Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Former Petty Officer 1st Class William Gates, a native of Hazelwood, Missouri, joined the Navy to seek out new adventures and travel the world.
Gates spent 10 years on active duty as a sailor, and for the past 23 years has served as a Navy contractor. He is currently stationed with the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) San Diego, which trains sailors in the operation and maintenance of shipboard weapons and sensors.
“The training we implement at Det San Diego is an example of how Ready, Relevant Learning is shaping a more capable and lethal force,” explained Capt. Dave Stoner, CSCS commanding officer. “Through innovative solutions, such as our Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer, known as CIAT and our newest, mobile combat simulator, the On Demand Trainer, we are moving away from the traditional instructor-led training at the podium and creating an immersive learning environment facilitated by an instructor that improves individual performance and in turn, shaping confident and competent sailors who know how to fight and win. To be victorious in our next fight, sailors must know how to extract every bit of warfighting capability resident in our ships.”
Gates, a 1977 graduate of Hazelwood Central High School, was an operations specialist in the Navy and currently serves as the senior simulator operator.
“The training we implement at Det San Diego is an example of how Ready, Relevant Learning is shaping a more capable and lethal force,” explained Capt. Dave Stoner, CSCS commanding officer. “Through innovative solutions, such as our Combined Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Anti-Submarine Warfare Trainer, known as CIAT and our newest, mobile combat simulator, the On Demand Trainer, we are moving away from the traditional instructor-led training at the podium and creating an immersive learning environment facilitated by an instructor that improves individual performance and in turn, shaping confident and competent sailors who know how to fight and win. To be victorious in our next fight, sailors must know how to extract every bit of warfighting capability resident in our ships.”
Gates, a 1977 graduate of Hazelwood Central High School, was an operations specialist in the Navy and currently serves as the senior simulator operator.
“As the senior simulator operator, I'm responsible for loading scenarios the students need to learn in order to safely operate U.S. Navy ships,” said Gates. “I enjoy assisting the instructors as they train the sailors that will be driving the ship.”
According to Gates, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hazelwood.
“I was raised to be responsible and respectful,” said Gates "Taking responsibility for your actions is important. It's also important to make yourself a better citizen to make the world a better place."
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.
CSCS is a global organization of professional military and civilian educators and support personnel focused on training the Surface Navy to fight and win. CSCS trains over 36,000 U.S. and allied sailors a year to operate, maintain and employ weapons, sensors, communications, combat systems and deck equipment of surface warships to build Combat Ready Ships with Battle Minded Crews.
CSCS provides more than 538 courses, awards 114 different Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and trains more 38,000 sailors a year. The command’s mission is to develop and deliver combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Gates is most proud of completing two deployments aboard USS Shiloh.
“During one of those deployments we fired tomahawk missiles against the bad guys,” said Gates. “Our number was called because it was our turn and we hit a homerun. It felt good to be part of a team that did so well accomplishing that mission."
For Gates, serving in the Navy was a tradition passed down from generations.
“My father and uncle served in Army and another uncle served in the Marines,” said Gates. "My grandfather also served in the Army during World War II."
“I've always been patriotic and supportive of the military,” Gates added. "I felt that serving my country was important."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gates, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“When I got out of the Navy, I enjoyed what I did, so I figured I would continue that service as a civilian,” said Gates. "That's what I've done for the past 23 years. I really enjoy training others and mentoring younger sailors."
According to Gates, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Hazelwood.
“I was raised to be responsible and respectful,” said Gates "Taking responsibility for your actions is important. It's also important to make yourself a better citizen to make the world a better place."
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.
CSCS is a global organization of professional military and civilian educators and support personnel focused on training the Surface Navy to fight and win. CSCS trains over 36,000 U.S. and allied sailors a year to operate, maintain and employ weapons, sensors, communications, combat systems and deck equipment of surface warships to build Combat Ready Ships with Battle Minded Crews.
CSCS provides more than 538 courses, awards 114 different Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and trains more 38,000 sailors a year. The command’s mission is to develop and deliver combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority.
According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.
“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”
There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Gates is most proud of completing two deployments aboard USS Shiloh.
“During one of those deployments we fired tomahawk missiles against the bad guys,” said Gates. “Our number was called because it was our turn and we hit a homerun. It felt good to be part of a team that did so well accomplishing that mission."
For Gates, serving in the Navy was a tradition passed down from generations.
“My father and uncle served in Army and another uncle served in the Marines,” said Gates. "My grandfather also served in the Army during World War II."
“I've always been patriotic and supportive of the military,” Gates added. "I felt that serving my country was important."
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Gates, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.
“When I got out of the Navy, I enjoyed what I did, so I figured I would continue that service as a civilian,” said Gates. "That's what I've done for the past 23 years. I really enjoy training others and mentoring younger sailors."