MILLINGTON, Tenn. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Varron Butts, a native of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Limited Duty Officer/Warrant Officer/Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/WO/CWO) Academy on Feb. 28.
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Butts, a 2007 graduate of Cedar Cliff High School, joined the Navy 15 years ago. Additionally, Butts graduated from Columbia College in 2020.
“I joined the Navy to provide a better life for my family," Butts said. "I also looked up to my uncle, Don. L. Williams, who was a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the Navy."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Harrisburg.
"Some lessons that I learned from my hometown that helped me succeed are being optimistic, having a hardworking mentality and embracing a 'never give up' attitude," Butts said. "Obstacles are always going to be present in our lives. What matters, is how we overcome them."
“I joined the Navy to provide a better life for my family," Butts said. "I also looked up to my uncle, Don. L. Williams, who was a Chief Warrant Officer 5 in the Navy."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Harrisburg.
"Some lessons that I learned from my hometown that helped me succeed are being optimistic, having a hardworking mentality and embracing a 'never give up' attitude," Butts said. "Obstacles are always going to be present in our lives. What matters, is how we overcome them."
The LDO/WO/CWO Academy is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) Newport, Rhode Island. The academy prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.
Before starting at the academy, Butts served as an enlisted chief petty officer. After graduation, Butts will serve as an officer aboard USS Santa Barbara, a U.S. Navy warship, operating out of San Deigo, California.
"Graduating from the academy is a rewarding experience," Butts said. "It lets me know that hard work pays off."
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Butts has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishments while serving in the Navy are seeing the sailors whom I mentored advance and become successful, owning two properties and building a loving family with my wife whom I've known since we were both in the fourth grade,” Butts added.
As Butts and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the U.S. Navy.