By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach

SAN DIEGO – Those serving at The Information Warrior Training Command (IWTC) in San Diego believe in the importance of continued education, and their sailors are trained in areas they’ll need to execute information warfare throughout their military service.

One of the sailors continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Petty Officer 1st Class Kendrick Pope, an intelligence specialist responsible for teaching students how to use analysis and computer systems to support the Navy mission.

Pope is a 2009 Lawrence E. Elkins High School graduate and native of Houston.

According to Pope, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston.

“Growing up in Houston, I learned the importance of being kind to others,” said Pope. "Being from the South, we greet everyone when we meet them."

With more than 90 percent of all trade traveling by sea, and 95 percent of the world’s international phone and internet traffic carried through fiber optic cables lying on the ocean floor, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity and security of the United States is directly linked to a strong and ready Navy.

Each year the CIWT domain trains approximately 20,000 students comprised of military members from all branches and Department of Defense civilians. Throughout the program, participants can take any of the 200 classes offered to prepare them for battle.

The CIWT domain along with all other Navy training commands are transforming and innovating their training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program that uses modern personnel management and training systems to recruit, develop, and retain sailors for the future of the Navy. RRL delivers a modernized learning continuum that aligns training with fleet requirements and warfighter needs. The long-term vision of RRL is to take modernized training to the point of need in the fleet at the waterfront.

According to Admiral Mike Gilday, the Chief of Naval Operations, the focus of today’s Navy is squarely on warfighting, warfighters and the capabilities needed for the Navy of the future.

“I am confident we will maximize the Navy we have today while delivering the Navy that our nation will rely upon tomorrow,” said Gilday. “And we will do so with urgency. Our fleet will be a potent, formidable force that competes around the world every day, deterring those who would challenge us while reassuring our allies and partners.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers. Pope is most proud of growing into the leader he is today.

“It's rewarding to influence other people to lead the kind of lives to make them a better person,” said Pope. "It's important that people use their own gifts and talents to not only better themselves, but to help others, as well."

For Pope, serving in the Navy is a tradition passed down from generations.

“My uncle Fred served in the Marine Corps, and my uncle Farrell served in the Air Force,” said Pope. "Also, my brother was in the Army. Serving in the military requires that we act out of a sense of service.”

“In the Bible, we learn that the greatest among you will be the highest servant of you all,” Pope. “So, the greatest leader will be the one who serves the most."

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Pope, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy gives me an opportunity to support our nation's mission, while supporting other people's personal and professional goals,” said Pope.