Cmdr. Mark A. Kennedy relieved Cmdr. Kenneth B. Sanchez as the commanding officer for the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) North Island during a change of command ceremony Aug. 23 onboard Naval Air Station North Island, California.

Retired Navy Capt. Scott Fischer served as the guest speaker for the event, and Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Commanding Officer Capt. Eric Simon was the presiding officer.

“For as long as I have known Ken, he has held the highest standards and influences everyone he associates with, to raise their own standards even higher,” said Fischer. “CNATTU [North Island] has made the finest maintenance technicians and positively impacted the fleet through his leadership.”

Sanchez thanked his family, friends and the staff for their support during his tour at the helm of CNATTU North Island.

“I have been surrounded by a team of professionals of the highest caliber,” said Sanchez. “It is only because of their dedication that the success of CNATTU North Island could be possible. It has been an honor and privilege to be the commanding officer of this amazing team, and I will look back fondly as I move on to the next chapter of my life with pride and satisfaction knowing the tremendous positive impact we have had on the fleet over these past 17 months. I want to extend my personal thanks to every member of the command I have had the opportunity to lead, mentor and most importantly, to serve.”

Sanchez was commissioned through the limited duty officer program in 1998. His previous tours include USS Constellation (CV 64); Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47; Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102; and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3.  Ashore he served with Commander, Naval Air Forces Pacific and Carrier Air Wing 1.

As CNATTU North Island commanding officer, Sanchez guided the development of training in support of changing fleet requirements. Under his command, CNATTU North Island received the Navy Community Service Program Project Good Neighbor Community Service Flagship Award and Retention Excellence awards for fiscal years 2016 and 2017.

Kennedy served as the CNATTU North Island executive officer before taking command and praised Sanchez’s efforts.

“Your leadership, compassion, enthusiasm and example have been greatly appreciated,” said Kennedy. “Your focus upon the personal and professional development of our entire staff has been second to none, and you have worked tirelessly to develop a winning strategy and inspired the entire team daily. Your example, your guidance and your friendship will be sorely missed.”

Kennedy addressed the staff with his plans for leading the organization.

“We have celebrated many successes together, and I am looking forward to many more as we work together to meet the demands of the fleet,” said Kennedy. “Our challenge is to maintain this culture of excellence and I have every confidence in your ability to meet that challenge. As the subject matter experts in your rates, you have the expertise to meet and exceed another challenge, that of Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL). This new way of providing training will have a dramatic impact to the fleet, and the Navy is counting on us to get it right. “

RRL is a pillar of the Navy's Sailor 2025 initiative providing Sailors with the right training at the right time and in the right way. The new training model will eliminate the current practice of front-loading training at the very beginning of a Sailor's career by providing incremental training, or Block Learning, across a career-long learning continuum that delivers the training closer to when a Sailor is expected to perform the specific work.

Kennedy enlisted in the Navy in 1986 and attended Aviation Electronics Technician “A” School in Millington, Tennessee. After selection through the limited duty officer program, he was commissioned as an ensign in 2000.

CNATTU North Island is a training unit of CNATT located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan under Naval Education and Training Command.

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