Brownwood News – 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 train and mentor the Navy’s future warfighters.
Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Holleman, a native of Brownwood, Texas, is an instructor at NETC, providing the fleet with sailors who possess the basic technical knowledge and skills necessary for naval service.
“This is my way of giving back and preparing sailors to be assets as U.S. Navy Aegis fire controlman and securing the future of the Navy,” Holleman said.
Instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, and they provide cutting-edge technical training that transforms civilians into mission-ready sailors.
Holleman, a 2009 graduate of Brownwood High School, credits success as an instructor to many of the lessons learned growing up in Brownwood.
“Growing up in Brownwood, I learned at a young age that initiative and respect can go a long way,” Holleman said. “I took that initiative and learned from my father’s example.”
NETC educates and trains those who serve our nation, taking them from street-to-fleet by transforming civilians into highly skilled, operational, and combat ready warfighters, while providing the tools and opportunities for continuous learning and development.
NETC is made up of six commands that provide a continuum of professional education and training 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.
Holleman plays an important role in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of 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, Holleman is most proud of being selected as the number one petty officer second class on his ship.
“This recognition meant I was the best of the best,” Holleman said.
Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Holleman, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Holleman is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“My father was a sergeant first class in the Army and continuing this tradition means understanding the sacrifices he made for our family,” Holleman said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied-upon assets, Holleman and other instructors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes providing the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the Navy is not only a great honor but it gives me a sense of pride in myself,” Holleman said.
By Lt. Kat Smith, Navy Office of Community Outreach
