Petty Officer 1st Class Tara Morgan, a native of New Richmond, Wisconsin, is an instructor at NETC, providing the fleet with sailors who possess the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary for naval service. —photo submitted
By Lt. Kat Smith, Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. – Sailors are some of the most highly-trained people on the planet, according to Navy officials, and this training requires highly-dedicated instructors.
At Naval Education and Training Command, this obligation falls upon hard-charging, Navy professionals who trains and mentors the Navy’s future warfighters.
Petty Officer 1st Class Tara Morgan, a native of New Richmond, Wisconsin, is an instructor at NETC, providing the fleet with sailors who possess the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary for naval service.
“I really enjoy seeing my students succeed knowing they’re going to go out to the fleet and do even more,” Morgan said.
Instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms boot camp graduates into mission-ready sailors.
Morgan, a 2001 graduate of New Richmond High School, credits her success as an instructor to many of the lessons learned growing up in New Richmond.
“Growing up in a small town, my parents instilled in me a good work ethic which I use every day in the Navy,” Morgan said.
NETC educates and trains those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming boot camp graduates into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
Six commands provide a continuum of professional education and training at NETC in support of Surface Navy requirements that prepare enlisted sailors and officers to serve at sea, providing apprentice and specialized skills training to 7,500 sailors a year.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
Morgan plays an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community and career, Morgan is most proud of being recognized as Senior Sailor of the Year.
“It recognizes all my accomplishments throughout the year that impacted not only my command but my junior sailors as well,” Morgan said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Morgan, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Morgan is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“I had an uncle who served in the military and I’m honored to be able to follow in his footsteps,” Morgan said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Morgan and other instructors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“I have a great sense of pride serving my country and I feel like a good role model to my children,” Morgan said. “I really enjoy being able to share my experiences with them.”
