Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler Sailors spent part of Veterans Day at two Biloxi, Mississippi, schools during a community outreach event Nov. 11.

Nichols Elementary School and Gorenflo Elementary School, both located in downtown Biloxi, have a long partnership with CNATTU Keesler.

"The military relies on the support of the community, and today we are here on Veterans Day to reaffirm our commitment to you," CNATTU Keesler Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp said, as he addressed students, parents, and faculty during the event.

Knapp also signed a reaffirmation certificate, a symbolic gesture which confirmed the continuation between the two schools and CNATTU Keesler.

The annual Veterans Day program at both schools began with the presentation of colors by the CNATTU Keesler color guard. Students at both schools then sang patriotic songs to welcome visiting Sailors.

Knapp served as guest speaker at both events and stressed the importance of veterans to the students, both those who served in years past and those serving today.

"Today we remember all those who have served and are here to share their stories," he said after thanking veterans in the crowd. "It's through these stories that our history lives on."

CNATTU Keesler Veterans Day School Visit Coordinator, Petty Officer 1st Class Travis Muth, said volunteering for programs such as this are integral to forging strong ties with the community.

"It is always great to interact with the children and help the schools in any way that they need," he said.

After Knapp's remarks, children at both schools performed a closing patriotic song before providing a reception for their Navy guests. CNATTU Keesler Sailors spent time with students answering questions, taking photographs with them, and explaining their military jobs.

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.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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