Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Tam, a resident of San Diego, joined the Navy because the financial and educational opportunities the Navy provided.
Now, 11 and a half years later, Tam 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.”
Tam, a 2004 graduate of Alta High School and a 2008 graduate of the Naval Academy. He is an operations specialist at the training center located in San Diego.
“I am the staff director and administration department head,” said Tam. “My favorite part about serving at CSCS is the wide variety of skills that you can learn and employ in and out of the Navy. It is certainly challenging and challenges me in ways that I think are healthy. The Navy allows me to see the world and have adventures other professions don’t offer.”
According to Tam, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up in general, no matter where I was, I always learned that it was important to serve in some capacity and get outside of your comfort zone,” said Tam. “I think that easily translates to a lot of what we do in the Navy.”
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. Tam is most proud of his latest promotion.
“It shows the Navy has valued what I have done so far and what I continue to do,” said Tam. “I was successful all the way up to this point in my career, and I did successful department head tours on a ship.”
For Tam, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Tam hopes to continue.
“My grandfather served in the Air Force a long time ago,” said Tam. “Continuing the tradition is important because it connects me to my grandpa a little more and there is a certain feeling of patriotism you can feel knowing certain members of your family have served along with yourself.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Beal, 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 is a profession for me, but more than that it is an adventure and opportunity to contribute positively to our society,” said Tam.
“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.”
Tam, a 2004 graduate of Alta High School and a 2008 graduate of the Naval Academy. He is an operations specialist at the training center located in San Diego.
“I am the staff director and administration department head,” said Tam. “My favorite part about serving at CSCS is the wide variety of skills that you can learn and employ in and out of the Navy. It is certainly challenging and challenges me in ways that I think are healthy. The Navy allows me to see the world and have adventures other professions don’t offer.”
According to Tam, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in San Diego.
“Growing up in general, no matter where I was, I always learned that it was important to serve in some capacity and get outside of your comfort zone,” said Tam. “I think that easily translates to a lot of what we do in the Navy.”
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. Tam is most proud of his latest promotion.
“It shows the Navy has valued what I have done so far and what I continue to do,” said Tam. “I was successful all the way up to this point in my career, and I did successful department head tours on a ship.”
For Tam, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Tam hopes to continue.
“My grandfather served in the Air Force a long time ago,” said Tam. “Continuing the tradition is important because it connects me to my grandpa a little more and there is a certain feeling of patriotism you can feel knowing certain members of your family have served along with yourself.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Beal, 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 is a profession for me, but more than that it is an adventure and opportunity to contribute positively to our society,” said Tam.