Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) announced its top instructors, Sailors, and Marines for the 2nd quarter of fiscal year 2015 during a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola May 22.

Cmdr. Scott Sherman, NATTC executive officer, congratulated the awardees and noted that the competition was keen.

"There are so many quality Sailors and Marines at this command that it is very, very tough to choose the winners," Sherman said. "You represent the top one percent of nearly 700 active duty staff members at NATTC, so you should be proud of your selection. Congratulations and well done."

Aviation Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (AW) Christopher D. Miller and Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class (AW) Andrew J. Gerber were announced as the Junior and Senior Sailors of the Quarter, and Sgt. Matthew D. Bruce was selected as the Marine Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter. The Junior Instructor of the Quarter was Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) James F. Jones, the Mid-Grade Instructor of the Quarter was Naval Aircrewman (Operator) 1st Class (AW/NAC) John D. Robb, the Senior Instructor of the Quarter was Chief Naval Aircrewman (Operator) (AW/NAC) Michael M. Anderson, and the Marine Instructor of the Quarter was Staff Sgt. Nicholas K. Pape.

Scott also took a moment to speak to family and friends present at the ceremony.

"Thank you for taking time out of your schedules to help us recognize these outstanding Sailors and Marines," he said. "Our military is not successful because of service members alone, but because of behind-the-scenes efforts by our spouses, civilian support staff, and community at large that truly makes our military great. The Sailors and Marines being recognized today would not be standing in front of you now if it hadn't been for your support. This is not an easy job and your support is so important to enable them to accomplish what they have. The encouragement and dedication you provide translates into improved performance while at work."

Anderson described how it felt to be selected and the impact instructors have on young Sailors. "It's an honor to have even been considered as Senior Instructor of the Quarter let alone win amongst such a group of professionals at NATTC. I truly enjoy being able to work next to these individuals and to be part of this team. We only make each other stronger every day. The most rewarding aspect of this recognition is the impact we have on our junior Sailors on a daily basis as we prepare them for their transition to the fleet."

As a Naval Aircrewman Instructor, Anderson led 32 instructors training 128 students across three "A" Schools, achieving a combined grade point average of 89.62 percent resulting in a 100 percent course graduation rate. Additionally, he graduated one class of 14 aircrewmen with a 92.25 percent grade point average.

For more than 70 years NATTC has been providing training and increasing readiness within the Naval Aviation Enterprise. NATTC graduates approximately 15,000 Navy, Marine and international students annually. The majority of the student body is comprised of enlisted personnel attending "A" schools, where they gain the knowledge and skills required to perform in the fleet as technicians at the apprentice level.

Advanced schools provide higher level technical knowledge for senior petty officers and specialty schools offer specific skills not particular to any one rating, such as airman apprentice training, maintenance, personal financial management and shipboard aircraft firefighting. NATTC also conducts technical training for officers in aviation fuels, carrier air traffic control center operations, aircraft launch and recovery equipment, shipboard aircraft fire fighting and amphibious air traffic control center operations.

For more information about Naval Air Technical Training Center, visit their website at https://www.netc.navy.mil/centers/cnatt/nattc/Default.aspx .

For more news from Naval Education and Training Command, visit www.navy.mil/.