Thursday, July 28, 2022

Locust Grove native trains to be a U.S. Navy Future Warfighter

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jerry Jimenez, Navy Office of Community Outreach

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.
Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Jake 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 Zane Veach, a native of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, is a student at NETC, learning the necessary skills needed to be a Navy sailor.

Veach, a 2020 Locust Grove High School graduate, joined the Navy less than a year ago.

“My dad was a Marine for 20 years,” said Veach. “The way he gave me and my family a better life made me want to join too.”

According to Veach, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Locust Grove.

“I grew up everywhere because I was a military brat," said Veach. "I learned a lot of military bearing and respect for rank and others. Locust Grove taught me a strong work ethic.”

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 Veach 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.

“Without the Navy, we wouldn't have free trade,” said Veach.

As Veach 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 means everything to me," added Veach. "I've been wanting to join for as long as I can remember. It's one of the best decisions I ever made in my life.”