The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Det.Whiting Field graduated the first Aviation Supply Officer School Basic Qualification Course (BQC) Nov. 22 during a ceremony onboard Naval Air Station Whiting Field.

Marine Aviation Training Support Group 23 Commanding Officer Col. Donald Chipman served as the guest speaker for the event where 15 Marine Corps warrant officers and company-grade unrestricted officers were recognized for completing the 14-week course.

Marine Corps Capt. Ryan Iden, CNATT Det. Whiting Field Military Training Unit director ,said the initial completion of the class at Whiting Field signifies the first step in achieving an aviation logistics center of excellence concept to enhance training and future specialty interaction in an operational setting.

The BQC was previously taught at Marine Det. Newport, Rhode Island. The first class at CNATT Det. Whiting Field convened in August, and future BQCs are scheduled to convene twice annually, with an estimated 50 Marines completing the course each year.

"With all Marine aviation supply schools now colocated at CNATT Det. Whiting Field, the capability of 'cross-pollination' among aviation maintenance officers, aviation ordnance officers and aviation supply officers can only help to promote relationships and growth within Marine Corps aviation logistics specialists," said Iden.

The BQC introduces Marine aviation supply officer studentsto Navy and Marine Corps orders, instructions and directives regulating aviation logistics; aviation automated management systems; repairable and financial management programs;, budgeting and accounting functions; aviation inventory functions; and warehousing operations.

"The course is designed to provide the training necessary to lead, manage, plan, direct, analyze and control the performance and execution of aviation supply functions within the divisions of a Marine aviation logistics squadron ,"said Iden. "The added benefit of an aviation logistics center of excellence is that it fosters an environment to cultivate those important relationships among the different disciplines of logisticians. I believe this concept will pay dividends in the future, leading to a more cohesive and integrated aviation logistics community, better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow."

CNATT Det. Whiting Field oversees the technical training for more than 450 Navy, Marine Corps and international military officer and enlisted students annually in the instruction, curriculum development and maintenance of seven aviation maintenance management and aviation ordnance officer career progression courses.

CNATT Det.Whiting Field is a training unit of CNATT located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. 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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