As the new year begins it can be fun to look back, and reflect, on the many changes, events, successes of Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes during 2018. 

The students and staff of the command have created a year that was memorable in many ways; too many to include in a single article.

This year saw leadership change at CSCSU. During a change of command ceremony held July 13 at Naval Station Great Lakes, Cmdr. Ricardo G. Enriquez relieved Cmdr. Scott Dancer as commanding officer.

The command also welcomed Lt. Cmdr. Mark Hovan replacing Lt. Drew Serrecchia as executive officer of CSCSU.

CSCSU Great Lakes held a graduation for the first Sailors who completed the Interior Communications Electricians (IC) “A” Feb 16. Students following an update in the curriculum and equipment. The modernization of the curriculum places extra focus on performance based training. Included in the modernization was the course on alarms and central announcing systems. Students are now utilizing equipment identical to what they will encounter regardless what platform ship they are stationed, like the 1MC and Alarm circuits.

Senior Chief Fire Controlman James Banovz and Senior Chief Fire Controlman Bryan Courtney were given authorization to assume the title and wear the uniform of a senior chief petty officer.

Twelve first class petty officers were selected for advancement to chief petty officer and fourteen staff and students advanced to the rank of first class petty officer.

This year saw a number of foreign and domestic visits letting TSC show and share successes in getting Sailors ready for the Fleet. 

Visits included Mr. Kirk Harris, Special Assistant, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense with direct assignment to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training; Vice Adm. Phil Sawyer, commander of U.S. 7th Fleet, and 7th Fleet Command Master Chief Benjamin Howat; Seven Royal Saudi Naval Force (RNSF); Twenty senior foreign students from Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity (NETSAFA) Foreign Students; and Congressional aides and members of the Federal Executive Board.

Sailors continue volunteering their time in the local community improving lives outside of the command.

CSCSU Great Lakes Sailors spent their free time volunteering at Northern Illinois Food Bank. Staff donated their time at the food bank’s North Suburban Center in Park City and the command collected three pallets of boxed and canned food to benefit the Warren Township Food Pantry.

Sailors from CSCSU Great Lakes are fixtures in LEARN 10 Charter School in North Chicago spending time students assisting in any way they could at their After School Enrichment program.

Habitat for Humanity also benefited from staff members in their efforts building homes in Waukegan.

The past year’s review, along with previous ones, is impressive. CSCSU Great Lakes has created a long annual tradition of successes proving that the command can look forward to great accomplishments in training, volunteerism and continued support with the surrounding community.

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