Chargers star Derwin James Jr says his leadership improved after going through rigorous Coast Guard training

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Los Angeles Chargers star safety Derwin James Jr. knew that he was heading to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station San Diego to do some training exercises with the men and women serving there. 

What he did not know was he would be leaving with newfound leadership tactics that he is bringing to the football field in 2024. 

Thanks to USAA, the official "Salute to Service" partner of the NFL, James was able to participate in rigorous mock rescue mission training, as well as pursuit training in the open ocean at Sector San Diego.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Derwin James Jr. joined the U.S. Coast Guard in San Diego to go through intensive training. (USAA)

"They really gave me a once-in-a-life-time experience," he told Fox News Digital over the phone. 

The first task for James was pursuit training, as the Coast Guard deals with frequent smuggling in the waters surrounding the base. 

Lt. Jo Green, the command external affairs officer at Sector San Diego, explained that James would be with a team on their "fastest smallboat," which goes "upwards of 50 knots," and it would be chasing another Coast Guard boat that is simulating a smuggling vessel refusing to stop. 

CHARGERS COACH JIM HARBAUGH TO SERVE AS HONORARY CAPTAIN AT MICHIGAN'S SEASON OPENER DESPITE NCAA PENALTIES

Next, James was going to be used as a rescue victim in open waters. Traveling by helicopter, James was set as the "PIW," or person in the water, and was lowered down in a basket into the ocean. 

When asked if he was nervous at all throughout the training, James said he immediately felt comfortable because of the servicemembers around him. 

"To be honest, when