PENSACOLA, FL. – While serving aboard USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) during a patrol in the Indo-Pacific region, June 17, 2017, then Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Jaqueline Langlais, now last name Wrage, experienced the most devastating tragedy in her life when the ship collided with the container ship ACX Crystal, losing her fiancé as well as six other beloved shipmates.

“Following my experience, I felt determined to take charge of who I would become as a leader,” said Wrage, now a first class petty officer and an instructor at Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC) Corry Station. “I would like be in a position to make a change, and to put policies in place so accidents like that will never happen on my watch.”

Wrage, a native of Port Richey, Florida, was recently notified she was selected for a commissioning, and she recalls that her goal to become a surface warfare officer started upon that fateful accident.

Wrage enlisted in the military in 201, advanced to first class petty officer and has multiple patrols being forward deployed from 2015-2017. After completing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity, she began pursuing her dream of becoming a surface warfare officer (SWO).

“The Navy helped to pay for my college, and I took advantage of tuition assistance and the Post 9/11 GI Bill,” shared Wrage.

Wrage was selected for Officer Candidate School (OCS) during her tour as an instructor onboard IWTC Corry Station, and prospective officer candidates must have a college degree and be selected from a wide variety of applicants. OCS is an 18-month rigorous program that emphasizes high physical standards and trains candidates to be proficient military leaders.

“I chose to pursue the OCS route because it complimented the drive I already possessed for pursuing higher education, said Wrage. “Furthermore, this was the most direct route for becoming a SWO, given my age and current time in service. I also believe that I will greatly benefit from the training I will receive at OCS.”

Wrage plans to continue her military career and achieve her dream of becoming a SWO upon graduation from OCS. She will incorporate her time enlisted and her training while at OCS to share her enlisted knowledge and experience within the wardroom to help prevent future tragedies like the Fitzgerald.

She also realizes that leadership is not about self, but about contributing to the Navy, Sailors, and people she serves.

“I know the SWO route will be difficult, but I am passionate about driving meaningful change,” added Wrage.

“We are all very proud of you, and I know you will lead our warriors and Navy to success through future challenges,” shared Cmdr. Zach Mckeehan, commanding officer of IWTC Corry Station. “Well done, and congratulations!”

IWTC Corry Station is a part of the Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT). With four schoolhouse commands, a detachment, and training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT trains over 22,000 students every year, delivering trained information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services. CIWT also offers more than 200 courses for cryptologic technicians, intelligence specialists, information systems technicians, electronics technicians, and officers in the information warfare community.

For more news from Center for Information Warfare Training domain, visit https://www.public.navy.mil/netc/centers/ciwt/, www.facebook.com/NavyCIWT, or www.twitter.com/NavyCIWT.