Those serving at Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) Corry Station learn the importance of information warfare as part of modern warfare.
Continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Capt. Sarah Sherwood, a native of Wilton.
Sherwood is a 1997 graduate of Wilton High School and earned a degree from Northwestern University in applied mathematics in 2001. She later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland in 2007.
Sherwood joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Sherwood serves as the commanding officer of CIWT. This is her second command tour, with her first being in Bahrain at the Navy Information Operations Command.
“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” Sherwood said. "My dad and granddad both served in the Navy. Their officers’ swords hung above our mantle, and I thought that would be a great way to serve."
“I grew up in a great town that afforded me a lot of opportunities,” Sherwood said. "I also had a lot of friends and family who encouraged me along the way."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, CIWT is one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and nine training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services.
The CIWT domain, along with all other Navy training commands, is transforming and innovating its training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program used to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It focuses on empowering sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure sailors are ready for the fleet.
According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Sherwood serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Sherwood has had many wonderful opportunities to make a difference during her military service.
“I'm most proud of the time I served in command,” Sherwood said. "My first command was in Bahrain, and this is my second command here in Pensacola. My job is to take care of our sailors so they can complete the mission. I'm here to break down any barriers that stand in their way."
Sherwood can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy is a self-fulfilling civic duty,” Sherwood said. "The Navy is the first one on the scene when the Nation needs to defend democracy and freedom. We're sailing around the world serving as global partners. One of my favorite parts of serving in the Navy has been serving in different countries, including Australia, South Korea and Bahrain."
Sherwood is grateful to others for helping make her Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my mom for all her unwavering support,” Sherwood added. "I also want to thank my husband, Mike, for being my rock on this Navy adventure.”