GREAT LAKES, Ill. - Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and this training requires highly-dedicated instructors.
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| Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jacob Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
At Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), instructors at advanced technical schools teach sailors to be highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Seaman Recruit Christopher Williams, a native of Glen Cove, New York, is a student at NETC, learning the necessary skills needed to be an operations specialist.
As an operations specialist, Wiliams is responsible for navigating Navy ships out of harm’s way and being the ‘eyes and ears’ in providing mission-essential information to the chain of command.
Williams, a 2019 Glen Cove High School graduate, joined the Navy four months ago.
“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities, to travel and to grow as a person mentally,” said Williams.
According to Williams, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Glen Cove.
“My hometown taught me how to communicate with people, so I can get along with others,” said Williams. “I've learned that family is the most important thing and to always ask questions when needed.”
Students attend advanced technical schools after “boot camp.” They are taught the basic technical knowledge and skills required to be successful in their new careers.
NETC educates and trains those who serve, providing the tools and opportunities which enable life-long learning, professional and personal growth and development, ensuring fleet readiness and mission accomplishment.
Made up of six commands, NETC provides a continuum of professional education and training in support of Surface Navy requirements that prepare enlisted sailors and officers to serve at sea, providing apprentice and specialized skills training to 7,500 sailors a year.
With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.
According to Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday, four priorities will focus efforts on sailors, readiness, capabilities, and capacity.
“For 245 years, in both calm and rough waters, our Navy has stood the watch to protect the homeland, preserve freedom of the seas, and defend our way of life,” said Gilday. “The decisions and investments we make this decade will set the maritime balance of power for the rest of this century. We can accept nothing less than success.”
Serving in the Navy means Williams is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy is heavily involved in our national defense because it protects coastlines and oceans globally, '' said Wiliams.
As Wiliams and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy feels like I'm preparing for my future,” added Wiliams. “I want to protect the people that I care for. The Navy is also helping me accomplish my dream in traveling the world and experiencing what's out there. I'm happy that I can be helpful to people and their futures.”