Photo: Gadsden natives Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Lowe (left) and Seaman Recruit Evan Lowe (right) serve at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) at Corry Station in Pensacola, Fla. (Courtesy of U.S. Navy)
By Lt. Omari Faulkner/U.S. Navy Office of Community Outreach
Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric Lowe and Seaman Recruit Evan Lowe of Gadsden currently serving at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida.
Eric is an instructor and Evan is a student at IWTC. Both serve among the future generation of information warfighters. IWTC instructors are experts in the subject matter they teach, providing cutting-edge technical training that transforms students into mission-ready U.S. Navy sailors. Students at IWTC are taught the requirements and skills needed to be successful in their new careers.
Eric, who joined the U.S. Navy six years ago, currently serves as an information systems technician.
“I wanted to be in the military,” he said Eric. “My older brother was a U.S. Marine, and I knew I wanted to serve as well.”
Evan joined the U.S. Navy three months ago.
“After not living a very stable life, I decided to follow in my big brother’s footsteps and join the navy,” he said.
According to the Lowe brothers, the values required to succeed in the U.S. Navy are similar to those found in Gadsden.
“Growing up, I learned to be tolerant and understanding of people from all walks of life,” said Eric.
“I learned that responsibility comes from managing your time effectively, which are all foundational pillars for the U.S. Navy,” added Evan.
As one of Center for Information Warfare Training’s four training commands, IWTC provides schooling for the U.S. Navy and joint services in cryptologic, information systems and cyber functions, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations.
The Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) delivers trained information warfare professionals to the U.S. Navy and joint services, enabling optimal performance of information warfare across the full spectrum of military operations. CIWT trains enlisted personnel and officers in all functions of information warfare, covering fields ranging from military intelligence, cyberwarfare and information systems to electronic warfare and cryptologic operations.
CIWT trains more than 26,000 students annually, with an average of 3,700 students attending classes daily. CIWT constantly strives to modernize training taught using emerging technology and the Persistent Cyber Training Environment to train the next generation of information warfare professionals.
Serving in the U.S. Navy means the Lowe brothers are part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
“The Navy supports national defense be-cause we are at the forefront, and the world sees us even when America doesn’t,” said Eric.
“The Navy provides support to national defense by protecting the freedom of trade around the world,” added Evan.
The Lowe brothers have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“Being a part of the second evacuation of Benghazi was meaningful, because we helped get Americans out safely and not allow for repeated events,” said Eric.
“The Navy provides support to national defense by protecting the freedom of trade around the world,” added Evan.
As the Lowe brothers continue to train and perform the mission they are tasked with, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“To me, serving is being a part of one of the world’s largest military organizations,” said Eric. “The Navy has more reach than any of the military branches.”
“I get to serve my country with pride, and that is something to be proud about,” added Evan.
The Naval Education and Training Command is the U.S. Navy’s Force Development pillar and largest shore command. Through its “Street to Fleet” focus, Naval Education and Training Command recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the current and future needs of the U.S. Navy.