Photo By Chief Petty Officer Edna Rodriguez | SAN DIEGO -- Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training students, overseen by...... read more read more
SAN DIEGO – A unique collaboration between the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) North Island and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 35 is proving to be a win-win initiative that strengthens fleet readiness, enhances safety, and prepares the next generation of aircraft maintainers through hands-on experience.
The partnership began in December 2023, when HSM-35 Executive Officer Cmdr. Donald Safford met CNATTU North Island Commanding Officer Cmdr. Robert Kersey during the Prospective Commanding Officer training pipeline. Their discussion about common manning and training challenges laid the groundwork for a program that would send CNATTU students on hold to HSM-35 for real-world fleet exposure.
“HSM-35 had an unscheduled deployment and was short on personnel,” Safford said. “Bringing in CNATTU students not only helped ease the workload but gave our team leadership and instructor opportunities—training students in areas like flight line safety, corrosion control, and ‘by the book’ maintenance.”
For the students, the experience has been equally valuable. Several Sailors shared that they gained a better understanding of their rating, saw the job beyond the classroom, and felt more mentally prepared for their first fleet assignments.
Aviation Machinist’s Mate Elijah Taa noted, “I really did enjoy going to HSM-35. I made some friends and gained a lot of knowledge.”
Aviation Structural Mechanic Air Recruit Matthew Ward said the experience gave him a better mental picture of what to expect, while Aviation Electrician’s Mate Airman Apprentice Nathan O’Meara emphasized that despite being new and underprepared, he felt like a valued member of the team.
Safford underscored that the collaboration directly supports the Commander, Naval Air Forces, or “Air Boss’s” initiative to reduce Class C aviation ground mishaps (AGMs) by 50 percent.
“Safety and maintenance are not theoretical here—they must be practiced and demonstrated.” Safford said. “Our Sailors teach CNATTU students procedural compliance and reinforce safe, by-the-book maintenance, which benefits everyone.”
Feedback from the HSM-35 team has been overwhelmingly positive.
“One of our E-5s told me, ‘They’re (students) so nice to have. It’s going to be sad to see them go,’” Safford said. “And when I see a new face in a cranial, I assume it’s a new check-in—that’s how integrated they’ve become.”
Areas for improvement include expanding opportunities for hands-on involvement and having CNATTU instructors teach at the squadron during major maintenance periods. But the foundation is strong.
“Now, when we know we’ll be pulling a gearbox or replacing a rotor head, we notify CNATTU so students can observe,” Safford said. “It’s more efficient and relevant.”
This partnership exemplifies the Navy’s commitment to warfighting readiness, safety, and Sailor development.
“We’re investing in our people,” Safford concluded. “This is how we build a more adaptable, mission-ready force.”
| Date Taken: | 06.06.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.06.2025 14:28 |
| Story ID: | 499874 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 55 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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