PENSACOLA, Fla. - A retired naval officer shared leadership insights with future cryptologic warfare officer students during a return visit to Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station, Dec. 9.
Retired Capt. James Hagy served in the Navy for 40 years. He began his career as an enlisted cryptologic technician (collection) (CTR) and later became a commissioned officer. During his first officer tour, he served as division officer for the CTR "A" school at what is now known as IWTC Corry Station.
Hagy's first stop on his visit was the cryptologic command display. The exhibition showcases historical artifacts and tools used from earlier naval cryptology, some of which Hagy recognized from firsthand experience. After meeting with the cryptologic veterans who volunteer at the display, Hagy visited the schoolhouse to speak with officers attending the Cryptologic Warfare Officer Basic Course (CWOBC).
"It feels a lot like coming home," said Hagy. "It's great being able to see Corry Station. Not only is this where my career started, but it's where the future of our community lies."
CWOBC provides new-accession officers with the skillsets required for their initial assignment in the information warfare community, while leading enlisted cryptologic technicians. Hagy, who served as a cryptologic warfare officer, provided the students with his thoughts on leadership and what the future holds for them as officers.
"With all of the changes happening in our world and in our community, it's important to take advantage of all the opportunities you have," said Hagy. "Never shy away from an opportunity. Take every challenge as a chance to build your experience base, and embrace your leadership role so that you can become an invaluable asset to your command."
Hagy retired from the Navy in 2014 after completing his final tour as the department director for intelligence and information operations at U.S. Pacific Command. Prior to that, he served as commanding officer for Naval Information Operations Command Hawaii. Mario Vulcano, instructor for CWOBC, thanked Hagy for the discussion with his students and praised his accomplishments as a model for his students to emulate.
"Speaking as a former commanding officer and senior officer detailer, Capt. Hagy gave these junior officer students plenty to think about as they plan out their careers," said Vulcano. "It is always nice to hear from successful naval officers and enlisted as they continue to invest in tomorrow's leaders."
Information Warfare Training Command Corry Station, as part of the Center for Information Warfare Training, provides a continuum of training to Navy and joint service personnel that prepares them to conduct information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
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