GROTON, Conn. – Information Systems Technician (Submarines) (ITS) 1st Class Michael Phillips, a native of Joplin, Missouri, currently serves as an instructor at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Virginia Beach’s Training Site Groton, onboard Naval Submarine Base New London, Connecticut.
Phillips enlisted in the Navy in January 2011, and upon graduating from the ITS training pipeline, he reported aboard USS Illinois (SSN 786) and was there for its commissioning in October 2016.
Aboard submarines, ITSs are responsible for the technical support and maintenance of submarine information systems such as local area networks, tracking and correcting information assurance security issues, and providing the leadership with accurate assessments of network and security performance.
In his current position, he is responsible for preparing today’s ITSs with the skills required to defend the United States’ most secure and vital information in cyberspace.
The staff at the training site in Groton has a tremendous responsibility in creating warfighting options for fleet commanders and advising decision makers at all levels as they serve worldwide aboard ships, submarines and aircraft while also integrated into national mission support from the Pentagon to the National Security Agency.
“Serving in the Navy, the submarine force in particular, is one of the greatest experiences I could have ever imagined,” Phillips said. “I have met individuals from all 50 states, and I have visited countries that I would never have had the opportunity to visit as a civilian. I have operated mission critical equipment deep in the ocean in areas I cannot talk about, with some of the bravest men and women on the planet. I have forged bonds with those individuals that will last long after I retire from the service.”
Phillips has a military history with family members who have previously served, and is honored to carry on the family tradition.
“One grandfather flew medic helicopters in Vietnam for the Army, while the other served aboard surface ships in the Navy,” added Phillips. “I am proud to be a part of that heritage. I never thought I would be where I am today, but I am happy with the way my life turned out.”
IWTC Virginia Beach located in Dam Neck Annex, currently offers 65 courses of instruction in information technology, cryptology, and intelligence with an instructor and support staff of 280 military, civilian, and contractors who train over 6,500 students every year. It is one of four school houses for Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), and also oversees learning sites at Jacksonville and Mayport, Florida; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Groton, Connecticut to continue aligning IW community training.
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 two 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.
For news from the Center for Information Warfare Training organization, visit www.navy.mil/local/cid/, www.netc.navy.mil/centers/ciwt/, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.