CRANE, Ind. – James Garrett is a Logistics Management Specialist at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane) and helps provide the logistics element of the Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Life Cycle Support Program for the OHIO Class and COLUMBIA Class Submarine. He provides product support, data management, quality assurance, training, and more to ensure sailors are successful.
Garrett says that throughout his career he has strived to set goals, challenge himself, and achieve them. At 17, The Pittsburg, Pennsylvania native joined the Navy and traveled the world as an aircraft mechanic and as military law enforcement.
After 20 years as a sailor, Garrett felt ready for the next challenge.
“I went back to school to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Business,” says Garrett. “I did it for Aliah, Alexis, and Amaya, who are my three goal-oriented daughters, and my granddaughter, Heaven, who I am very proud of. They are such go-getters. They motivated me to go back and get my degree. I wanted to set an example for them to achieve what they wanted in life.”
After furthering his education, Garrett began a career as a civilian federal employee. He says his experience as a sailor provides insight into the needs and requirements of today’s warfighter.
“From my experience in military, I dealt with a lot of technical documentation. These documents change and upgrade frequently along with technology or equipment. As a former sailor myself who relied on the accuracy of these documents, I know firsthand the importance of getting it right. I was once that sailor who I brief now.”
Garrett now travels from coast to coast interacting with sailors. He says he gets a better understanding of their needs when he is able to engage with them in-person.
“It is encouraging to hear positive feedback directly from the sailors who use these products and services,” he says. “It is satisfying to know I make a difference. What I love about my job is adding value to the sailors’ mission.”
From his time as a sailor to providing products and services for sailors, the Navy has been central to Garrett’s career.
“The Navy has been a big part of my life since I was a teenager. The Navy has been great to me; it’s family.”
NSWC Crane is a naval laboratory and a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) with mission areas in Expeditionary Warfare, Strategic Missions and Electronic Warfare. The warfare center is responsible for multi-domain, multi- spectral, full life cycle support of technologies and systems enhancing capability to today's Warfighter.