A Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) Marine was recognized by the Marine Corps Aviation Association (MCAA) during an awards ceremony May 20 in New Bern, North Carolina.

CNATT Technical Support Directorate F-35 Integrated Product Team Lead, Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Scott Colagrossi II, received the Michael A. Hough Acquisition Award. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Robert Neller, presented the award at the annual MCAA awards banquet.

An Escalon, California native, Colagrossi said receiving the award showcases the teamwork he feels underscores the sense of community aviation maintainers employ.

"The Marines and Sailors at CNATT are always working together to improve our methods of ensuring we're delivering the right training at the right time to the right Sailors and Marines," he said. "The CNATT family excels at training, and awards such as this are the result of a team effort, and I couldn't be prouder of my command."

Although a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic (6217 Military Occupation Specialty), Colagrossi currently serves as an integral part of CNATT's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. He played a key factor in the acquisition of a $40 million contract for the F-35 school house trainers at CNATT Detachment Eglin at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

Colagrossi also played a pivotal role in the acquisition of four F-135 engines -- an effort which significantly enhanced the training throughput of F-35 power plant mechanics.

The Michael A. Hough Acquisition Award was established in honor of Lt. Gen. Mike Hough, who served as deputy commandant for aviation and as director of the Joint Strike Fighter Program. The award is presented by the MCAA to recognize excellence and superior achievement by a Marine assigned to the acquisition field.

The MCAA is a nonprofit organization that recognizes professional excellence in Marine aviation, through 29 aviation awards educating the public on Marine Corps aviation history and heritage.

CNATT Detachment Eglin develops, delivers and supports aviation technical training necessary to sustain the 5th generation F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and is a part of CNATT.

CNATT is the 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 the Naval Education and Training Command.

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