MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Warrant Warrant Officer 2 James Westbrook, a native of Mobile, Alabama, will graduate from the U.S. Navy's Limited Duty Officer/Warrant Officer/Chief Warrant Officer (LDO/WO/CWO) Academy on Jan. 31.
Westbrook, a 2009 graduate of Lillie B. Williamson High School, joined the Navy 15 years ago. Additionally, Westbrook is a Saint Leo University graduate.
"I joined the Navy to travel and to get away from the South," Westbrook said. "I wanted to start a foundation for my son who was born while I was in boot camp."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Mobile.
"Growing up down South, I learned respect and hospitality," Westbrook said. "My upbringing taught me humility, empathy, having integrity and always showing accountability on my end and others. This is how you create better leaders and human beings in the Navy."
The LDO/WO/CWO Academy is one of four officer accession programs operating at Officer Training Command Newport (OTCN) Newport, Rhode Island. The academy prepares officers to become effective leaders by developing fundamental skills in leadership, written and oral communication, career management and administration.
Before starting at the academy, Westbrook was an enlisted chief petty officer. After graduation, Westbrook will serve as a warrant officer at Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136 based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California.
"Graduating the academy means that I can give more to the junior officers and junior sailors and my aspect on both the enlisted and commissioned side," Westbrook said. "Some junior officers just need to know how the Navy operates and what roles and responsibilities belong to whom at commands. Training and learning is paramount to the success of our Navy."
The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Westbrook has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
"Serving in the Navy has allowed me to start an entrepreneur scholarship and academy at my alma mater, Lillie B. Williamson, in Mobile," Westbrook added. "My brand and business was built and founded by myself and a veteran friend of mine, and that is the foundation of our scholarship fund."