Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) North Island Sailors and Marines celebrated African American/Black History Month at the command's headquarters onboard Naval Air Station North Island, California, Feb. 16.

The observance, organized by the CNATTU North Island diversity committee, included presentations centered on the 2018 Black History Month theme "African Americans in Times of War." Presentations highlighted African-American service member contributions during the Revolutionary War and the U.S. Army's 369th Infantry Regiment's "Harlem Hellfighters" during World War I, when not one Soldier in the regiment lost his life on the battlefield.

"Whether it's blue or green uniforms, we are the leading force of this world, and it does not matter the color of our skin," said the guest speaker, Command Master Chief Jasen Williams, Fleet Chief Petty Officer Training Team. "Regardless of our skin color or where we come from we have a job to do, and that is to defeat the enemy. That's what our shipmates and fellow service members did before us, and that's what we will continue to do."

CNATTU North Island diversity committee members also created posters highlighting contributions, as well as illustrating some of the difficulties faced by African American service members.

"From not being accepted for service during World War I and World War II, to now commanding naval ships, serving as battalion commanders, and rising to the rank of admiral or general, African Americans have undeniably placed their mark in the history of our nation's armed forces," said Cmdr. Kenneth Sanchez, the CNATTU North Island commanding officer. "This illustrates how our nation has grown, and how service members today are embracing diversity."

CNATTU North Island is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. CNATT develops, delivers and supports aviation technical training at 28 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.

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