Cmdr. Kyle Caldwell relieved Cmdr. Mark Kennedy as commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit North Island (CNATTU NI) during a change of command ceremony at Murphy Canyon Chapel Feb. 27.

CNATTU NI is part of the MyNavy HR force development team that is charged with the entire “street-to-fleet” process that spans recruiting and training Sailors in an increasingly competitive talent market.

Caldwell had served as the unit’s executive officer since August 2018.

The CNATTU NI's mission is to provide specialized technical training to aviation maintenance professionals in support of the Navy’s MH-60R/MH-60S Sea Hawk and MQ-8B Fire Scout platforms. Additionally, CNATTU NI delivers instruction in helicopter intermediate level maintenance, aviation maintenance administration, aviation ordnance, aviation support equipment, aviation boatswain mate related systems, automated test equipment and stabilized glide slope indicator and interior communications systems.  CNATTU NI also serves as a regional facilitator of the operational risk management application and integration course.

While in command of CNATTU NI, Kennedy oversaw complex budget requirements and management. He was responsible for over 236 personnel daily, encompassing 1,299 courses of instructions, while serving a student population of over 10,887.

In addition to the delivery of scheduled courses of instruction, the Command placed great emphasis upon training advocacy initiatives, which relied upon Command TRIAD interface with COMHSM/HSC Pacific Wing maintenance officers and assistant maintenance officers. Furthermore, CNATTU NI provided guided tours to CNAF, NAVAIR, NAVSEA and Coast Guard personnel, as well as St. Louis JROTC faculty to view the facilities and learn about what CNATTU NI provides for Sailors and Marines. These tours provided basic technical information and mission requirements for specific assets, including the MQ-8B FIRESCOUT unmanned aerial vehicle and the first ever NAVAIR/NAVSEA related organic airborne mine counter measures course of instruction.

Upon his assumption of duties, Caldwell expressed how humbled and honored he was to have the opportunity to serve as the next commanding officer.

“To Commander Mark Kennedy, what an incredible 18 months as your executive officer,” Caldwell said. “Thank you for preparing me for this great responsibility. I wish you all the best as you start the next chapter in your life. I will always remember our time spent together. The grace you displayed in transferring your duties and responsibilities over to me, will be paid forward 18 months from now as I depart the pattern.”

Caldwell also had a message for the Sailors and Marines who were present.

“To all of my Sailors and Marines, I urge you to stay in the arena,” Caldwell said. “Yes, in the arena you will find adversity.  However, you will be introduced to yourself -- you will find out what you are truly made of. You must continue to strive towards your dreams and goals, accepting that fact that you will fail from time to time.”

Caldwell enlisted in the Navy in October 1990.  He was subsequently assigned to USS Constellation (CV-64), Navy Recruiting District Richmond, Virginia, and USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). After promotion to chief petty officer in 1999, he was commissioned as a limited duty officer in January 2001.

As an officer at sea, he served as the aircraft launch and recovery equipment maintenance officer aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76); as a personnel exchange program officer for aircraft carrier flight deck operations aboard the French aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R 91) homeported at Toulon, France; and as the aircraft handling officer aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), completing a historic 9.5 month combat deployment participating in Operation Inherent Resolve, the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Ashore, his assignments include the CNATT Detachment in Lakehurst, New Jersey, as training officer; Naval Air Systems Command Program Executive Office (Tactical) PMA 251 as fleet liaison officer; and Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the force air systems officer.

Caldwell is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a degree in aerospace engineering. He earned his postgraduate degree with distinction from Florida Institute of Technology in DoD Acquisitions and Contracts Management. From July 2008 to February 2009, he studied French at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. As a member of the Acquisition Corps Team, he holds Level II Certifications in Life Cycle Logistics and Program Management. In May 2019, he completed his JPME-I with the Naval War College.

The command also welcomed Cmdr. Kent Davis as CNATTU NI’s new executive officer.

CNATT’s mission is to develop, deliver, and support aviation training necessary to meet validated Fleet requirements. Its mission aligns perfectly with MyNavy HR Pillar 1, Force Development, ensuring Sailors and Marines are equipped with the specific skills they need to do their jobs and having access to career enhancement opportunities.

CNATT also is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise, an organization designed to sustain required current readiness and advance future warfighting capabilities at best possible cost.

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