Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Lt. j.g. Alejandra Murillo, a native of Huntington Beach, California, joined the Navy partly because she was inspired by her father, who currently serves in the Navy.
Now, two years later, Murillo is 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.”
Murillo graduated from the University of Southern California in 2017 with a degree in applied mathematics. She is currently a surface warfare officer at the training center located in San Diego.
“When I get to my ship, USS Cowpens, I'll be a submarine hunter,” said Murillo. “My favorite part of serving as a surface warfare officer is driving the ship. I enjoy seeing how we can apply the rules of the road in the open ocean. I also look forward to hunting submarines."
According to Murillo, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Huntington Beach.
“Being humble is important,” said Murillo. "I may strive to be the smartest person, but it's not important that everyone knows that. I want to stay humble."
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. Murillo is most proud of her commissioning into the U.S. Navy.
“School was very hard, so I was proud to overcome obstacles by continuing to persevere to achieve this goal,” said Murillo. "I'm grateful to those who supported me the whole way, especially my family."
For Murillo, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Murillo hopes to continue.
“My dad is a captain in the Navy,” said Murillo. “I want to start my own military tradition while honoring the service he inspired in me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Murillo, 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.
“Giving back and setting an example is an honor that we have serving in the Navy,” said Murillo.
“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.”
Murillo graduated from the University of Southern California in 2017 with a degree in applied mathematics. She is currently a surface warfare officer at the training center located in San Diego.
“When I get to my ship, USS Cowpens, I'll be a submarine hunter,” said Murillo. “My favorite part of serving as a surface warfare officer is driving the ship. I enjoy seeing how we can apply the rules of the road in the open ocean. I also look forward to hunting submarines."
According to Murillo, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Huntington Beach.
“Being humble is important,” said Murillo. "I may strive to be the smartest person, but it's not important that everyone knows that. I want to stay humble."
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. Murillo is most proud of her commissioning into the U.S. Navy.
“School was very hard, so I was proud to overcome obstacles by continuing to persevere to achieve this goal,” said Murillo. "I'm grateful to those who supported me the whole way, especially my family."
For Murillo, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Murillo hopes to continue.
“My dad is a captain in the Navy,” said Murillo. “I want to start my own military tradition while honoring the service he inspired in me.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Murillo, 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.
“Giving back and setting an example is an honor that we have serving in the Navy,” said Murillo.