Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at the U.S. Navy’s Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, Ill., otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp.
Chief Petty Officer Geoffrey Martin, a native of Pine Bluff, is currently stationed at NSGL serving with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).
Martin graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 2003 and joined the Navy 16 years ago.
“I joined the Navy because at the time we were still in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I wanted to do my part,” said Martin. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger, to improve my life for the better and to serve my country. I truly believe we live in the best country in the world, and I wanted to be a part of the best military in the world.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Pine Bluff.
“Growing up, I learned some great life lessons from family, coaches and teachers that have helped me throughout my career,” said Martin. “My grandparents taught me that a great work ethic can take you far in life. My coaches taught me that the team is greater than one person and as a team you can accomplish any task.
“When I first came in, it was about serving my country, but as I have grown as a leader, it has become more about my sailors and ensuring they are set up for success,” said Martin. “Knowing that I have played a small role in the success of others is really what it’s about.”
Martin is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my entire family back home,” added Martin. “I also want to send a special tribute to my late grandfather, Ralph Martin. He was my biggest mentor growing up. Of course, I want to thank my wife, Ruby Martin, for her continued support through these last few deployments of my career. Finally, I want to send a shoutout to my 1-year-old son, Logan.”
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies — firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding and small arms marksmanship.
“I enjoy seeing the new sailors come together as a team and seeing them grow as young leaders,” said Martin. “Watching their success in life and the Navy is the most rewarding thing for me.”
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on more than 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 Department of Defense 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.
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.”
Alvin Plexico is with the Navy Office of Community Outreach.