NAVAL AIR STATION WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. – Commander Kirt N. Yeiser relieved Cmdr. Richard F. Baier during a change of command ceremony for Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Whidbey Island April 2.
Capt. Michael A. Polito, CNATT commander, served as the event’s presiding officer and guest speaker. The unit’s staff witnessed the ceremony and bid farewell to Baier as he addressed the Sailors and civilians for a final time.
During his remarks, Baier thanked the staff for their support during his three-year tour.
“CNATTU Whidbey has been the highlight of my career,” Baier said. “We successfully captured lightning in bottle through sustained positive attitudes, relentless drive, and resolute execution in everything we thought, said, and did. We delivered the finest aviation professionals to the fleet, whose impact was immediate and lasting during real-world combat operations around the world. Our focus, drive, and efforts were our superpowers, and we accomplished the highest levels of performance through our unified purpose. I thank each one of you superstars. I am grateful to have been your skipper and look forward to tracking your personal and professional successes in the coming years. Continue crushing the mission, lift where you stand, and always help your brothers and sisters.”
Baier will be transferring to Commander, Electronic Attack Wing Pacific to serve as the wing’s maintenance officer. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January 1996 as an aviation electronics technician airman recruit and completed training in Great Lakes, Illinois. He was promoted to chief petty officer in 2006 and was commissioned as a limited duty officer in 2007.
Asked what he looks forward to when he transfers, Baier responded, “I look forward to stepping back into the operational arena as an aviation maintenance leader within one of the military’s most cutting-edge communities, at a time when the US Navy’s ability to project sea power is most needed. I feel blessed to have been able to do this for as long as I have and look forward to contributing to the Naval Aviation Enterprise in a meaningful way.” Baier’s last remarks to his successor Yeiser were, “Continue to lead by example, with a sustained positive attitude, empowering our Warriors to operate at the highest levels, and your command tour will be the most rewarding tour of your career.”
Yeiser is a native of Winchester, Kentucky. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1997 and started his naval career at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, Illinois, followed by Aviation Structural Mechanic Hydraulics A-school in Pensacola, Florida. Yeiser was promoted to chief petty officer in September 2006 and was commissioned in 2008 under the limited duty officer program.
Yeiser, who served as the unit’s executive officer for over a year, commented on taking over as CNATTU Whidbey Island’s commanding officer:
“I’m excited and humbled to serve as the 19th commanding officer while continuing the legacy left by Cmdr. Baier,” Yeiser said. “The tides of conflict around the world are on the rise and our mission has never been more important. As the Navy continues to recruit at record levels, we’re the last stop for many of our newest warfighters before reporting to their first operational commands. We will continue to provide the finest and most relevant training possible to our EA-18G, P-8A, and shipboard students across the fleet to fight and win in combat. I wish Skipper Baier the best of luck in his next assignment. I am grateful for his awesome example, humility in all that he does, and selfless dedication to this command. We built a strong relationship, and our command’s successes were a testament to his direction and guidance while leading our outstanding team.”
CNATT Whidbey Island staff also welcomes Cmdr. Shawn Horigan as the unit's new executive officer.
CNATTU Whidbey Island is a training unit of Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. CNATT’s mission is to advise on development and manage the delivery, sustainment and continual improvement of technical training for Sailors and Marines operating, maintaining and repairing aircraft weapons systems and associated equipment in support of Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) approved requirements.
CNATTU Whidbey Island provides initial rate “A” school and advanced career “C” school training on the EA-18G, as well as training in Micro-Miniature Repair (2M), Senior Enlisted Aviation Maintenance (SEAM), Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) administration, and Shipboard Aircraft Firefighting.