By M. Dawn Scott Navy Office of Community Outreach
Photo By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Amanda Moreno
PENSACOLA, Fla. – A 2008 Samuel F. B. Morse High School graduate and San Diego native is stationed with a command responsible for teaching future information warriors the skills required to defend America around the world.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Kiso Felatufuga works as a cryptologic technician (collection) and operates out of the Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station.
A cryptologic technician (collection) operates and maintains electronic sensors and computer systems.
Felatufuga credits success in the Navy with lessons learned growing up in San Diego.
“One of the most important lessons I learned is the ability to persevere and go through uncomfortable and tough situations,” said Felatufuga.
IWTC Corry Station is just one component that makes up the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) domain, headquartered at Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station, Florida.
Charged with developing the future technical cadre of the information warfare community, the CIWT domain leads, manages, and delivers Navy and joint force training to 22,000 students annually. With 1,200 military, civilian and contracted staff members, CIWT oversees about 200 courses at four information warfare training commands, two detachments, and additional learning sites located throughout the United States and Japan.
CIWT is responsible for training enlisted cryptologic technicians, information systems technicians, intelligence specialists, and electronics technicians. CIWT also provides training to cryptologic warfare, information professional, intelligence, and foreign area officers that prepares them to be prepared to wage battle, and assure the nation’s success in this burgeoning warfare arena.
"Our sailors and staff are intentional about building trust, demonstrating teamwork, pursuing growth, and instilling grit which make our command thrive in training information warfare professionals for the Navy the nation needs," said Cmdr. Chad Smith, commanding officer of IWTC Corry Station. "Each and every day, I'm extremely proud of how our sailors and staff readily adapt to achieve and maintain the highest of standards. They truly represent the spirit and character of America, and they are why we are the strongest military force in the world."
Felatufuga has military ties with family members who have previously served, and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“Both of my sisters are in the Navy and Army, and they were a big influence in my decision to join the Navy,” said Felatufuga.
While there are many ways to earn distinction in the Navy, Felatufuga is proud of earning a Navy Achievement Medal.
“I did a lot of everything during my last tour including training subordinates and my job as a CTR that had a impact on my ship and fleet operations,” said Felatufuga.
“I did a lot of everything during my last tour including training subordinates and my job as a CTR that had a impact on my ship and fleet operations,” said Felatufuga.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Felatufuga and other sailors and staff know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes, serving as a key part of the information warfare community in its mission to gain a deep understanding of the inner workings of adversaries and developing unmatched knowledge of the battlespace during wartime.
These sailors and staff have a tremendous responsibility in creating war-fighting options for fleet commanders and advising decision-makers at all levels as they serve worldwide aboard ships, submarines and aircraft and from the National Security Agency to the Pentagon.
“Serving in the Navy it means a lot to me,” Felatufuga added. “I am a first-generation Samoan and my parents were in the Navy, too. The Navy wasn't forced but their core values affected how I made that decision to serve.”