Fort Lauderdale Native Serves where Future Navy Warfighters Train
By By Rick Burke, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.
Seaman Recruit Chasity Constant, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is currently stationed at NSGL as a student with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).
Constant, a 2017 graduate of Coconut Creek High School, joined the Navy six months ago.
“I joined the Navy to better myself, to further my education, to learn self-discipline and to experience a new way of life,” said Constant.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort Lauderdale.
“I learned growing up that the value of working hard to rise to the top,” said Constant. “Those who don’t compete, fall to the bottom.”
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watch standing, and small arms marksmanship.
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.
Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.
“As an operations specialist, I’ll be learning the tools and skills necessary to do navigation on a ship while underway,” said Constant. “I’m also excited to travel the world and proud that I am defending and contributing to my country.”
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.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Constant serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means working for something bigger than myself and carrying on a tradition that has been going on since this country was founded,” said Constant.
Constant is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my family, friends and my brother, Sgt. Dorcely in the Marine Corps,” added Constant. “He never once gave up on me and told me to never give up on trying to get into the military because there was always a way as long as I kept pushing. I will always be grateful to him and I want him to know that his sister is happy that I didn’t give up at all.”
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Miami Native serves where future Navy Warfighters Train
By Alvin Piexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. — Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.
Petty Officer 2nd Class Antonio Ortiz, a native of Miami, Florida, is currently stationed at NSGL as an instructor with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).
Ortiz graduated from Coral Gables Senior High School in 2015 and joined the Navy seven years ago.
“I joined the Navy primarily to serve my country and give back to the nation that welcomed my parents, making my life possible,” said Ortiz. “My mom immigrated from Cuba around 1990 and my dad immigrated from Nicaragua around 1986. I also joined for the opportunity to branch off from my family, giving myself structure and direction, while building a life and family of my own.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Miami.
“Miami is a uniquely diverse city, unlike almost any other city in the United States,” said Ortiz. “The experience I had interacting and sharing with different cultures and backgrounds, translated directly into my naval service. The diversity of our Navy is our greatest strength, and thanks to my hometown, I had the skills that helped me to unite those under my supervision, regardless of different backgrounds.”
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, soldiers and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.
Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.
“As an instructor, I enjoy the mentorship opportunities that exist when you’re responsible for brand new sailors,” said Ortiz. “I see so many young sailors who were just like me, looking for direction and purpose. Being able to guide them and provide resources that can help them to achieve is one of the greatest contributions to the future of our Navy.”
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.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Ortiz serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“The Navy has helped me start and grow my family while contributing to the future of the country my kids call their own,” said Ortiz. “I couldn’t envision doing anything else.”
Ortiz is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I would like to thank my wife, Salma,” added Ortiz. “She has supported me since joining the service was only a thought in my mind, rattling around in my head. Now, here we are seven years later. Without her support and encouragement, I would not have made it this far.”
