Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler Chief Petty Officer's celebrated the 124th Birthday of the U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer's 124 with two events, culminating in a cake-cutting ceremony March 31.

Fifteen members of the CNATTU Keesler CPO Mess started the celebration by paying a visit to the Gulfport Armed Forces Retirement Home for breakfast March 29.

"Having the Armed Forces Retirement Home in our backyard gives us a unique opportunity to interact with our heritage by having our Chiefs sitting down and sharing stories with the retired members of our military," said Senior Chief Aerographer's Mate (AW/SW) Anthony Mazzulo. "It benefits our members as well as the residents and is a great way to acknowledge and celebrate tradition."

The CNATTU Keesler CPO Mess also sponsored a celebration for the students and staff March 31. CNATTU Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Richard Kirchheiner provided opening remarks to the assembled crowd.

"The rank of Chief Petty Officer as it is recognized today was officially established April 1, 1893,"said Kirchheiner. "The Chiefs of today carry the legacy of excellence in leadership and advocacy within the Chain of Command for their fellow enlisted Sailors."

Following the opening remarks, AGC (AW/SW) Michael Ramos, a CNATTU Keesler C-School instructor, elected to re-enlist for four additional years of service on the CPO's birthday, citing the sense of camaraderie and brotherhood for which the CPO Mess is known.

"Reenlisting during the Chief's Birthday week is an honor" Ramos said. "I can't imagine a better time to recommit myself to the Navy, especially in the company of all of our Sailors."

Kirchheiner and AGC (AW/SW) Jason Fisher, the oldest and youngest CNATTU Keesler Chief Petty Officers, took part in cutting a birthday cake. The CNATTU Keesler Chief Petty Officer Mess additionally hosted a cookout for their staff and students.

"It is important for us to share this tradition with the junior Sailors in our command," Mazzulo said. "The Chief's Birthday is a day for all to celebrate."

CNATTU Keesler trains service members in the electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting and the maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment.

CNATTU Keesler is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 27 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT 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, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.


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