Getting Tickets for OCS Graduation at Newport
When I went through OCS, the biggest question from my family was how they’d get in to see me graduate. I remember telling them not to worry—there are no physical ocs graduation tickets. Instead, the process is simpler, but it does require some advance coordination. Let me walk you through how it works, so you can focus on celebrating your candidate’s big day.
- No paper tickets – The candidate submits names of attendees.
- Gate access – Guests show ID and are checked against a list at Gate 1.
- Health checks – Be prepared to show vaccination cards at a second checkpoint.
- Candidate instructions – Your candidate will provide details as graduation nears.
How the Guest List Works
Your candidate at Officer Candidate School (OCS) will be responsible for adding your name to the official guest list. About a month out from graduation, the class will get instructions on how to submit names—usually through an online form or directly to their class staff. I always told my candidates, “Make sure your folks give you their full legal name and date of birth exactly as on their ID.” Misspellings or mismatches cause headaches at the gate.
The number of guests per candidate varies by class and facility, but typically you can expect to list up to four people. If you have more family coming, talk to your candidate early—sometimes extra seats open up, but it’s not guaranteed. And remember, no name on the list means no entry. There are no ocs graduation tickets to buy or print, so the list is your ticket.
What You’ll Need at the Gate
On graduation day, plan to arrive at Naval Station Newport’s Gate 1 with plenty of time. Security is thorough. You’ll need:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.)
- Your name on the guest list (confirmed by the gate guard)
- Proof of vaccination (COVID-19 vaccination card, and possibly others, depending on current policy)
There’s a second checkpoint after the gate where health records are checked. This can add time, so I recommend getting there at least an hour early. Also, note that only those on the list are admitted—no dropping off last-minute friends. The candidate will be issued a set number of passes if physical credentials are used, but the list system is standard now.
Preparing for the Big Day
Your candidate will get detailed instructions from their class team as graduation approaches. Keep in touch and ask them to forward any emails about base access and ceremony details. Also, check the official Navy OCS Journey page for updates—policies change, so what worked last year might be different now.
One last piece of advice from my own time: bring tissues, a camera (check if phones are allowed in the venue), and a big smile. Watching your candidate pin on their collar devices is a moment you’ll never forget. And when you see them standing tall in their dress blues, you’ll know the wait and the worry were worth it.
Congratulations to your family and to your new Navy officer! It’s a proud day for all of you.
