NEWPORT, R.I. (AP) — The U.S. Naval War College is welcoming its newest class of students at a convocation ceremony.

The ceremony for the incoming class of 545 students is scheduled to be held Monday on the school's campus in Newport.

Officials say half of the new students are naval officers. The rest are from the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Army. Others are from 57 international navies and various U.S. government agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency, State Department and Department of Homeland Security.

Vice Adm. Robert Harward, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, will be recognized with the Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award during the ceremony.

The convocation marks the formal start of the academic year and includes a faculty procession.