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.
Fireman Nolan Vancleve, a native of Lakes Wales, Florida, is a student at NETC, learning the necessary skills needed to be a gas systems turbine technician.
As a gas systems turbine technician, Vancleve is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and repair of ships’ gas turbine engines and working on various electrical components.
Vancleve, a 2021 Ridge Community High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago.
“Both of my parents had nine-to-five jobs," said Vancleve. "I saw how hard both of them worked while still struggling to pay rent and make basic necessities. The things we had to go through were rough. I joined the Navy to make sure my future family never has to go through what I went through and struggle with money.”
According to Vancleve, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lakes Wales.
“Growing up, an important lesson I learned that helped my success in the Navy is communication,” said Vancleve. “It’s the key to eliminating misunderstandings and working together as a team. No matter how many certificates or diplomas you have, there's still plenty of things to learn. Life is a continuous learning experience.”
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 Vancleve 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 fundamental to our nation by providing a means of security, protecting America’s assets at sea, and defending our freedoms and preserving peace,” said Vancleve.
As Vancleve and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“I joined the Navy for both my family and friends,” added Vancleve. “I wanted to set an example and protect my country.”