Sailors, Marines, and civilian employees at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) celebrated the United States Marine Corps' 241st birthday during a cake-cutting ceremony, Nov. 10, at the command's headquarters at Naval Air Station Pensacola.

CNATT Operations Officer Lt. Col. Timothy Nutter led the birthday celebration, which included a reading of Gen. John A. Lejeune's birthday message, a brief speech by retired Lt. Col. Sam Ridder, and cutting a birthday cake by the youngest and oldest Marines present.

"November 10th is a day that holds a special place of honor for every Marine; no matter where we served, whether in peacetime or in conflict, whether in the United States or abroad, whether on ship or on shore, we are part of a culture encompassed by nearly 250 years of honor, courage, and commitment," Nutter said. "The Marines that receive training through CNATT's many learning sites are prepared for the many new challenges they will face, because the Marines and Sailors here use their vast knowledge of aviation, acquisition, and education to enable them to someday take our place."

The Marine Corps, which traces its roots to two battalions of Continental Marines formed Nov. 10, 1775, was initially designed as a force capable of operating at sea and ashore during the Revolutionary War. The Marine Corps' role, however, continued to evolve and the organization's amphibious warfare capability proved instrumental in the United States' involvement in World War II.

Operating both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, the Marine Corps' aviation capabilities have become an integral part of the organization's mission, providing assault and close air support to ground forces, as well as assistance during humanitarian operations.

Ridder said the importance of ensuring the Marine Corps' history to the thousands of Marines who attend classes annually at one of CNATT's learning sites cannot be understated.

"The Marine Corps has deeply-rooted values, traditions, and a legacy of being able to operate in any environment," Ridder said. "The young men and women who have chosen to be part of the Marine Corps and are coming through a CNATT learning center to pursue a career or job in Marine Corps aviation are a part of that tradition. The bonds that they will forge at the schools of CNATT, which will be furthered in garrison and in combat, will ultimately affect the Navy and Marine Corps team's ability to support missions in every clime and place."

CNATT Senior Enlisted Marine Advisor Master Gunnery Sgt. Michael Goza said Marines being trained at CNATT school houses represent the future of the joint operating capability of the Navy and Marine Corps.

"Marines being trained in Marine Corps aviation maintenance today are going to come through a CNATT learning site," he said. "These young men and women are the future of Marine Corps aviation, and working and training alongside Sailors exposes them not only to the aircraft platforms and support equipment they will maintain, but to the teamwork and bond the United States Marine Corps has with the U.S. Navy."

CNATT is the 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 centers under the Naval Education and Training Command.

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