By Lt. Omari Faulkner, Navy Office of Community Outreach
Seaman William Connolly, a native of Stafford is serving at the Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
As a student at IWTC, Connolly is serving among the future generation of information warfighters.
Students at IWTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Connolly joined the Navy one year ago. Today, Connolly serves as a cryptologic technician.
“I joined the navy because I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father and two younger brothers, they served and I wanted to do the same,” said Connolly.
According to Connolly, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Stafford.
“Growing up I learned to treat everyone with respect and respect will follow,” said Connolly.
IWTC, one of Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT)’s four training commands, provides schooling for the Navy and joint services in cryptologic, information systems and cyber functions: enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
Headquartered in Pensacola, Florida, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
CIWT trains enlisted personnel and officers in all functions of information warfare covering fields ranging from military intelligence, cyberwarfare and information systems to electronic warfare and cryptologic operations throughout the scope of their Navy careers. CIWT trains more than 26,000 students annually, with an average of 3,700 students attending classes daily. CIWT constantly strives to modernize training taught using emerging technology and the Persistent Cyber Training Environment to train the next generation of information warfare professionals.
Serving in the Navy means Connolly is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy supports national defense by ensuring our ability to have freedom and security in maritime operations,” said Connolly.
Connolly and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am most proud of taking the leap to join the Navy and deciding to put my efforts towards getting in the best physical shape so that I would be prepared to serve,” said Connolly.
As Connolly and other sailors continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving to me amounts to a career in something meaningful and the opportunity to be part of something bigger than myself,” added Connolly.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.