Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) North Island Sailors and Marines participated in a Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month training session April 27.

CNATTU North Island Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) service members organized the event which included presentations about the impact of a sexual assault from a victim's perspective, the command's commitment toward ending sexual assault and the history of 'Denim Day', a symbolic protest against relaxed attitudes toward sexual assault.

"Sexual assault, along with the awareness, prevention and reporting methods, are a crucial part of our Navy," said CNATTU North Island Commanding Officer Cmdr. Kenneth Sanchez. "Reinforcing the proper reporting procedures, policies and guidance and the Navy's commitment to protecting those who report sexual assault is our responsibility as instructors and leaders."

CNATTU North Island SAAPM Training guest speakers included Commander, Navy Region Southwest (CNRSW) Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) Kelly Smith, and CNRSW Civil Victim Advocate Coordinator Lynnea Fountain. Both spoke about the importance of command efforts in ending sexual assault, ensuring reporting procedures are followed and of individual responsibilities in the prevention of sexual assault and care for victims .

Observed in April, SAAPM has been a key part of the Navy's SAPR program for more than 15 years. This year's SAAPM theme was "Protecting our People Protects our Mission," which served as a reminder to all Navy personnel that everyone plays a role in ensuring service members should be able to live and work free from the threat of sexual assault.

CNATTU North Island is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola. 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, and is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.

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