Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet and this training begins at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Alex Nicov, a native of El Dorado Hills, is currently stationed at NSGL as a student with Naval Education and Training Command. Nicov graduated from Oak Ridge High School in 2023 and joined the Navy one year ago.
“I joined the Navy to have structure in my life out of high school,” said Nicov. “The Navy seemed like the perfect fit. All the benefits, technical job experience and being a part of something bigger than myself are some of the other reasons I joined the Navy.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in El Dorado Hills.
“Growing up, I learned that you will appreciate things in life the harder you work for it,” said Nicov. “Taking that attitude into the Navy helped keep me motivated, especially during the tough times.”
During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five war fighting competencies — firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watch standing and small arms marksmanship.
NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on more than 1,600 acres overlooking Lake Michigan, the installation includes 1,153 buildings with 39 on the National Register of Historic Places. NSGL supports more than 50 tenant commands and elements as well as more than 20,000 sailors, Marines, soldiers and Department of Defense civilians who live and work on the installation.
Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes. Every surface Navy engineer, quartermaster, boatswain’s mate and deck seaman attends SWESC GL for technical training. These sailors leave SWESC GL as surface warriors, ready to perform aboard ships operating around the globe. Instructors at SCSTC GL provide a culture of excellence and warrior toughness by building a surface warrior mindset to complement the technical and tactical skillsets.
“I enjoy learning about how much there is behind the scenes when it comes to firing and maintaining the weapons systems aboard the ship,” said Nicov. “It’s important to understand the electrical engineering required to fix a radar as well as knowing the mechanical aspects of our weapons systems.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Nicov serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy has been a way for me to prove myself,” said Nicov. “I can do anything if I’m motivated enough to finish what I start. Serving also means that I’m part of something bigger than myself, and that’s something I can take a lot of pride in.”
Nicov said he’s grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my father, Stefan Nicov,” Nicov shared. “His understanding and support of my decision really helped keep me motivated. I would not have the same outlook on life and understanding of people and the world if it wasn’t for him. I’d like to also send a shoutout to my neighbor, John, who served in the Marines. He was a big influence on my decision to join the military.”
<p>The post In service: El Dorado Hills grad trains at Great Lakes Naval Station first appeared on Folsom Times.</p>