The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler was recognized as the Community Service Health, Safety and Fitness Flagship Award winner in the medium shore category Jan. 9.

The Navy's Health, Safety and Fitness Flagship Award program highlights Navy volunteers who visit schools and neighborhoods sharing information and giving practical training that focuses on nutrition, hygiene, mental health, disease prevention, leisure skills development, personal safety, sports and recreation.

"Our volunteers serve as mentors to educate children, teens and adults that physical fitness is a lifetime commitment by stressing the importance of staying healthy and fit through sports activities," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class Adrian Piñeiro, CNATTU Keesler volunteer coordinator. "They exemplify the importance of physical fitness in an overall resilient lifestyle."

CNATTU Keesler Sailors contributed more than 3,600 volunteer hours in 2017, with nearly 900 hours directly impacting health, safety and fitness at three elementary schools and supporting organizations such as the Special Olympics, Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity and Sea Cadets. CNATTU Keesler volunteers also participated in clean-ups along the Gulf Coast including beaches, national forests, playgrounds and parks where the community can take part in physical activity.

"It's very humbling to be recognized across the Navy at this level," said Cmdr. Timothy Knapp, CNATTU Keesler commanding officer. "This award represents a major accomplishment on behalf of the staff here. Our command volunteer program is a good opportunity for our younger Sailors and Marines to learn some work-life balance and give them a positive outlet for their energies. Many of them continue to volunteer at their next command."

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 28 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

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

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