The Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) recently announced the selection of its 2019 Senior Instructor of the Year (SIOY). 

CSCS Det Norfolk’s Chief Fire Controlman Aegis Jasmin King says being selected as SIOY provides him with a sense of accomplishment.

“Many people, including myself, did not believe that I would ever make Chief due to the rocky path I was on,” he explained. “However, I worked hard and became a chief petty officer. Now, I am Senior Instructor of the Year and I am honored to be selected and represent the surface combat systems community.”

Lt. Cmdr. Brian Blankenship, CSCS Det Norfolk officer in charge, says King was nominated due to the training and mentorship he provides to his junior Sailors. 

“Chief King is our Advanced Warfare Training and lead Advanced 400Hz Self-Assessment and Groom Training instructor,” he said. “He always sets the highest standard for his students to follow and learn from.”

King loves being an instructor.

“Being an instructor allows me to share my experiences and knowledge with Sailors,” he said. “To help Sailors with the skills and knowledge they need to perform their duties is immeasurable and in turn, allows the Navy as a whole to maintain fleet readiness.”

King, who hails from Jamaica, Queens, N.Y., joined the Navy in September 1996 to find a better path. 

“I was still in high school and was headed towards the wrong direction,” he said. “I didn’t want to follow the footsteps of the other men in my family who were pretty much on the streets. I joined the Navy to become a better person not only for myself, but also for my country.”

His past sea assignments include USS Mitscher (DDG 57), USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79), and USS Porter (DDG 78 2012). 

“The only other shore duty I have had involved recruiting,” King said. “Recruiting and being an instructor have both allowed me to bestow tons of knowledge upon future and junior Sailors. If I can teach people just one thing they did not know, then I know I am doing my job.” 

King hopes to continue shaping the future of the Navy for years come. 

“When students graduate from one of Chief King’s courses, I’m confident they are well-prepared to go to the fleet and better our Navy,” Blankenship said.

CSCS is a global organization of professional military and civilian educators and support personnel focused on training the Surface Navy to fight and win. CSCS trains over 36,000 U.S. and Allied Sailors a year to operate, maintain and employ weapons, sensors, communications, combat systems and deck equipment of surface warships to build Combat Ready Ships with Battle Minded Crews.

For information on the Center for Surface Combat Systems, visit: https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/cscs/.

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