Story and photo by ITC (SW) Ben Tomlin, ATGWP public affairs officer
Sept. 25, 2009



ATG WESTPAC Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Introduction Academy students pose for a class photo after graduation Sept. 18. SWO covers division officer fundamentals, engineering, maritime warfare, bridge familiarization, and customs and courtesies.


Afloat Training Group and Training Support Department Western Pacific (ATG WESTPAC) and Training Support Department Western Pacific graduated “Lt. j.g. Islin excelled in grasping and perfectly demonstrating course fundamentals such as division officer requirements, maritime warfare, and bridge familiarization,” said Jenkins. Although the training was held by ATG WESTPAC, other commands helped by providing support, according 17 students from its second Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) Introduction Academy Sept. 18. Course Coordinator Lt. Amir Jenkins and Senior Chief Operations Specialist (SW/AW) Andre Colomas guided the class, which spans four weeks and consists of 127 hours of essential introductory training for Surface Warfare officers. The training covers division officer fundamentals, engineering, maritime warfare, bridge familiarization, and customs and courtesies. The course also includes division officer and surface warfare essentials including division officer administration, maneuvering boards, and the perfromance of Maintenance and Material Management system spot checks. Training is conducted in a classroom environment, but there are several practical exercises conducted onboard ship and in the Navigation, Seamanship, and Ship handling Trainer. According to Jenkins, of 17 students who graduated the course, of note were the accomplishments of class honor graduate Lt. j.g. Rebecca L. Islin from USS McCampbell. “Lt. j.g. Islin excelled in grasping and perfectly demonstrating course fundamentals such as division officer requirements, maritime warfare, and bridge familiarization,” said Jenkins. Although the training was held by ATG WESTPAC, other commands helped by providing support, according to ATG WESTPPAC Director of Training Lt. Cmdr. Walter Bonilla. “I would especially like to thank to USS Shiloh (CG 67), USS Mustin (DDG 89), USS Cowpens (CG 63), USS McCampbell (DDG 85), USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), and USS Stethem (DDG 63) for providing tours,seminars, and allocating time to convey their wisdom during this course of instruction,” said Bonilla. By developing and executing the SWO Introduction Course, ATG WESTPAC is building upon a rich tradition of providing training and successful professional development. Pursuing innovative strategies, the course is intended to develop a level of training proficiency, which will contribute to maintaining fleet readiness. Part of maintaining the readiness level stems from having experienced SWO officers who are willing to mentor and teach junior officers. “ATG WESTPAC is looking for motivated Surface Warfare Officers interested in giving back to the SWO community by volunteering to help instruct as part of the SWO Introduction Academy,” said ATG WESTPAC Commanding Officer Capt. Curt Gilbert. “We invite all Surface Warfare Officers on the waterfront interested in providing mentorship to our future SWO warriors to get involved in the SWO Introduction Academy.” The next SWO Indoctrination Academy scheduled is to begin Sept. 28. For more information regading the SWO Academy or to reserve quotas contact Course Coordinator Lt. Amir Jenkins via e-mail at amir.jenkins@fe.navy.mil or by phone at 243-6176.