CNATRA hosts Production Alignment Conference

More than 300 personnel from across the Naval Aviation Enterprise met for a semi-annual Production Alignment Conference in San Antonio, Aug. 20-22.

Hosted by the Chief of Naval Air Training, the three-day conference brought together personnel from Chief of Naval Air Training, fleet replacement squadrons, and Navy Personnel Command to align training tracks for fixed wing and rotary aircraft to deliver the right number of aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen to the fleet at the right time.

Chief of Naval Air Training Rear Adm. Dan Dwyer, who assumed command July 26, addressed the group, challenging them to find innovation at every possible level.

“If there’s a barrier, if we’re doing something that doesn’t result in a Fleet cockpit seat being filled, let’s get after all those issues,” Dwyer said.

“I just came from the Fleet where I had the privilege to serve alongside great Americans, aviators, naval flight officers, and naval aircrewmen. I got to see them in action each and every day. I want your teams to understand that what they’re doing is incredibly important to Naval Aviation, and what they’re doing is spot on because the fleet is getting good product.”

Discussions focused on meeting fleet aviation readiness needs. This included the path to achieve optimum production numbers, barriers to production, syllabus improvements, career progression, balancing manning, and personnel retention.

The conference was Dwyer’s first opportunity, since taking command, to meet face-to-face with all of his training air wing leaders together. He addressed strengths and challenges across the command, and shared his vision for the future.