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 2nd Class Emmanuel Vera Cruz, a native of the Philippines with hometown ties to San Diego, California, 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.
“As an instructor, I’m always learning new things from my sailors,” said Vera Cruz. “My students come up with different questions and that makes me do research. This makes me more knowledgeable as an instructor. You always want to be the expert in the subject matter that you teach.”
Instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms civilians into mission-ready sailors.
Vera Cruz, a 2009 graduate of Lancaster High School in Lancaster, California, joined the Navy eight years ago.
“Not only did I join the Navy for the educational opportunities, but I'm also a first- generation to serve in the Navy,” said Vera Cruz. “This gives me the chance to give back to my country.”
According to Vera Cruz, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in both the Philippines and San Diego.
“My hometown taught me self-discipline, leadership and how to be a jack-of-all-trades,” said Vera Curz. “These values have helped me succeed as a sailor.”
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 Vera Cruz 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.
“Our Navy keeps our democracy and freedoms safe against threats world-wide,” said Vera Cruz.
Vera Cruz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I learned a lot of skill sets from being an instructor,” said Vera Cruz. “I make sure that junior sailors will have a good foundation, so they can be the future leaders of the Navy.”
As Vera Cruz and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
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 Vera Cruz 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.
“Our Navy keeps our democracy and freedoms safe against threats world-wide,” said Vera Cruz.
Vera Cruz and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I learned a lot of skill sets from being an instructor,” said Vera Cruz. “I make sure that junior sailors will have a good foundation, so they can be the future leaders of the Navy.”
As Vera Cruz 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 giving back to my country,” added Vera Cruz. “It's provided me with the opportunities to succeed in life. I do this for my family and to make them proud. I am the first in my family to join the military, and I want to set a good example for them and my friends.”