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. Jake Joy, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
At Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), this obligation falls upon hard-charging Navy professionals who train and mentor the Navy’s future warfighters.
Petty Officer 1st Class Alejandro Valadez, a native of Houston, Texas, plays an important role as an instructor at NETC, providing the fleet with sailors who possess the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary for naval service.
“I enjoy the hands-on experience that I can provide for my students, and I also enjoy sharing my sea stories with them,” said Valadez.
Instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms civilians into mission-ready sailors.
Valadez, a 2006 MacArthur High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy to get financial stability, have professional and educational growth, and to serve my country,” said Valadez.
According to Valadez, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.
“Working entry-level jobs, I saw how people managed their business," said Valadez. "That's when I realized that instead of being a manager I wanted to be a leader, by helping others and leading by example."
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 Valadez 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.
“Whether it is defending our territorial waters within a few miles from land or thousands of miles away, we will show up and stop any malicious activity,” said Valadez.
Valadez and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of completing a harsh deployment on the Saudi Arabian Gulf and coming back safely with the entire crew,” said Valadez.
As Valadez and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“It's an honor to serve in the Navy, to teach core values, to put in my two cents when it comes to doing something for this country and to be an ambassador to build stronger bonds with other countries,” added Valadez.