Former CNATRA Conference 2010

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- The chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) hosted the Former CNATRA Conference on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Corpus Christi, Texas, March 26.

CNTRA Rear Adm. Bill Sizemore hosted the conference that brought together the current CNATRA staff, as well as the former CNATRAs to discuss the state of Naval Air Training Command and share ideas for its future.

"The best part about coming back is the people. There are good people doing hard work often without the resources to get it done, but still pulling through," said Rear Adm. Donald Quinn, commander, Navy Personnel Command and deputy chief of Naval Personnel, who also served as CNATRA from 2005-2007.

The former CNATRAs were impressed with the advances in the aviation community and within the air training command.

"In the years since I was here, the biggest change has been the change to digital technology. One third of the fleet is digital now," said retired Rear Adm. Jimmie Taylor. "Safety has also been a great improvement. When I began flight training, the accident mishap rate was 60 percent per 100,000 hours, now it's down to 1.18 percent."

The continuation of these conferences ensures that the future of the Air Training Command will produce professional aviators ready to fight and win in combat.

"The modernization of leadership is extremely encouraging. The training pipeline is fully manned with instructor pilots," said retired Rear Adm. John Boyington. "The most exciting aspect of coming back is seeing old friends and the memories of students; this is a wonderful place."

After the morning of briefs, CNATRA and former CNATRAs attended a ceremony at the Bay Club on board NAS Corpus Christi to watch as student aviators were awarded their wings of gold.

These leaders all made substantial improvements to naval aviation training during their tenures, and the aviation community continues to benefit from their legacy.

Former CNATRAs in attendance were Quinn, Taylor (1988-1991), retired Rear Adm. Michael Bucchi (1997-2000), Boyington (2000-2003) and retired Rear Adm. George Mayer (2003-2005).

For more news from Chief of Naval Air Training, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnatra/.