By Alvin Plexico,
Navy Office of Community Outreach
GREAT LAKES, Ill. – A sailor’s training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.
Lt. John Caddle, V, a 2017 graduate of the University of South Carolina, is currently stationed at NSGL serving as the Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) department head for Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).
Caddle joined the Navy five years ago.
“After graduating from USC it was the right path for me,” said Caddle. “There is a legacy of military service in my family to include Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard. Their service includes World War II, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. It is an honor and a privilege to serve one’s country. It’s something everyone should strive to do in some capacity. “
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on more than 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, Soldiers, and DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.
Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.
“It’s rewarding to help shape the next generation of naval leaders and citizens,” said Caddle. “Our sailors will go on to lead work centers, divisions, commands and contribute to their community both in and out of service.”
Caddle serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock.
“For me, it goes back to service and patriotic duty,” said Caddle. “To paraphrase President John F Kennedy, ‘I can imagine a no more rewarding career. Any man or woman asked what they did to make their life worthwhile, can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: I served in the United States Navy.”
Caddle is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my parents, John Caddle, IV and Malinda Barfield, for their love and support,” added Caddle, V. “I also want to acknowledge my community both in my hometown of Mebane, North Carolina and Columbia, South Carolina, where I went to college. Finally, I’m grateful to my navy peers and leaders who have inspired me to continue to serve.”
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James Green
