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SECNAV Winter: 'Battle Stations 21 Develops the Right Skills for the Fleet'

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070804-03
Release Date: 8/4/2007 1:10:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Rhonda Burke, Navy Region Midwest Public Affairs

GREAT LAKES (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Donald C. Winter saw just how the Department of Defense’s most cutting-edge trainer, Battle Stations 21, is preparing recruits for life at sea as he toured Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes on Aug. 3.

“Battle Stations 21 is a great way for our new Sailors to really get an experience that will help them in understanding what they need to do and how they need to work with their shipmates as part of our Navy,” Winter said.

Winter said the training is integral to the future of the Navy because it prepares Sailors for what they might face at sea, and at war.

“It is a unique opportunity not only to demonstrate what they can do in terms of individual skills, but to be able to get an understanding of how they have to work with their shipmates and how to integrate all the various skills they will need out in the fleet,” Winter said.

Winter said the training prepares Sailors to react during times of crisis, to lead and to work as a team.

“This is probably as good an opportunity as I have ever seen to integrate those skills together and to build upon the teamwork,” Winter said.

During his visit to the Navy’s only boot camp, the secretary welcomed the Navy’s newest Sailors as reviewing officer for the weekly recruit pass in review.

During his graduation remarks, Winter recognized the tough job of recruit division commanders in preparing recruits to meet the demands of serving in today’s Navy.

“I would like to say a special thanks to the recruit division commanders. I know that your official job descriptions do not mention your role here would include acting as disciplinarians, mentors, role model, mothers, fathers and leaders to those entrusted in your care,” Winter said. “But you know that you are all of those things and more. The Navy puts so much emphasis on getting the right people assigned to Great Lakes for a reason and today, you can begin to see why. Thank you for a job well done.”

Winters also stressed the importance of family support to the success of Sailors and recognized that a life of service involves many sacrifices for Navy families.

“It is important that you all understand that your support is critical to the Sailor’s success, and to the effectiveness of the Navy,” Winter told family members. “You have played an important role in raising the generation of young patriots who will keep America free in the years ahead.”

Winter told the Navy’s newest Sailors, as they donned their dress whites to greet their family and friends for the first time as Sailors, they were getting a taste of what being in the Navy means to those who serve in uniform.

“All of you voluntarily joined the Navy during a time of war, and during a time when great demands are being made on those who wear the uniform,” Winter said. “You are all in the arena, doers of deeds, and making history as a part of the United States Navy. You are embarked on a noble endeavor, and I challenge you to dare greatly as you carry out your duties in defense of a great nation.”