Salinas, California - Sailors assigned to Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Monterey attended the California International Airshow in Salinas, California, March 23-24.
The IWTC Monterey Sailors, all of whom are students in various foreign language programs at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC), spent the weekend viewing the airshow which included the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. This was the Blue Angels’ first appearance at the California International Airshow in 10 years.
“It was inspiring to see the teamwork, courage, and pride of the Navy service members involved; they really helped make this an amazing event,” said Seaman Owen Farrell, an IWTC Monterey student. “Speaking to naval aviators and aircrew got me really excited to see where my career in the Navy can take me.”
The Blue Angels have showcased the pride of the Navy and Marine Corps since 1946, inspiring excellence through flight demonstrations and community outreach. The renowned flight demonstration team was ordered into formation by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Chester W. Nimitz to bolster Navy pride and keep the public interested in naval aviation.
Of the 130 service members assigned to the Blue Angels demonstration team, 114 are enlisted.
“It was amazing to see the list of all of the Sailors assigned to the Blue Angels,” said Seaman Apprentice Katherine Seiberth. “Seeing my shipmates doing such fascinating work truly fires me up for my future in the Navy.”
In addition to the Blue Angels, there were other naval aircraft on display, and several Navy booths. One booth housed a trailer allowing visitors to partake in the Nimitz Virtual Reality Experience, a simulated special warfare training mission.
The event held special significance for the IWTC Monterey Sailors in attendance. As DLIFLC students, they are preparing for careers as cryptologic technicians (interpretive), the Navy’s foreign language interpreters. Many of these Sailors will have the opportunity to serve in the naval aviation community in aircrew roles during their careers.
“The highlight of this year's California International Airshow in Salinas was undoubtedly the demonstration performed by the Blue Angels,” said IWTC Monterey Executive Officer Lcdr. Andrew Michalowicz. “As the commanding officer has stated on multiple occasions, it is always important for our Sailors, both staff and students, to think through an operational lens. The F/A-18s that flew this weekend provided just that, a glimpse into an operational platform performing at an elite level. I believe that the demonstration this weekend provided a huge boost in morale for our Sailors, giving them a chance to see fellow U.S. Sailors in action.”
IWTC Monterey, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), provides a continuum of foreign language training to Navy personnel, which prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT is recognized as Naval Education and Training Command’s top learning center for the past three years. Training over 21,000 students every year, CIWT delivers trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians and officers in the information warfare community.
