In an aviation hangar filled with guests and formations of Sailors and Marines, Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) held a change of command ceremony on board Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, June 25.

During the ceremony Capt. Hugh Rankin relieved Capt. Alan Dean as NATTC commanding officer.

Dean, who assumed command in August 2013, spoke to the audience of family, friends and shipmates, expressing his appreciation for the tremendous support his staff provided.

"To my staff I say 'thank you' for the outstanding work you do on behalf of the warfighter, your students, NATTC, and the American people, every day," he said. "Our Navy and Marine Corps could not do what they do without your dedicated efforts. You should be justifiably proud of your efforts and accomplishments. You have all performed superbly."

Capt. Katherine Erb, commanding officer, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), was the guest speaker for the ceremony, and spoke about the critical role NATTC plays.

"The Navy cannot operate forward without the increased capabilities of our newest maintenance and operating procedures, or without aircraft carriers deployed on station in key areas of the world," she said. "The Navy does not have either of these without the foundational training delivered by NATTC, or the advanced skills training delivered by NATTC."

Prior to assuming command of NATTC, Rankin served as military director for Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Industrial and Logistics Maintenance Planning/Sustainment Competency Division, Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

"I am proud to be your new CO, and it is truly an honor and a privilege to lead you," Rankin said. "NATTC Sailors, Marines and civilians, my expectations of you are high. You are handpicked for the positions you hold, and fleet readiness is a direct reflection of your efforts. I know that each and every one of you are up to the task, and I expect nothing less than your best."

Dean's next assignment will be with the staff of Naval Ordnance Safety and Security Activity, Indian Head, Maryland.

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.

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