Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Petty Officer 1st Class William Jones, a native of Perry, Georgia, was inspired to join the Navy after witnessing the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and because his father served during the Vietnam War.
Now, 18 years later, Jones, 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.”
Jones, a 2006 graduate of Perry High School is a sonar technician (surface) at the training center located in San Diego.
“My favorite part about serving at CSCS is being able to pass along all of the knowledge and skills that I have learned the past 18 years,” said Jones. “I am responsible for hunting submarines from a surface ship and training teams in advanced warfighting.”
According to Jones, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Perry.
“Perry taught me to have pride in a job well done, and that honesty and compassion are necessary to lead people into dangerous situations because that is how you build trust,” said Jones.
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. Jones is most proud of having his son who is named John Paul Jones after the father of the Navy.
“He is smart, caring, empathic and kind,” said Jones.
For Jones, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Jones hopes to continue.
“My father volunteered for the Navy between 1968-1972,” said Jones. “He joined because when your country needs you, if you don’t support it, what does that say about you?”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jones, 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.
“Serving in the Navy means pride in God, my country, the Navy, my family and myself,” said Jones.
Jones, a 2006 graduate of Perry High School is a sonar technician (surface) at the training center located in San Diego.
“My favorite part about serving at CSCS is being able to pass along all of the knowledge and skills that I have learned the past 18 years,” said Jones. “I am responsible for hunting submarines from a surface ship and training teams in advanced warfighting.”
According to Jones, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Perry.
“Perry taught me to have pride in a job well done, and that honesty and compassion are necessary to lead people into dangerous situations because that is how you build trust,” said Jones.
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. Jones is most proud of having his son who is named John Paul Jones after the father of the Navy.
“He is smart, caring, empathic and kind,” said Jones.
For Jones, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Jones hopes to continue.
“My father volunteered for the Navy between 1968-1972,” said Jones. “He joined because when your country needs you, if you don’t support it, what does that say about you?”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Jones, 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.
“Serving in the Navy means pride in God, my country, the Navy, my family and myself,” said Jones.