Lt. Alexander B. Baynes, son of Leslie and Judy Baynes of Edgartown, recently graduated first in his class from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif. He was awarded the Navy League Award for the Highest Academic Achievement.

Lieutenant Baynes, an engineering duty officer, chose for his thesis research on the efficacy of meta-materials and transformational optics to defend against high-energy electromagnetic beams.  

Lieutenant Baynes, who earned master’s degrees in both physics and applied mathematics, was given the honor of using a ceremonial sword to cut the class cake alongside Adm. Hunt, president Oliver and Capt. Wynn at the gala reception following graduation.   

Born in Falmouth in 1982, Mr. Baynes also is the brother of Amy Baynes of London, England. He graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 2000 and attended Cornell University, where he received a bachelor of science degree in applied and engineering physics.

Lieutenant Baynes was commissioned in the U.S. Navy, with an aviation flight contract, through Officer Candidate School in 2005. After graduating, he attended Naval Flight Officer training in Pensacola, Fla., and later served with the E2-C Hawkeye community in Norfolk, Va.

Lt. Baynes will begin his Engineering Duty Officer qualification tour at his next command, Ship Repair Facility, Yokosuka, Japan, whose primary mission is to keep the Seventh Fleet operationally ready.