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

Capt. Frank X. Castellano, CSCS commanding officer, explains that when reviewing packages for the mid-grade category, Fire Controlman (Aegis) 1st Class Jason Poquiz stood out among the rest.

"All of the candidates had superb packages and were worthy of the recognition," Castellano said. "However, FCA1 Poquiz's performance, leadership, self-improvement, community involvement, and appearance were the key to his selection. Congratulations and thank you for continuing to support our mission; to develop and deliver surface ship combat systems training to achieve surface warfare superiority."

As AEGIS Training and Readiness Center's (ATRC) AN712 Leading Petty Officer and Fire Control System (FCS) Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) Instructor, Poquiz mentors numerous junior Sailors.

"As an instructor, I provide technical knowledge, but more importantly, practical experience," Poquiz explained. "I hope my experiences not only provide great technicians to the fleet, but also help Sailors become the Sailors they strive to be."

CSCS Command Master Chief Adam Longsdorf says Poquiz represents the 21st Sailor.

"FCA1 Poquiz is cited as having supreme instructor skills, which allows him to effectively communicate with students of all ranks and grades," Longsdorf explained. "He also encourages a positive training environment by promoting teamwork and exemplifying the Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment."

Poquiz expresses that training the future of our Navy is a huge responsibility.

"Instructing is not easy but I take pride in the position that I hold and enjoy the challenge that comes with teaching a diverse group of Sailors," he said.

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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