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Chief of Naval Personnel Visits Pensacola International Training Command

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120119-12
1/19/2012

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The chief of naval personnel (CNP) visited Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) Jan. 18 on board Naval Air Station Pensacola.

Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk visited the international training command to familiarize himself with the command's programs and how it fosters international relations with partner nations.

While there Van Buskirk discussed with Capt. Douglas Heady, NETSAFA's commanding officer how American and international Sailors are trained throughout the NETC domain.

"The admiral was very engaged discussing NETSAFA's role as the Navy's agent for managing international training and building partnerships that further U.S. interests, secure our commitments and boost partner nation's abilities to take part in coalition operations," said Heady. "The training initiatives we have in place are a key part of supporting the maritime strategy and helping advance the relationships that America has with its international partners, and forming the groundwork for a common resolve."

After his visit to NETSAFA, Heady escorted Van Buskirk to NETSAFA's International Training Center (NITC).

Van Buskirk was met by NITC's Director Cmdr. Christopher Heaney who gave a brief tour of the center and showed the admiral a group of Saudi Arabian students improving their English with a Defense Language Institute instructor. He also observed Saudi Arabian and Mexican air force students learning flight navigation skills.

"It was instructive seeing international students from partner nations actively engaged in the classroom," said Van Buskirk. "It's clear that our international training program is robust and thriving."

Van Buskirk added he was impressed with NETSAFA and NITC staff and instructors.

"The job being done by NETSAFA and NITC is outstanding. They are testament to the U.S. Navy having the greatest military instructors in the world. If we didn't, we wouldn't have more than 150 allied nations sending their personnel through our Navy schools to help them build their own professional armed forces," said Van Buskirk.

"It was a great opportunity to familiarize CNP with the capabilities of our international training program, and how international students are trained the same way as their U.S. counterparts," said Heaney. "Vice Adm. Van Buskirk interacted with our students, encouraging them to focus on their training goals. Exposure to such senior Navy leadership was an uncommon privilege for these students and will motivate them to excel in their careers."

Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) is the U.S. Navy's agent for managing international training under Security Assistance and Security Cooperation programs. NETSAFA coordinates and supplies training support to international governments and organizations. The command also strives to build relationships that promote U.S. interests, strengthen defense relationships and support partner nation's abilities to participate in coalition operations.

NETSAFA liaisons and coordinates training at Navy's learning sites, private institutions, and other training providers, depending on a client nation's training needs. More than 6,500 international students from 155 nations attend training annually at various Professional Military Education institutions, warfare community schools, technical centers, and various training sites in support of Foreign Military Sales weapons acquisitions. It also manages NITC aboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

The school's preparatory training introduces international students to the U.S. Navy's approach to instruction. It provides training in numerous military disciplines, both operational and administrative. It has successfully met the needs of more than 45 nations. If a client country has specific training requirements it is capable of tailoring its programs to meet its needs.