Cmdr. Timothy F. Knapp relieved Cmdr. Kenneth A. Wallace as commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler during an Oct. 20 ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base's Bay Breeze Event Center.

Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Commanding Officer Capt. Terrence Hammond presided over the event as CNATTU Keesler staff and students welcomed Knapp and bid farewell to Wallace.

Serving at the helm of CNATTU Keesler since 2014, Wallace ensured and oversaw training for electronic calibration of afloat and aviation equipment, meteorological and oceanographic observing and forecasting, maintenance and repair of meteorological equipment, and the operation and repair of critical communications equipment.

"We have produced Sailors and Marines that are confident and ready to go out to the fleet", Wallace said. "More than 2000 students have left here ready and we have successfully accomplished our mission."

During Wallace's tenure, CNATTU Keesler graduated a total of 3375 students, something he said is directly attributable to the schoolhouse's military and civilian staff.

"Serving alongside a group of people that are technically proficient, well-educated and who maintain a high level of "esprit de corps" always elevates your own performance," said Wallace. "I walk out of here a better naval officer to have served with the men and women of this command and the outstanding Air Force and Marine Corps leadership here at Keesler."

Wallace is next scheduled to report for duty at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island.

Knapp addressed the men and woman of CNATTU Keesler for the first time as their commanding officer and shared his appreciation about the opportunity to directly impact the future of Naval meteorology.

"I'm honored to take command and I view this tour as an opportunity to give back to the Navy by helping to shape the next generation of Sailors coming through the school house," he said.

Knapp holds a master's degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., and is a native of Basking Ridge, New Jersey. His prior sea tours include USS Trenton (LPD 14), USS Whirlwind (PC 11), Amphibious Squadron SIX (embarked on LHD 3), USS Ashland (LSD 48), Amphibious Squadron Seven (embarked on LHD 6) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Knapp's previous tour was with Fleet Weather Center, Norfolk, Va.

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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