Pocatello, Idaho Native to graduates from Officer Training Command

By Eugene Haynes IV, Officer Training Command Newport

Newport, RI– Ensign Kishara Mayurawasala, a native of Pocatello, Idaho, graduates from Officer Candidate School (OCS), October 9, 2026.

Mayurawasala, a graduate of Idaho State University, joined the Navy 1.5 years ago.

"I joined the United States Navy out of a profound sense of patriotism to give back to the nation that gave me a second shot at life through welcoming me to the country with a rugby scholarship. My intention is to dedicate this opportunity, training and investment on me to serve 30-35 years as a career naval officer. My purpose is to be relevant to national security and to be an essential part of the organization that defends the country that embraced me and repays the immense generosity it has shown me.,” said Mayurawasala.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pocatello, Idaho.

" Growing up in an underdeveloped country in Sri Lanka, I learned that adversity is a privilege and that relentless hard work! not entitlement! can overcome any challenge. My single mother sacrificed everything, even pawning her jewelry to buy my ticket to the United States and preparing to sell our home in Australia to fund my education. Her unwavering love taught me the ultimate lessons in sacrifice and selfless servant leadership.,” said Mayurawasala.

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN). OCS is the final step in a sailor’s transition into the Naval Officer Corps. This course is comprehensive, both physically and mentally intense, and designed to reinforceunderstanding of theresponsibilities as a naval officer.

Before joining the academy, Mayurawasala was an enlisted Petty Officer Third Class serving as (E-4) AME Aviation Structural Mechanic Safety. After graduation, Mayurawasala will serve as an officer at Naval Aviation Schools Command (NAVAVSCOLSCOM or NASC), located at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida.

“Graduating as an Ensign is the vital first step in my American dream to live beyond the common level of life and eventually become a flag officer. To the best of my knowledge, I will be the first Sri Lankan-born to be designated as a Student Naval Aviator (1390) in the U.S. Navy. This is a profound honor that validates my family's immense sacrifices and proves that the United States is the greatest nation on earth.,” said Mayurawasala.

Officer Candidate School (OCS) is a 13-week course that provides college graduates with the foundational knowledge needed for service as naval officers, including leadership, naval customs, and physical readiness, preparing these sailors for their new roles in the wardroom according to the Navy’s Officer Professional Core Competencies

Located in Newport, Rhode Island, the OTCN’s mission is to develop newly commissioned officers morally, mentally, physically and imbue them with the highest ideals of honor, courage and commitment to prepare them for the Fleet. Additionally, Officer Candidate School (OCS) prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing them physically, mentally, and fundamentally, with skills in leadership, written, and oral communication, career management, and administration.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.

"Before I was eligible to enlist as a permanent resident, I proudly served as a firefighter because it was the closest thing I could do at the time to serve my country, United States. Since joining the military, my absolute proudest accomplishment was earning my United States citizenship during Recruit Training Command. That moment cemented my permanent belonging to the country I love and swore an oath to protect.," said Mayurawasala.

As Mayurawasala and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.

"My journey from a first-generation immigrant working as a janitor to a commissioned officer exemplifies the limitless opportunities provided by the United States. I am fiercely committed to leading with moral, legal, and ethical integrity. I will work tirelessly so that my career and life truly define the words warrior, scholar, intellect, and patriot," added Mayurawasala.

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