Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) named a retired fire controlman chief as its civilian of the year for 2015, Feb. 4.

John Smiley, who retired from active duty Navy service in 2010, was named the top civilian across the command for his duties as an electronics instructor for Apprentice Technical Training (ATT) at Center for Surface Combat Systems Unit (CSCSU) Great Lakes.

"It is great to be recognized as the top civilian at Center for Surface Combat Systems," said Smiley, who is a Hastings, Minnesota, native. "It's always great to be recognized for something you love to do."

The award comes after much hard work ensuring Sailors passing through his classes are taught to standard and are able to execute the duties of an apprentice-level electrician. Smiley said he enjoys teaching and the opportunity his position affords for him to give back to the next generation of Sailors.

"The Navy has provided me many great opportunities," he said. "I had a great 21 years on active duty and I am happy to continue to work with Sailors and for the Department of the Navy."

Smiley was first selected as civilian of the quarter for the second quarter of 2015 before earning civilian of the year honors for CSCSU. Earning top honors among all civilians in the CSCS domain was not a surprise to CSCSU Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gregory Ludwig.

"John has an infectious personality, from the approach on how he challenges his students in the classroom to the manner in which he seems to always have a smile on his face, and it has helped foster good morale and similarly instilling the combat systems' technical fundamentals to our new accession Sailors, Ludwig said.

"He is the perfect leader to be recognized as the CSCS Domain Civilian of the Year for 2015," Ludwig added. "His continuous dedication to mission, people, and achieving peak performance from students is unparalleled. John is a fabulous instructor but as good as he is, I'd say, he's an even better person. It's my honor and privilege to work with such a seasoned professional that John is."

Smiley, who currently resides in Kenosha, Wisconsin, plans to continue teaching electronics to apprentice level Sailors. He said teaching is something that comes naturally to him.

"I look back on the 21 years of experience on active duty, and draw from prior knowledge and experiences," Smiley said. "When you enjoy what you do, not much preparation is needed."

For more news from Training Support Center, Great Lakes, visit www.navy.mil/.