The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler held a combined graduation ceremony for Aerographer's Mate (AG) "A" and "C" schools at the Weather Training Complex onboard Keesler Air Force Base, Sept. 28.

Addressing the four AG "A" school graduates, Cmdr. Timothy Knapp, CNATTU Keesler commanding officer, commented on the past 20 weeks of training.

"Understanding and predicting the real-life weather is why Sailors in the aerographer's mate rating spend so much time in school," said Knapp. "You'll be taking the tools you've learned at CNATTU Keesler to the fleet and providing important analysis used in the planning of all Navy operations."

The AG "A" school course concentrates on principles of basic meteorology and oceanography. Students are taught to observe and record meteorological and oceanographic data. They also learn how to encode data into national and international code forms for dissemination while serving aboard ships and at naval oceanography command activities.

The 31-week AG "C"school course prepares students for forecasting and briefing duties for meteorological and oceanographic support of deployable ships and aircraft. They learn how atmospheric and oceanographic conditions can impact ship and aircraft transit paths, and how to effectively communicate these conditions as required.

"These Sailors will be responsible for examining data from existing weather conditions and comparing these with historical data to form an accurate picture of what could develop," said Knapp.

Commander, Naval Meteorology Oceanography Command (CNMOC) Rear Adm. John Okon served as the guest speaker and was accompanied by CNMOC Command Master Chief Robert Picchi.

AG "C" School graduates Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Connor Bias, Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Olivia Giles, Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Demetria Manderville, Aerographer's Mate 1st Class Michael McGee and Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Charles McKinney reenlisted following the graduation, with Okon administering the oath of reenlistment. Collectively the Sailors received more than $99,000 in selective reenlistment bonuses.

"It was an honor and privilege to graduate with the AG "A" school class and to have Rear Adm. Okon administer our oath," said McGee.

Naval Oceanography provides information on the physical environment - including wind, weather, wave height, currents, temperature and precise time - that is required by Navy ships, submarines, aircraft, and special forces to operate and navigate safely and effectively. Its mission impacts every fleet platform and Sailor across every warfare area around the globe.

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, 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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