Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tim Miller
SAN DIEGO – Chief Petty Officer Johnathon Litzenberger, a native of Tucson, Arizona, joined the Navy because he was in a military family and always wanted to join the military when he was younger.
Now, 10 years later, Litzenberger 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.”
“My favorite part about serving at CSCS is the research,” said Litzenberger. “We are always evolving here, teaching the latest equipment, tactics and techniques to support the tip of the spear. It is exciting being able to project that onto students.”
Litzenberger is a fire controlman ageist at the training center located in San Diego.
“I am responsible for teaching the combat systems maintenance manager course,” said Litzenberger. “I teach spy radar systems, how to operate and maintain them. I teach the radar systems control course and teach students how to operate in combat.”
According to Litzenberger, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tucson.
“Being in Tucson, everything was so far away,” said Litzenberger. “I had to be self-reliant. I have the same initiative today and apply that to the Navy. If you are going do something, be good at it.
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. Litzenberger is most proud of being promoted to chief petty officer.
“I outrank my uncle and father,” said Litzenberger. “Once you make chief petty officer you enter a brotherhood with it and you realize all the tradition associated with it. There is a lot that you reflect on that hits you.”
For Litzenberger, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Litzenberger hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Air Force and my grandpa was an aerographer,” said Litzenberger. “I believe everyone that has the ability to serve, should serve. Whether you serve for four to 20 years, you get something more taken away from it. You feel more when you are able to give back to others.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Litzenberger, 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 defending the Constitution, the living document and everyone who is under it,” said Litzenberger. “Everything I do will always be about me, I am defending my country and everyone who has come after me.”
“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.”
“My favorite part about serving at CSCS is the research,” said Litzenberger. “We are always evolving here, teaching the latest equipment, tactics and techniques to support the tip of the spear. It is exciting being able to project that onto students.”
Litzenberger is a fire controlman ageist at the training center located in San Diego.
“I am responsible for teaching the combat systems maintenance manager course,” said Litzenberger. “I teach spy radar systems, how to operate and maintain them. I teach the radar systems control course and teach students how to operate in combat.”
According to Litzenberger, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Tucson.
“Being in Tucson, everything was so far away,” said Litzenberger. “I had to be self-reliant. I have the same initiative today and apply that to the Navy. If you are going do something, be good at it.
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. Litzenberger is most proud of being promoted to chief petty officer.
“I outrank my uncle and father,” said Litzenberger. “Once you make chief petty officer you enter a brotherhood with it and you realize all the tradition associated with it. There is a lot that you reflect on that hits you.”
For Litzenberger, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations and one Litzenberger hopes to continue.
“My father was in the Air Force and my grandpa was an aerographer,” said Litzenberger. “I believe everyone that has the ability to serve, should serve. Whether you serve for four to 20 years, you get something more taken away from it. You feel more when you are able to give back to others.”
As a member of the U.S. Navy, Litzenberger, 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 defending the Constitution, the living document and everyone who is under it,” said Litzenberger. “Everything I do will always be about me, I am defending my country and everyone who has come after me.”