The “Red Tie” Award

Lt. Gen. (Ret) Vince Stewart – Posthumously

NIP presents the 2026 Red Tie Award to Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, U.S. Marine Corps (Retired), for exceptional service and outstanding contributions over a 38-year military career and beyond. Let it be widely known that Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart has earned the respect, admiration, and appreciation of all Naval Intelligence Professionals around the globe

Lieutenant General Stewart was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13. He loved this country and as he often proudly proclaimed, “lived the American dream.” He spent his entire adult life supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States, and in service to others. He was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1981 and commanded at every level from tank platoon commander in Alpha Company, 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division to the General Officer ranks. His General Officer assignments included serving as the Director of Intelligence for the U.S. Marine Corps; the Commander, Marine Corps Forces Cyberspace Command; and as the 20th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency before his final tour of duty as the Deputy Commander U.S. Cyber Command. He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps after 38 years on 5 April 2019, and after “retirement” found new ways to continue to lead, inspire and to contribute in significant ways to our nation’s security.

Throughout his career he was always happy, but never quite satisfied. He continually challenged himself and all those around him to collaborate and innovate to get better—to be the very best. His positive “can do” attitude was infectious and resulted in significant, lasting, impactful changes at every command where he served. A true visionary, Lieutenant General Stewart helped ensure we remained the world’s premier intelligence community, continually adapting and evolving to outpace our adversaries.

Furthermore, he was a leader of character, and a leader of consequence.  He broke barriers and was a trail blazer throughout his time on active duty. Perhaps even more important than the barriers he broke were the opportunities he created for others and the way he empowered all those he led. Vince understood that our nation’s true comparative and competitive advantage is our people and our partnerships. One of his greatest joys was walking around and engaging with his people. He prioritized investment in his team’s continual development as both professionals and leaders, and finding ways to unleash and realize their full potential. He also prioritized continually strengthening and expanding our partnerships, developing “team of teams” approaches to everything our community did. 

There are generations of naval, joint and coalition intelligence professionals leading our community guided by wisdom passed on by Lieutenant General Stewart. He was a great leader, friend and human—his legacy lives on in the thousands he has trained, mentored and coached!