Monday, January 27, 2020

Marshall Native is 2019 Military Instructor of the Year

From Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A 2005 graduate of Marshall High School and Marshall, Michigan native was announced as a 2019 Military Instructor of the Year (MIOY) in the midgrade enlisted category for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) at a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, Jan. 23. 

Navy Diver 1st Class Christopher M. Carrington serves as an instructor at Naval Submarine School, Groton, Connecticut, where he taught over 450 hours in submarine escape procedures resulting in the graduation of over, 2,200 students.

“I like to believe that not only those who come through our course feel confident to overcome such an event, but also know that their families and loved ones feel secure knowing they were given the necessary tools to come home at the end of the day,” said Carrington.

Carrington was one of 10 Sailors who competed for the title of NETC MIOY, representing the top achievers from a pool of more than 8,000 military members in MyNavy HR Force Development that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market. He received a Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for his achievements.

“Having the opportunity to lead 27 highly skilled Navy divers as the leading petty officer, as well as the daily interaction with the students, I hope to make nothing short of a positive impact and first impression on every Sailor I meet along the way,” said Carrington. “We get one chance to make a first impression, to leave a legacy that continues in the hearts and minds of those who would one day take our place as leaders and instructors. The choices I make, the core values I uphold, and my integrity will portray my character, leaving that legacy to take care of itself as the Navy’s future leaders move forward.”

Carrington is part of the team that takes Sailors from “street to fleet” by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat-ready warfighters, as well as providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.

NETC Commander Rear Adm. Kyle Cozad congratulated the finalists for their roles in developing the Navy’s future force and for their contributions to the Force Development mission.

“As we recognize the outstanding contributions of these individuals, it is also fitting to reflect upon the critical role each of them plays in support of fleet readiness,” said Cozad. “Your hard work and professionalism produce the best Sailors, Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen in the world. I truly appreciate your personal commitment in meeting the continuous and evolving needs of our Navy and Marine Corps team.”

Carrington has completed the requirements for an associate degree in counterterrorism from American Military University, Charles Town, West Virginia, and he plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in homeland security studies.

Carrington is also qualified as a master training specialist, which is a designation for demonstrating highly effective teaching skills and a comprehensive understanding of schoolhouse management, as well as for taking a leadership role in mentoring, instructing and evaluating instructors and curriculum.

His mentorship led to the qualification of seven master training specialists, five high-risk instructors, seven diving supervisors and 52 pressurized submarine escape trainer watch stations.

“These outstanding Sailors and Marines were selected from an extremely talented field of candidates who epitomize the honor, courage, and commitment of military personnel throughout MyNavy HR Force Development,” said NETC Force Master Chief Karim Cole.

Carrington is the son of Mark Carrington of Foley, Alabama, and Lora Stevens of Marshall, Michigan.

The NETC MIOY program recognize Sailors throughout the NETC domain who exhibit attributes, such as sustained superior performance, leadership, mentorship, knowledge and teaching of military history and heritage, self-improvement, command and community involvement, and exemplary military bearing.

For additional information on the Naval Education and Training Command, visit the NETC website: https://www.netc.navy.mil or http://www.navy.mil/local/cnet/. Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/netcpao.