CNATRA recognizes aviation training excellence
Each year Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) recognizes distinguished aviation training squadrons, as well as individuals, for their outstanding performance while supporting CNATRA’s mission training new naval aviators.
This year, CNATRA recognized the “Shooters” of Training Squadron (VT) 6 (primary) and the “Stingrays” of VT-35 (advanced) for training excellence.
During the 2018 fiscal year both VT-6 and VT-35 exceeded mission goals set for the year. They graduated more pilots while using fewer resources and maintaining the highest level of safety and professionalism. VT-35 also received the Vice Adm. Robert Goldthwaite Training Excellence Award.
“It humbles me to see how many nominations come in for these awards each year, and to see the absolute passion and dedication of our team,” said CNATRA Rear Adm. Gregory Harris. “These awards are a chance for us to highlight that excellent work they do every day and to say thank you as we work together to produce the finest military aviators in the world.”
CNATRA also recognized five individuals for their exemplary support in the training of naval aviators.
Instructors of the Year are: Lt. Andrew Galvin assigned to the “Vigilant Eagles” of Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 18, Lt. Cmdr. Bryan E. Globke assigned to the “Eagles” of VT-7, and Lt. Dominic E. Perron assigned to the “Warbucks” of VT-4. Their dedication to student success in and out of the aircraft ensured students received the best training possible to prepare them for the fleet.
A huge number of personnel support CNATRA’s mission. Along with recognizing the instructors, these awards also distinguish Lt. Cmdr. Sean P. Haight from Training Wing (TW) 5 as the Flight Surgeon of the Year and Lt. Matthew T. Axley with VT-7 as the Landing Signal Officer of the Year. Their exemplary performance ensured students’ smooth progression through training.
In addition to the dedicated instructor pilots and support staff, CNATRA’s aviation awards program also recognizes the hard work of students in the flight training pipeline.
This year CNATRA recognized seven students for their superior performance in various stages of training.
The distinguished students are: Lt. j.g. Conner J. O’Donnell, winged with the “Red-hawks” of VT-21; Marine 1st Lt. Michael J. Pence, winged with VT-7; Ensign Nicole J. Nordlie, winged with “Sabrehawks” of VT-86; Lt j.g. Thorys J. Stensrud, winged with VT-21; Lt. j.g. Colby W. Shinholser winged with VT-18; Ensign Andrew M. Devries winged with VT-35; and Marine 1st Lt. Emilee N. Johnson winged with VT-35.
Navy Reserve members play a vital role in the training of student naval aviators. These individuals maintain superior knowledge and performance of their military duties in addition to their civilian careers.
The distinguished Reserve officer awards this year go to Lt. Cmdr. Thomas L. Donohoo with VT-35, Lt. Cmdr. Stephen J. Ingersol with the “Wildcats” of VT-10, and Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey L. Dick with VT-21. The CNATRA Squadron Augment Unit of the Year is VT-6 SAU.
CNATRA, headquartered in Corpus Christi, trains the world’s finest combat quality aviation professionals, delivering them at the right time, in the right numbers, and at the right cost to a naval force that is where it matters, when it matters.