Lincoln native Zachary Gill serves where future Navy warfighters train

 

[July 10, 2024] 

Sailors are some of the most highly trained people on the planet, and this training begins at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, otherwise known as boot camp. Every enlisted sailor starts their Navy journey at boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL), Illinois.

Petty Officer 1st Class Zachary Gill, a native of Lincoln, Illinois, is currently stationed at NSGL as an instructor with Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

Gill graduated from Lincoln Community High School in 2015 and joined the Navy nine years ago.

“I joined the Navy for the educational opportunities, as well as the opportunity to travel the world and see things I never thought would be possible,” said Gill.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Lincoln.

“Growing up, I learned that even when life gets tough you still have to push through to meet your goals, no matter what you have to go through to make it happen,” said Gill.

During the 10 weeks at RTC Great Lakes, sailors learn five warfighting competencies – firefighting, damage control, seamanship, watchstanding, and small arms marksmanship.

NSGL is the Navy’s largest training installation and the home of the Navy’s only boot camp. Located on over 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 DoD civilians who live and work on the installation.

Two commands at NETC are Surface Warfare Engineering School Command Great Lakes (SWESC GL) and Surface Combat Systems Training Command Great Lakes (SCSTC GL). 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 watching a student take in information that they didn’t know before and after getting an explanation they turn around and understand it,” said Gill. "The look on their face when the information clicks for them is very satisfying."

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.”

Gill serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.

“Serving in the Navy for me is more than a job, it's a career,” said Gill. "It is a place that I have come to enjoy being a part of and a place that I can see myself growing into the person that I know my family can be proud of."

Gill is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I can never thank my family enough for the encouragement and support they have given me throughout my life,” added Gill. "I would also like to thank all the people I've met throughout my journey in the Navy because without them I wouldn't be who I am today."

[By Alvin Plexico, Navy Office of Community Outreach]