Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Keesler Sailors and Marines are volunteering with Keesler Air Force Base (AFB) service members in the Biloxi, Mississippi, area through the base's White Rope Leadership Program.

The program, named for the white aiguillette, or shoulder rope, is student-led and based on service to others through leadership, community and spiritual formation, and service opportunities.

CNATTU Keesler Commanding Officer Cmdr. Timothy Knapp said the program provides Keesler AFB junior Sailors and Marines an opportunity to learn a work-life balance and build coping skills which could help them develop the requisite long-term mental resilience a military career can require.

"In his 'A Design for Maintaining Superiority,' the CNO (chief of naval operations) listed toughness as one of his four core attributes," said Knapp. "The Keesler AFB White Rope program is one way to take his vision and execute it at the deckplate level."

Knapp added a benefit of being a Navy command on an Air Force base is programs such as the White Rope Leadership Program are avenues for Sailors to integrate the "purple" line of the CNO's design into their day-to-day lives because they are fully immersed in a joint training environment.

Of the more than 600 white ropes at Keesler AFB annually volunteering their services in the Biloxi area, more than 400 are assigned to CNATTU Keesler as students. With the majority of service members involved in the program at Keesler AFB as students, the number of individuals active in the program varies monthly as students complete their courses and transfer to permanent duty stations. In 2016, the organization's members volunteered more than 15,000 hours at local food banks, homeless shelters, and during other community relations events along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

"The current group of Navy White Ropes is very impressive, and I am sincerely thankful for their services," said Air Force Capt. Rashaundra Singleton, a chaplain with the Technical Training Ministry. "They have used their God-given skills to mentor and equip future White Ropes and are leaving a lasting legacy here at Keesler."

White Ropes are role models and are held to high standards of military bearing, academics, and behavior. White Rope prospects must qualify academically and be in good moral standing. After a two-week training period under current White Ropes, a written and oral exam is given on the White Rope mission, logistical procedures, and expectations. Upon successful completion of these tasks, students receive their white rope.

Singleton said along with the personal satisfaction she's noticed in students involved in the program, she sees a recognition and understanding of the joint arena in which service members today can become involved.

"This kind of experience will help Sailors, Marines, and Airmen who will leave technical school and be assigned in a joint-service environment," said Singleton. "This exposure, especially at the start of their career, will give them the capability to work in a variety of situations. It will help them understand and grasp the way different interfaces work. They will be resourceful and help both service members and the community, and even be prepared if unique situations were to arise."

According to the Branch Chief of the Technical Training Ministry, Air Force Maj. Wade S. Matuska, White Ropes can be a direct conduit between the student population and the chaplain's office, often providing vital feedback to the chaplain. While they are not to counsel fellow students, each White Rope is thoroughly familiarized with different reporting procedures for potential issues which they could encounter.

White Ropes also facilitate and organize events through the Fishbowl Ministry Center located on base. Events include movie nights, karaoke, holiday parties, spouse dinners, sports parties, and game nights. White Ropes are constantly providing a platform to foster community and to care for the well-being of students, spouses, and family members. They are also encouraged to mentor Airmen, Sailors, and Marines in areas of leadership and academics.

Matuska added although the mission of the program is centered around servant leadership, the added benefit of teamwork can have a positive impact on students' potential environments in years to come.

"We want our White Ropes to see this as a joint environment, and that the different strengths of the branches strengthen the entire team," Matuska said.

White Ropes also assist in maintaining the Fishbowl Student Center, a spiritually-based safe haven providing students a place to relax, interact with other students and participate in chaplain's programs such as bible studies, prayer, and community groups.

CNATTU Keesler Meteorology Equipment Maintenance EM Training Division Officer Chief Electronics Technician Glen Moody said he's observed the program over the past few years, seeing it as a student-run organization which can enhance students' training experience through reinforcing the Navy concept of being a Sailor as well as a shipmate.

"The students have no problem finding a place to exercise their bodies, or no trouble finding a place to exercise their minds," said Moody. "Luckily, they have White Ropes to guide them to the Fishbowl, a place in which they can exercise their spirits."

Upcoming White Ropes volunteer efforts scheduled include going to the Fisher House, a temporary lodging facility for hospital patients' families, to prepare and serve food the first Thursday of each month. They are also scheduled to mentor students at Biloxi's Jefferson Davis Elementary School in reading, math, science, and physical education.

"They have committed their time and actions, and they do it with such joyful hearts to serve, said Singleton. "Across the board, they are willing to do whatever it takes to help and ensure people are taken care of."

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 located at 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, 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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