The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) recently announced the selection of its 2017 Senior Instructor of the Year.

Capt. Frank X. Castellano, CSCS commanding officer, was impressed with how Chief Fire Controlman Robert Campbell trains his future shipmates.

"It was a very competitive board process and I'd like to acknowledge everyone's distinctive efforts throughout the past year as we executed our mission to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority to the fleet," Castellano announced. "Congratulations on your distinctive achievements and accomplishments towards our mission. I am confident that your students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to go to the fleet and better our Navy."

Campbell, Fleet Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center's (FLEASWTRACEN) Freedom variant (LCS 1) Combat Systems training lead and Defensive Systems Operator Capstone course supervisor, loves making an impact on his students.

"Every day, I am able to ensure three very important things," Campbell explained. "First, I am able to ensure that system operators and watchstanders head out to the fleet with the knowledge necessary to operate their gear with maximum effectiveness and efficiency, giving them the training necessary to ensure they get home safely. Second, I am able to guide Tactical Action Officers in the effective employment of sensors and weapons of the Littoral Combat Ship, giving them the tools necessary to manage a watchteam of six Sailors, who are asked to do no less than what a 20-30 Sailor team would be asked to do on any other platform. Finally, I am able to communicate with the commanding officers and executive officers of the LCS community to ensure that they fully understand the capabilities of the LCS and lessons learned from previous crews, both in training and real world operations."

Campbell also appreciates the opportunity to represent his team at FLEASWTRACEN and the LCS Training Facility for CSCS.

"Without their hard work on a daily basis, I would not be recognized for this achievement," Campbell said. "My hat is off to the great instruction they provide to the Sailors who come through our classrooms every day."

CSCS Command Master Chief Adam Longsdorf emphasized that Campbell is a true role model for his shipmates.

"In and out of the classroom, Chief Petty Officer Campbell has set the standard," Longsdorf explained. "His instructional method is superb, but most importantly, his passion, positive attitude, and drive for excellence has helped make him an example for all to follow."

Campbell explains that being an instructor allows him to set his standards before bad habits are formed.

"My students are eager to learn what their jobs are going to be and how they can positively impact the fleet," Campbell said. "This is where knowledge is key - being completely up to date on all information about the community ensures that I am providing the correct knowledge. This knowledge is the foundation of everything a Sailor does at sea - how he or she trains, leads, and executes the mission. Setting a solid foundation and ensuring all standards are met correctly the first time ensures they are met every time."

CSCS' mission is to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority. CSCS headquarters' staff oversees 14 learning sites and detachments, located throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, and Japan and manages and operates a Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) training division in Rota, Spain. CSCS provides over 538 courses, awards 114 different Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs), and trains more than 37,000 Sailors a year. CSCS delivers specialized training for Officer and Enlisted Sailors required to tactically operate, maintain, and employ shipboard and shore-based weapons, sensors, and command and control systems utilized in today's Navy.

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

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