For the commands in Great Lakes, Illinois tasked with the training of "A" and "C" Schools sailors, the strong commitment to mission accomplishment is unwavering, even during the pandemic..
As many communities face the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Training Support Center, Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit and Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes continue their missions of providing highly trained sailors for the fleet.
"The quick reactions to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 has allowed us to continue seamless housing and training for sailors," said Navy Capt. Pat Sutton, the commanding officer of TSC Great Lakes. "We continue to make the health and safety of our students, staff and their families our highest priority. Despite current circumstances though, our mission is a must for keeping commands fully manned."
Around 13,500 men and women transfer to TSC for "A" School — accession-level training — annually. To best support these sailors, the command provides around-the-clock mentorship for them in the barracks. Staff members are always present to conduct inspections of living quarters and uniforms, oversee watch standing, ensure general health and wellness, uphold all Navy regulations and standards, hold weekly training and embody the Navy core values.
Our team, sailors and civilians, maintained complete professionalism, dedication and strict adherence to safe practices during this pandemic.''
Navy Capt. Ricardo Enriques, Commander, CSCSU Great Lakes
At learning sites, students learn job-related skills they will perform in the fleet.
CSCSU provides accession level training with apprentice technical training as a follow-on to "A" Schools, as well as advanced training at "C" schools. The command's schools include Electrician's Mate, Gunner's Mate, Electronics Technician, Fire Controlman, Interior Communications Electrician, Mineman, Sonar Technician Surface Technicians and Boatswain's Mate.
At SWESC, training encompasses all surface engineering rates. Sailors begin their training with Basic Engineering Common Core before continuing on to one of nine rate-earning programs, or apprenticeship-level training schools, and then to advanced training at "C" Schools.
The command's schools include Damage Controlman, Engineman, Electrician's Mate, Gas Turbine Systems Technician-Electrical, Gas Turbine Systems Technician-Mechanical, Hull Technician, Machinist's Mate, Quartermaster and Machinery Repairman.
COVID-19 prevention and health policies have been instituted in all facilities at both CSCSU and SWESC.
Training future sailors is absolutely mission critical — a constant and steady flow of sailors is necessary to man our ships which spearhead our nation's security.''
Navy Cmdr. Shaw Gibson, Commander, SWESC Great Lakes
In addition to stressing hand-washing and face coverings, the schools have spaced their classes out to facilitate the 6-foot social distance protocol. Staff have administered daily temperature checks to ensure a safe learning environment prior to students entering the building.
"Our team, sailors and civilians, maintained complete professionalism, dedication and strict adherence to safe practices during this pandemic" said Navy Capt. Ricardo Enriques, the commanding officer at CSCSU Great Lakes. "This allowed for a safe training environment and continued the supply chain to the fleet. I couldn't be more proud of the CSCSU Great Lakes Team and the hard work they all put in."
Watch captains have also been named to ensure the school has positive control of the environment. The watch ensures communication up and down the chain and command creating a proactive stance to isolate any potential COVID-19 cases. In addition, the schools have created a rotating watch bill to support the enforcement of social distancing from 4 to 10 p.m. every day.
"My staff worked around the clock to implement safety mitigations to maintain the health and well-being of our sailors; while at the same time, completing our mission of providing professional education and training in support of Surface Navy requirements that prepare enlisted sailors to serve at sea," said Navy Cmdr. Shaw Gibson, the commanding officer of SWESC Great Lakes. "Training future sailors is absolutely mission critical — a constant and steady flow of sailors is necessary to man our ships which spearhead our nation's security."
(Brian Walsh is assigned to Training Support Center Great Lakes.)