Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Mykala Keckeisen | Meet Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IT1) Trystan Hutchins, the Leading...... read more read more
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Meet Information Systems Technician 1st Class (IT1) Trystan Hutchins, the Leading Petty Officer (LPO) of the Information Technology Department at Recruit Training Command (RTC) Great Lakes, the Navy’s only boot camp.
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Hutchins has proudly served in the Navy for eight and a half years. His decision to enlist was rooted in both opportunity and responsibility.
“I wanted to go to college, and I knew the Navy could help me get there while giving me valuable real-world experience,” Hutchins said. “At the same time, I wanted to provide stability for my family and start a career in the cyber field, which I’ve always been passionate about. Looking back, it was the right move for my personal life and my career goals.”
After graduating from Landstown High School in 2012, Hutchins reported to boot camp and began a journey that has taken him through both shore and sea duty. His early assignments included Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group in Washington, D.C., where he worked from 2018 to 2021, followed by tours aboard USS Monterey (CG 61) and USS Mahan (DDG 72) out of Norfolk, Virginia. He reported to RTC in 2024.
His “welcome to the Navy” moment came when he reported aboard USS Monterey after it returned from deployment.
“The energy was intense, the expectations were high, and I realized quickly that shore duty hadn’t fully prepared me for the operational tempo,” Hutchins recalled. “As a brand-new petty officer second class, I was suddenly accountable for qualifications, daily taskers, and leadership responsibilities that pushed me far beyond what I thought I was ready for. That experience humbled me, challenged me, and ultimately shaped me into the Sailor I am today.”
Though he briefly considered the Hospital Corpsman rate—partly due to family influence—Hutchins chose the Information Systems Technician rating, a decision that aligned closely with his strengths and interests.
“I’ve always enjoyed troubleshooting and problem-solving, and IT gives me the chance to do that every day,” he said. “This rate also sets a strong foundation for my long-term goal of working in cybersecurity and information technology, while giving me a way to contribute meaningfully to the mission.”
As he advanced, Hutchins drew heavily on the example of mentors who helped him refine his leadership style.
“I was fortunate to make petty officer first class during a time when I had two exceptional leaders to learn from,” he said. “One taught me drive, dedication, and the importance of advocating fiercely for my Sailors, while the other showed me the power of patience, mentorship, and calm leadership. I’ve tried to strike a balance between the two, drawing a line between being a leader and being a teammate. Their influence shaped how I lead and how I show up for my Sailors every day.”
Now at RTC, Hutchins leads the IT department, a position that requires both technical skill and strong communication.
“As the IT LPO, I manage account creation and access for two critical systems and serve as the cyber point of contact when suspicious activity is reported,” Hutchins explained. “My job is a blend of technical expertise, mentorship, and mission readiness. Ultimately, I’m here to make sure our staff, instructors, and recruit division commanders (RDCs) can focus on training recruits without IT issues slowing them down.”
For Hutchins, mentorship is a cornerstone of leadership.
“What I enjoy most about mentoring Sailors is being that steady presence they can count on,” he said. “I miss having junior Sailors directly under me, but I’ll always value those moments of helping someone navigate life lessons, streamline their workday, or advocate for them during tough situations. Seeing their hard work recognized and knowing I played even a small part in their growth is one of the most rewarding parts of this job.”
Still, he acknowledges that leadership and technical support he provides come with challenges.
“Building trust between the IT department and the rest of the command is something that’s important to me,” Hutchins said. “I want people to know that we’re here to support them, and no one should feel like they have to struggle in silence. I’m also doing my best to mentor other Sailors who may have a tough outlook on the Navy. While it isn’t always easy, I try to shift their perspective, advocate for them, and help them find purpose, whether they decide to stay in or transition out. It’s about meeting them where they are and helping them grow.”
For Hutchins, serving in the Navy has brought both fulfillment and growth.
“Serving in the Navy gives me a strong sense of purpose and direction,” he said. “It allows me to pursue my passion for technology while being part of something bigger than myself. It’s more than just a job—it’s a commitment to growth, service, and making a difference.”
Looking ahead, Hutchins hopes to build on his experience with goals that reflect both his professional ambitions and personal passions.
“In the next five years, I hope to earn degrees in both cybersecurity and marine biology, combining my passion for technology with my interest in the natural world,” he said. “I also see myself in a stronger leadership role, supporting junior Sailors as they navigate their own challenges and successes. My goal is to be the kind of leader who not only understands the mission but also invests in the people behind it.”
When he’s not at work, Hutchins enjoys aquascaping, caring for his pets, and working on cars.
Hutchins continues to support RTC’s mission while developing his own leadership path, embodying the values of service, accountability, and mentorship.
Training at RTC is approximately nine weeks, and all enlistees in the U.S. Navy begin their careers at the command. More than 40,000 recruits train annually at the Navy’s only boot camp.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 09.30.2025 14:44 |
| Story ID: | 549734 |
| Location: | GREAT LAKES, ILLINOIS, US |
| Hometown: | VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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