The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Detachment Atsugi was presented the Zenko-Kai organization award during a ceremony at the Meiji Shrine's Sanshu-Den Hall in Tokyo, May 20.

The award is sponsored by the independent non-profit organization Nippon Zenkokai, to honor individuals whose gallant or benevolent acts are remarkably beneficial to their neighbors or the general public, and foreigners who have contributed to the betterment of life in Japan.

CNATT Detachment Atsugi was one of seven commands recognized during the ceremony for their contributions during the past year. Japanese officials, along with Yokota Air Force Base Commander, 374th Mission Support Group, Air Force Col. John Winkler, offered congratulations and thanks to the individuals and organizations selected for the award.

Two of the detachment's top volunteers, Yeoman 3rd Class James Zertuche and Logistics Specialist 1st Class Jeremaine Young, accepted the award on behalf of the command. They were accompanied by CNATT Detachment Atsugi Officer-in-Charge Chief Warrant Officer 5 Norman Valentine and CNATT Detachment Atsugi Leading Chief Petty Officer Chief Aviation Maintenance Administrationman Roberto Salas.

"I feel a great sense of pride contributing to the Japanese community, especially being in the military," said Zertuche. "I strongly believe it emphasizes our relationship with foreign nationals in the best way possible and can help us develop as Sailors as well."

Working with the Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi Host Nations Relations Office, the detachment's Sailors spearheaded 38 community relations projects in Zama and Yokohama. The leadership and coordination efforts brought 425 Sailors and 100 Japanese nationals together for a combined 1,212 hours of community service.

"We are a close knit family, and our Sailors understand that our family extends beyond this command," said Valentine. "The drive and desire of each Sailor to have a positive impact on the Navy's mission and host nation relations around them is contagious."

The CNATT Detachment Atsugi First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA) organized monthly NAF Atsugi fence line and Yamato Station beautification projects and coordinated with the NAF Atsugi chaplain's office for weekly community outreach efforts to assist in feeding homeless individuals in Yokohama. The FCPOA also spearheaded four NAF Atsugi base-wide flower planting events for the city of Zama and participated in two building and property upkeep and maintenance projects at area orphanages.

"It's a pleasant surprise seeing how many of us, in the Navy as well as the Air Force, come together over the years and support by volunteering," said Zertuche. "I hope to see the military further reaching out to our hosts and continuing to increase our partnership with Japan."

CNATT Detachment Atsugi delivers and supports aviation technical training through various "C" and "F" school courses as the only schoolhouse available to Forward Deployed Naval Forces.

CNATT is the technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, under Naval Education and Training Command.

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