USA: Training Commander Pays Visit to Submarine Learning Center

Rear Adm. Mike White, commander, U.S. Naval Education and Training Command (NETC), visited the Submarine Learning Center (SLC) and Naval Submarine School (NSS), May 20, as part of a familiarization trip throughout the training enterprise.

After a welcome on behalf of his staff, SLC Commanding Officer Capt. David Roberts updated White on the scale and scope of the SLC mission. The group was then joined by Capt. Andrew Jarrett, commanding officer of Naval Submarine School for a visit to NSS classrooms and trainers.

While at NSS, White had an opportunity to put the Integrated Submarine Periscope and Navigation (ISPAN) trainer through its paces. The ISPAN is part of the next generation of navigation trainers that includes a working mockup of a surfaced submarine bridge with a 360-degree dome and high definition imagery of selected world-wide ports that provide the Officer of the Deck (OOD) trainee realistic views of the virtual oceans in which they will sail.

“The instructors and the technology infusion I’ve seen here today in Groton help underscore the value of the terrific investment we continue to make in our Sailors, for our fleet,” said White. “Being able to virtually see and sail in any port in the world from our schoolhouse is an outstanding and valuable learning experience.

“Our ships and weapons are technological wonders, but the key to our fleet’s success continues to be the American Sailor,” he continued. “Providing unparalleled training to prepare these young men and women for their role in protecting our republic is what NETC is all about.”

Roberts was pleased to have the opportunity to provide his new boss a real-time, real-life look at state-of-the-art submarine training.

“It’s always great to show your boss what you do with the resources he’s helped to provide you,” he said. “It’s a real morale boost and encouragement for the staff when our senior leader comes to visit and has knowledge of what we do and how we do it, but more importantly, he shares his appreciation, enthusiasm and pride in how well we are doing with each and every member of the team.”

Jarrett offered that it is the correct blend of curriculum at the school houses that delivers unparalleled results.

“Our instructors, supported by our technology, are the reason we have the best trained submarine Sailors in the world,” he said. “We consider it essential that, no matter the course or the subject, every graduate is fully prepared to join the fleet and accomplish the mission.”

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Press Release, May 23, 2014; Image: US Navy