NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. – Cmdr. Elouise Hurst relieved Cmdr. Marcus Creighton as commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Norfolk during a change of command ceremony June 16.

While in command of CNATTU Norfolk, Creighton was responsible for over 170 personnel daily, encompassing 2,020 class convenes and a student population of 14,368.

“I am equal parts honored and humbled by the opportunity I’ve had to serve as commanding officer of this organization," Creighton said.  "We faced unprecedented challenge brought on by the pandemic.  We remained committed to the mission, we relied upon each other, reminded ourselves that we are a family, and we persevered.  We each faced our own individual set of hardships, and we supported each other.  We worked through it all while maintaining the integrity of the Naval Aviation Enterprise’s new accession pipeline.  We never faltered in our mandate to provide well-trained Sailors to the fleet.” 
    
A native of Marble, Colorado, Hurst enlisted in the Navy in 1992 as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) and advanced through the ranks to Aviation Structural Mechanic Chief.  She commissioned through the Limited Duty Officer program in 2005.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Hurst earned a Bachelor of Science (Professional Aeronautics) in 2019.
  
Hurst’s fleet operational assignments include tours as an aviation structural mechanic, detachment maintenance officer, maintenance material control officer, quality assurance officer, and Carrier Air Wing maintenance officer for Fleet Composite Squadron (VC) 10, Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, Fighter Squadron (VF) 213, Fighter Squadron (VF) 101, Fighter Squadron (VF) 103, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 9, and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 .  Additionally, she served an individual augmentee tour with the U.S Army’s Charlie Company, 422^nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Mosul, Iraq.  During these tours, she participated in multiple campaigns including Southern Watch, Noble Eagle, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Ashore, Hurst served as maintenance material control and assistant maintenance cfficer for Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 and (VFA)122, and as assistant officer-in-charge at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic, Detachment Norfolk.
  
During her distinguished naval career, she earned the professional aviation maintenance officer and enlisted aviation warfare designations.  Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (six awards), Army Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (five awards), Army Achievement Medal, Good Conduct Medal (five awards) and various unit, campaign, and service awards
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Upon her assumption of duties, Hurst expressed that she is both honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as Commanding Officer of CNATTU Norfolk.

“I will work hard to provide this staff with every opportunity to succeed, both personally and professionally, and to have an impact on shaping the training for the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians and managers.” said Hurst. “We will strive each day to provide the Naval Aviation Enterprise with highly-effective Officers, Sailors and Marines in pursuit of its mission by delivering the best training, forward-leaning initiatives and continuous collaboration and communication with the aviation communities we support.”

Hurst stated that “In doing so, we will place a premium on our people, treating each other with dignity and respect, and work to support each other.  We will in turn hold each other accountable to operate as our best selves, each giving their utmost effort.  I am committed to doing everything in my power to deliver continued success, personal and professional growth, and ultimate mission accomplishment.

Creighton had this to say to Hurst in parting: “You are a phenomenal Naval officer, and an even better person.  This organization will thrive under your leadership.  Trust yourself and lead from a position of confidence, all the while relying self-reflection and the counsel of the triad.  Please remember to enjoy the ride, you’ll soon discover it is fleeting.”
 
The command also welcomes Cmdr. Mark Demaree as their new executive officer. Demaree enlisted in 1995 and has had an array of assignments that will add to the exceptional experience present at CNATTU Norfolk.

CNATTU Norfolk provides rate specific aviation technical training necessary to meet requirements, while professionally delivering specialized aviation “C” School training to maintain and operate air weapons systems supporting MH-53E/MH-60S Helicopters, E-2C/D Airborne Early Warning Aircraft, C-2A(R) Carrier Onboard Delivery Aircraft, Airborne Mine Counter Measure (AMCM), MQ-8C Fire Scout, Aviation Maintenance Administration Management, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AB), Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), Interior Communications Electrician (IC) and Aircrew Survival Equipmentmen (PR) professional and rating skills.

For additional information on the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Norfolk, visit the website: https://www.netc.navy.mil/CNATTNorfolk/. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNATTUNorfolk.