The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler was named the Medium Shore Command winner of the 2017 Navy Community Service Campaign Drug Free Flagship Award Aug. 14.

CNATTU Keesler, located onboard Keesler Air Force Base, received the award for the command’s volunteer work promoting drug use reduction programs in local schools and organizations to address the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of being drug free.

CNATTU Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp placed the plaque and certificate in the command’s award display case.

"The award represents a major accomplishment on behalf of the staff here," said Knapp. "It's very humbling for our command 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.

“As our Sailors commit themselves to volunteering by mentoring the youth of the local community in the different facets of the Campaign Drug Free initiative, they ultimately learn the power of making a positive difference in the lives of others," said CNATTU Keesler Command Master Chief James Contreras.

Of the 3,623 volunteer hours performed by CNATTU Keesler Sailors from July 2016 through June 2017, more than 500 hours went directly to education of area youth about the dangers of drug use and the promotion of a drug-free lifestyle. Nearly 800 Sailor and Marine volunteers interacted with several organizations, including Sea Cadets and Boy Scouts of America. Additionally, staff and students volunteered for the Harrison County Sheriff’s youth programs, reaching out to more than 2,000 students in three area schools.

Knapp added that along with the command’s volunteer program, programs and activities were created to promote responsible use of alcohol for Sailors, Marines, and Airmen on 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," said Knapp. "This particular program is comprised of both Navy and Marine staff and students, and 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 under Naval Education and Training Command.

Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.

For more news from Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, visit www.navy.mil/.