security in Brazil,” examined the critical role of the military in Amazonian policy.   She observed that, “Guaranteeing Brazil’s borders and national security, the military views its infiltration of the Amazon as part of its mission.  It also sees development and population increase as tools the government must use to increase sovereignty over the Amazon.”  Hamilton said military concerns must be addressed before development policy in the Amazon can be changed.

Lt. Alisha Hamilton receives the Monterey Peninsula Council Navy League Award for highest academic achievement.

Hamilton’s next assignment is on the Joint Staff at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.  In a thank you note to Sanders and past Council President Susan McLaughlin, she wrote, “I really enjoyed last year’s Memorial Day service out with the Coast Guard.  Best wishes to you, Master Chief Abel…and all the rest of the Navy League.  Your recognition is truly appreciated!”