CNATTU North Island Sailors and Marines meticulously planned a command safety ride with the intent to share knowledge, build comradery, and improve riding skills for all participants. Before starting the journey to Carlsbad, California, riders inspected each other’s motorcycles, paperwork, and personal protective equipment followed by a detailed safety brief from Petty Officer 1^st Class Robert Danford, the unit’s motorcycle safety coordinator.

When asked why events like this were so important for Sailors and Marines who ride, Danford said, “The command rides serve many critical purposes. Primarily we are able to really see how other riders ride and from there, start a conversation with each other. These conversations typically end up with motorcycle mentorship leading to increased knowledge and honing of rider skillset. Additionally, the command’s riders are able to take time, decompress and just ride.”

CNATTU North Island Executive Officer Cmdr. Kent Davis kicked off the event, instructing the group to “stay safe and have fun.”

Command riders took off on a 34-mile journey down San Diego County freeways and coastal roads to include planned stops along the way to assess road conditions and riders comfort levels. Riders had the opportunity to practice single file, staggered, and formation riding at varying points along the route. These critical skills are practiced to increase a rider’s experience to navigate heavy San Diego traffic.

Wrapping up the command ride at a gas station, the group conducted an out brief with lessons learned throughout the course of the day. This important event allows riders to gain skills by learning from more experience riders execute their skills in normal and heavy traffic conditions. Each member’s riding experience ranged from 1 to 15 years.  They all agreed the ride was beneficial in improving and maintaining their skill level. The command’s support to provide quarterly rides is an excellent example as to why being part of the United States Navy and Marine Corps is a life-learning experience.

CNATTU North Island is a training unit of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training located at Naval Air Station Pensacola.  CNATT develops, delivers, and supports aviation technical training at 28 sites located throughout the continental United States and Japan.

CNATT is a technical training agent for the Naval Aviation Enterprise; an organization designed to advance and sustain naval aviation war fighting capabilities at an affordable cost.  CNATT is the largest training center under Naval Education and Training Command.