Photo By Andrea Houck | Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command Claimancy Command Master Chief Mark Flemon...... read more read more
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GREAT LAKES, Ill. — For the second time this year, the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command sponsored a generation of new sailors at the Recruit Training Command. Ten SPAWAR members witnessed the culmination of boot camp Division 301’s eight-week training to become sailors in the Navy.
This is the fifth time SPAWAR has sponsored a division of RTC recruits. Entrusting the SPAWAR colors to boot camp divisions is meant to help the recruits understand they are part of a bigger picture and that the Navy is more than any one individual or ship.
“We’re here to welcome you to the family and to say thank you for making that life change to join the Navy,” said SPAWAR Claimancy Command Master Chief Mark Flemon during his opening remarks to the division.
Several members of SPAWAR’s delegation remembered when they had the privilege to become an American Sailor and were rewarded for their many weeks of courage, commitment and hard work during boot camp.
Chief Petty Officer Richard Simpson, who traveled to Great Lakes from San Diego, said the visit felt like a homecoming and brought back many memories.
Simpson went to boot camp at RTC Great Lakes 22 years ago. During a tour, he and the other members of SPAWAR’s delegation marveled at the new buildings, state-of-the-art laser shooting range, special shoe fitting and electronic sensor bands for counting laps while running.
Chief Petty Officer James Havens, Recruit Division Commander, was responsible for Division 301. Havens said recruits felt special and part of the larger Navy family when they discovered there was an active Navy command supporting them and attending their graduation.
“The recruits were very excited and took it very seriously. They not only worked hard to ensure they passed but that they made SPAWAR proud,” Havens said.
Division 301 made SPAWAR feel honored to sponsor a new generation of sailors. When the recruits and members of SPAWAR’s team dispersed into a few small groups to talk about experiences, answer any questions and share how life will be after boot camp, everyone seemed to feel the energy, excitement and curiosity within the room.
The recruits showed enthusiasm toward all they had accomplished and looked forward to what lies ahead of them after boot camp. When asked why they decided to join the Navy, many said they not only wanted to earn a degree, but they really wanted work experience and to become leaders. There was overwhelming agreement for joining the Navy to get work experience and serve their nation.
“I encourage you to save your money, take advantage of all the education opportunities the Navy provides you, and explore the many countries you travel to, and most importantly, be a leader on your ship,” Flemon said while talking to the seven recruits in his group.
Following the group discussion, the SPAWAR team and the recruits headed to the chow hall and talked amongst each other about how they felt when arriving at RTC, how their rate was selected and what it will feel like to graduate.
One thing was certain, both the morale of the recruits and the SPAWAR delegation were heightened following their discussions.
On Friday, Sept. 17, nearly 850 sailors will graduate in front of their families and friends. With them will be members of their new extended family from SPAWAR, including their invited guest of honor and SPAWAR Commander, Rear Adm. Patrick Brady.
SPAWAR provides the most technologically advanced communication and network capabilities to the fleet. It is important for SPAWAR to share its mission of delivering advanced information capabilities with the recruits, which gives the Navy a winning edge from strategic-level decision makers to tactical level operators.
| Date Taken: | 09.10.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 09.10.2010 06:17 |
| Story ID: | 56000 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Web Views: | 155 |
| Downloads: | 4 |
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