The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler was recognized as the Medium Shore Command winner of the 2016 Navy Community Service Campaign Drug Free Flagship Award onboard Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, March 16.

CNATTU Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp presented a plaque to CNATTU Keesler Volunteer Coordinator Electronics Technician 1st Class Christopher Schmidt and Volunteer Event Specific Coordinator Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Travis Muth during the ceremony, both of whom spearheaded the command's efforts.

"The award represents a major accomplishment on behalf of the staff here," said Knapp. "It's very humbling to be recognized across the Navy."

The Campaign Drug Free program is designed to strengthen the local community through education, promotion of health and fitness, encouragement of alternatives to drug use and the promotion of anti-drug lifestyles.

CNATTU Keesler Sailors contributed more than 2,700 volunteer hours in 2016, with nearly 1,400 of those directly involving three Biloxi, Mississippi, area schools' youth education programs and addressing the dangers of drug use to hundreds of students. Additional programs and activities were created to promote responsible use of alcohol to Sailors, Marines, and Airmen onboard Keesler Air Force Base.

"Our volunteer program is a good opportunity for our younger Sailors and Marines to learn some work-life balance and give them a positive outlet for their energies," Knapp said. "This particular program is comprised of both Navy and Marine staff and students. One of the benefits of being a Navy command on an Air Force base is that programs such as this further allow Sailors to be immersed in the joint environment."

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.

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