A Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point Marine was named the Direct and Time Sensitive Strike Program Office 2017 Aviation Ordnance Instructor of the Year (IOY) at the Aviation Ordnance Leadership Management Continuum in Reno, Nevada, July 24.

Sgt. Gregory Rasmussen serves as CNATTU Cherry Point’s aviation ordnance technician course supervisor and was selected for the honor from a field of candidates throughout the Navy and Marine Corps.

Rasmussen is a qualified Master Training Specialist (MTS) and the IOY award recognizes him for his delivery of more than 1,500 hours of instruction in five courses during 2017. Additionally, he led a team of 11 instructors with a yearly throughput of more than 200 students.

Serving in a billet normally reserved for staff noncommissioned officers, Rasmussen oversaw qualifications for three new instructors, two instructor evaluators and three MTSs.

During the past year Rasmussen helped to revise the Aviation Ordnance System Technician Course core by rewriting material including tests and handbooks for instructors and trainees.

“His [Rasmussen’s] efforts have positively impacted a new generation of Marine aviation ordnance technicians,” said Lt. Col. Tegan Owen, CNATTU commanding officer. “These young Marines who have come through courses here are taking not only the course material with them to the fleet, but the knowledge, expertise and leadership characteristics of Sgt. Rasmussen. Being named as the best aviation ordnance technician instructor in the Marine Corps is a testament to the character, integrity and leadership we expect from all our Marines.”

In addition to his other duties, Rasmussen also serves as a Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor; is working on a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management; and was instrumental in implementing the Naval Motor Vehicle Inspection Course onboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.

CNATTU Cherry Point delivers aviation technical training to enlisted personnel in the operational maintenance and repair of aviation equipment and systems and is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) located onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.

CNATTU Cherry Point is one of 28 training units under CNATT, which develops, delivers and supports aviation technical training under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

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