CNATRA aviation awards

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Chief of Naval Air Training (CNATRA) annually recognizes distinguished aviation training squadrons, and instructors, for their outstanding performance while supporting the mission of training new naval aviators. This year’s squadrons are the “Shooters” of Training Squadron (VT) 6 of NAS Whiting Field (NASWF), Fla., and the “Stingrays” of VT-35 of NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, for training excellence. In FY 2018, both squadrons exceeded mission goals; 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. CNATRA also recognized five individuals for their exemplary support in the training of naval aviators. Instructors of the Year were: Lt. Andrew Galvin assigned to the “Vigilant Eagles” of Helicopter Training Squadron (HT) 18 at NASWF; Lt. Cmdr. Bryan E. Globke assigned to the “Eagles” of VT-7 of NAS Meridian, Miss.; and Lt. Dominic E. Perron assigned to the “Warbucks” of VT-4 at NAS Pensacola, Fla. Along with recognizing of instructors, these awards also distinguish Lt. Cmdr. Sean P. Haight from Training Wing (TW) 5 at NASWF as Flight Surgeon of the Year; and Lt. Matthew T. Axley with VT-7 as the Landing Signal Officer of the Year. CNATRA’s aviation awards program also recognizes the work of students in the flight training pipeline. This year CNATRA recognized seven students for their superior performance in training. The students were: Lt. j.g. Conner J. O’Donnell, winged with the “Redhawks” of VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas; Marine 1st Lt. Michael J. Pence, winged with VT-7; Ensign Nicole J. Nordlie, winged with “Sabrehawks” of VT-86 at NASP; Lt j.g. Thorys J. Stensrud, winged with VT-21; Lt. j.g. Colby W. Shinholser winged with HT-18; Ensign Andrew M. Devries and Marine 1st Lt. Emilee N. Johnson, both winged with VT-35. CNATRA’s distinguished Reserve officer awards went to Lt. Cmdr. Thomas L. Donohoo with VT-35, Lt. Cmdr. Stephen J. Ingersol with the “Wildcats” of VT-10 at NASP; and Lt. Cmdr. Geoffrey L. Dick with VT-21. The CNATRA Squadron Augment Unit of the Year is at VT-6. (Source: CNATRA 06/03/19)