Demonstrating outstanding performance while exhibiting the United States Navy’s core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, is what it takes to be selected as AEGIS Training and Readiness Center’ s (ATRC) Student of the Month (SOM).

Fire Controlman Aegis 3rd Class Jared Iversen, from Denver, Colo., was selected to be recognized as an example for students to emulate at ATRC.

“As an instructor, it should be known we are tasked with recognizing potential and harnessing the capabilities of future leaders, and Petty Officer Iversen immediately stood out as one such student,” said Fire Controlman Aegis 1st Class Ronnie Brooks, Iversen’s class counselor and ATRC’s SPY course supervisor. “With his intellect, drive and willingness to learn a challenging educational path of being a SPY technician, while also serving his fellow students as a class leader, he has continued to rise above expectations. Additionally, he is a candidate for the United States Naval Academy Class of 2023 and this is nothing short of impressive. These things are said to quantify his achievements, coinciding with his nomination as Student of the Month, however I would argue what he is really doing is setting the example for all future Fire Controlman Aegis to follow.”

Iversen, with a 95 percent grade point average, was honored to be selected.

“I am flattered to receive such an award,” he said. “It shows that if you are willing to go beyond the call of duty and push yourself to achieve your goals, you can truly excel.”

Since joining the U.S. Navy in December 2016, Iversen’s main goal was to serve and protect his country.

“I joined because I had a calling to give back to our nation,” Iversen explained. “The U.S. Navy is and will continue to be my career. I am looking forward to attending the United States Naval Academy and my ultimate goal is to become an aviator.” 

When he is not busy learning about Aegis radar, Iversen’s second passion is flying. “I’ve had my pilot’s license for several years and it is part of my heart and soul. My second home is several thousand feet above ground.”

Iversen, who graduates in September and is awaiting orders to his first ship, stated that ATRC has prepared him for the Fleet.

“FCA1 Brooks is a great mentor and has taught me what is means to be a leader,” he explained. “He also helped me with my submission package to the United States Naval Academy and I am extremely grateful.”

Iversen also discussed the positive learning environment of the schoolhouse.

“Capt. Dave Zook [ATRC’s commanding officer] takes time out of his hectic schedule to stop students in the passageways to see how classes are going and comes into the classrooms to talk to us,” he said. “He is very approachable and I respect what he does on a daily basis for the staff and students.”

With a career headed in the right direction, Iversen reflected on his parents’ guidance.

“Without their endless support and love, I would not be where I am today… thank you Mom and Dad for guiding me on the right path and shaping me into the person I am today.”

AEGIS Training and Readiness Center (ATRC) is a part of the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) command. ATRC provides Sailors with the knowledge, ability and skill to operate and maintain the AEGIS Combat System through timely, effective and integrated training delivered across Sailors' careers. ATRC also provides Officers the knowledge, ability and skill to operate, employ and assess the readiness of the AEGIS and Ship Self Defense System (SSDS) combat systems aboard surface warships.

For more information about the  AEGIS Training and Readiness Center, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/cscs/atrc/

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