A Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore Sailor organized a blood drive at the CNATTU Lemoore schoolhouse Aug. 21. Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class Brandi Watanabe, a native of Sonoroa, Texas and 14-year veteran, coordinated the event, which surpassed the day's original goal of 60 by collecting 67 pints of blood for the Central California Blood Center. "A little bit goes a long way, especially during the summer months, where statistically a need for blood increases," said Watanabe, who is an aviation maintenance administration and management training division instructor. The unit's efforts have donated almost 190 pints during four blood drives arranged by Watanabe so far this year, with the next one planned for November. "Petty Officer Watanabe went above and beyond in driving the event to success and providing the gift of life," said CNATTU Lemoore Commanding Officer Cmdr. Tommy Edgeworth. "The Central California Blood Center has provided CNATTU Lemoore a great opportunity for our staff and students to give back and support the local community." The blood center works with 30 area hospitals and their facilities throughout five counties, including Kings and Fresno counties, where Naval Air Station Lemoore is located. "Giving blood is important to me, because I have the chance to save lives and help others by giving a few minutes of my time," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Michael Burke, instructional systems development leading petty officer. "I have the universal blood type and feel a sense of responsibility to share that with others." CNATTU Lemoore is a training unit specific to the FA-18 Hornet platform, and is part of CNATT, headquartered aboard 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 (NAE) an organization designed to advance and sustain Naval Aviation warfighting capabilities at an affordable cost, and is a training center under Naval Education and Training Command (NETC).

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