Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class Keithmichael Borbon, a native of Long Beach, California, joined the Navy to do something more for the country.
"I wanted to do something bigger than myself," said Borbon.
Now, 10 years later, Borbon 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.”
Borbon, a 2005 graduate of Millikan High School is an electronics technician at the training center located in San Diego.
“I teach navigation equipment to students who will drive U.S. Navy ships,” said Borbon.
According to Borbon, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Long Beach.
“Everybody has their own problems, but it's important to help other people rather than focusing just on yourself,” said Borbon.
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. Borbon is most proud of earning his master training specialist certification.
“I had to pass a board to verify the knowledge required as an educator,” said Borbon
For Borbon, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Borbon hopes to continue.
“My uncle was in the Navy as a senior chief storekeeper,” said Borbon. “I feel like there's a sense of service that every generation should have, so that at least one member of the family serves in the military.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Borbon, 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.
“I want to make sure that others are doing alright,” said Borbon. "Being part of the Navy is not about me, it's about everyone else around me."