Five Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler Sailors celebrated the Navy's 241st Birthday by reenlisting Oct. 13 aboard Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.

After graduating from the Aerographer's Mate AG-C1 (Journeyman Forecaster)School earlier that morning, Petty Officer 2nd Classes Ernest Cabrera, Heath O'Neill, Constance Griffey, Julien Patton, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Miguel Zambranoparra all re-enlisted and received a total of $126,000 in Selective Reenlistment Bonuses (SRBs).

"Reenlisting on the Navy's Birthday means that we are continuing a legacy of honor. we are living through the lives of those Sailors that fought and died before us," said Petty Officer Patton.

The Oath of Enlistment was administered by CNATTU Keesler Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kenneth Wallace outside of the observation deck on the Weather Training Complex at Keesler Air Force Base. During the ceremony, Wallace spoke of the significance of the Navy's 241 years of history and tradition and challenged the five Sailors to understand and appreciate the legacy and have an active role in the Navy's future.

"You are the future of our great Navy," said Wallace. "In order to fully appreciate the standard that has been set over the past 241 years, you must have a sense of your heritage and of those heroes that persevered through great adversity to defend freedom and democracy for this nation. Gain strength from that tremendous legacy and never take the privilege of serving in the world's greatest Navy for granted!"

While the five newest navy forecasters will move on to apply their knowledge of meteorology and oceanography in support of military operations around the world, the significance of reenlisting was not lost on the petty officers.

"We take pride in reenlisting on this day," O'Neill said. "By taking the oath on this special day we are participating in Navy tradition."

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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