Navy Training's Chief Operating Officer cites Women's Roles in Technology

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- (NNS) -- Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Dam Neck held a Women's History Month observance March 26.

Rear Adm. (select) Cynthia Thebaud, chief operating officer, Naval Education and Training Command, (NETC) was the keynote speaker.

"Current female service members embody the rich history and invaluable service of women who have served in the Navy," Thebaud said. "Beginning in 1908 with the establishment of the Nurse Corps, women's influence in the military has greatly expanded."

Thebaud also spoke of two innovative and inspirational women.

"Women, like Rear Adm. Grace Hopper, who conceptualized the computer programming language COBOL, and Rear Adm. Kathleen Paige, former program director of Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, epitomize women service members as leaders in advanced Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas," she said.

Operations Specialist 2nd Class Ashley Smith, the observance's coordinator, said Thebaud's career is impressive and she was impressed that Thebaud took time from her busy schedule to speak to staff and students.

Thebaud's career achievements include supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom while commanding the guided-missile destroyer USS Decatur (DDG 73). As commander of Destroyer Squadron 60 she led two multi-national African Partnership Station deployments that built on maritime security in west and central Africa.

Capt. Luis Boticario, CSCSU Dam Neck's commanding officer said regardless of gender, it's important for all Sailors to know about their naval legacy.

"It's important for Sailors to reflect on women's heritage and celebrate the achievement of female service members," said Boticario. "We are very fortunate to have such a successful and inspirational leader with us here today."

After her remarks, Thebaud toured the learning site and met with course instructors who showed her the latest educational software and training equipment used at the school.

"As I look at the collective talent, I can only begin to imagine the possibilities we can achieve," she said.

Center for Surface Combat Systems mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. Its headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites, including CSCSU Dam Neck, and provides 80,000 hours of curriculum and 670 courses a year to more than 43,000 Sailors. CSCS conducts training for nine enlisted ratings: Fire Controlmen, Electronic Technicians, Interior Communications, Sonar Technician (surface), Gunner's Mates, Mineman, Operations Specialists, Boatswain's Mates, and Quartermasters.

CSCS also trains surface warfare officers in skills required to tactically operate and employ Aegis and Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) equipped ships.

For more information about the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cscs/