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), this obligation falls upon hard-charging Navy professionals who train and mentor the Navy’s future warfighters.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Benjamin Willis, a native of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 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 satisfaction of young sailors doing well, passing their classes and getting ready to go out to the fleet,” said Willis.
Instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms civilians into mission-ready sailors.
Willis, a 2012 Washington High School graduate, joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I was influenced by my father to join the Navy,” said Willis. “ I also joined because I wanted to travel the world.”
According to Willis, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Sioux Falls.
“My hometown taught me discipline and the importance of having a strong work ethic,” said Willis.
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 Willis 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 stops invasions to our country,” said Willis.
Willis and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I'm proud of earning the Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist pin,” said Willis. “You have to know what every job on a ship does, so if someone goes down in a fight, you can do their job so everyone can get home.”
The enlisted surface warfare specialist insignia, also known as the ESWS pin, is a military badge of the United States Navy which is issued to U.S. Navy personnel who are trained and qualified to perform duties aboard United States surface warships.
As Willis and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“The Navy provides financial stability for me and my family,” added Willis. “I enjoy being in a national security defense force.”