Shaping Future Leaders: BM1 Benavides’ Impact on Navy Training

Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Gustavo Benavides, originally from Brownsville, Texas, has carved a distinctive path in the U.S. Navy, pivoting from active service to fostering new talent at the Surface Combat Systems Training Command (SCSTC) Littoral Training Facility (LTF) Pacific. His journey, marked by a deep-seated commitment to service beginning in high school, exemplifies the dedication to shaping the future of naval warfare through education.

Benavides embarked on his naval career in December 2007, following his formative years in a high school ROTC program. His initial post on the USS Comstock (LSD 45) provided foundational experiences, emphasizing the significance of technical skills and teamwork. Over time, he transitioned through various roles, including port operations in Port Hueneme and serving as a loadmaster at Assault Craft Unit Five, refining his leadership abilities with every assignment.

“Each role came with its unique set of challenges,” Benavides notes. “These experiences were pivotal in preparing me for my current role where I can leverage my learnings to train future Sailors.”

The transition from active fleet duty to the realm of education and mentorship was not without its hurdles. Benavides admitted that moving into an instructor role was initially daunting. However, the comprehensive training provided by the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) equipped him with the necessary skills and confidence to succeed.

“Teaching posed its own set of challenges,” he reflects. “Yet, with NETC’s guidance, I found the process rewarding and have gained immense satisfaction from seeing my students progress.”

Now serving in the LCS program at SCSTC LTF Pacific, Benavides’s focus lies in equipping Sailors with the operational and maintenance expertise required for LCS deck systems. Through incorporating real-world experiences into his teaching, he empowers students to approach fleet challenges with assurance.

Success in the Navy’s rigorous training programs, Benavides emphasizes, largely depends on individual motivation and perseverance. “Students with a strong desire to learn and tackle challenges excel. Curiosity and openness are vital for an enriching learning environment,” he says.

Witnessing the transformation of students from novices to skilled professionals has been a highlight of Benavides’s career as an instructor. Each step forward for his students reinforces his understanding of the subjects and hones his own skills.

“The ‘aha’ moments are immensely fulfilling,” says Benavides. “They continually push me to enhance my teaching methods, which in turn strengthens my passion for education.”

His dedication to nurturing the next wave of Navy personnel underscores a deep commitment to the Navy’s mission. By imparting technical knowledge alongside values like teamwork and adaptability, Benavides plays a vital role in maintaining the operational readiness of the forces. His work not only ensures the preparedness of new Sailors but also reflects the enduring impact of NETC’s excellence in training and development.