NAVAL AIR STATION JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --  The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Jacksonville held a change of command ceremony Dec. 15.
 
Cmdr. Freddie Koonce was relieved by Cmdr. Michelle Higingbotham as CNATTU Jacksonville’s commanding officer. Capt. Vence Logan, CNATT commanding officer, was the presiding officer.
 
Cmdr. Koonce a native of Kinston, North Carolina, began his naval career in August 1990.  In 2001 he was commissioned as an ensign through the Limited Duty Officer program.  Cmdr. Koonce assumed the duties as the Commanding Officer of Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Jacksonville in February of 2021.
 
“It has been an absolute honor working alongside all the outstanding professionals at CNATTU JAX,” Koonce said during the ceremony.”  The entire team has made significant strides in curriculum development and equipment configurations during the past three years.  I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.  To Cmdr. Higingbotham an
d family; I hope you enjoy your command tour.  Treasure the time, it will go by quickly.  Best of luck to you and your family.”
 
Higingbotham is a native of Chester Gap, Virginia.  She was commissioned under the Limited Duty Officer program in November 2005.  She is CNATTU Jacksonville’s first female commanding officer.
 
 “It is a tremendous honor and privilege for me to assume command,” Higingbotham said during the ceremony. I can’t think of a more challenging or rewarding job.  I also would like to say “Fair Winds and Following Seas” to Cmdr. Koonce and wish him only the best that life has to offer him and his family, as he ventures out in the next phase of his life’s journey.  Lastly, I’m supported by the very best CNATTU JAX staff and “training and readiness”, will be priority one as we go forward with our mission.  We will continue to ensure every student departs CNATTU Jacksonville with the most ready relevant learning possible to achieve their apprentice or journeyman qualifications expeditiously to ensure our flight lines are manned to take the fight to the enemy.”

The CNATTU Jacksonville staff also welcomed Cmdr. David L. Badman at their new executive officer. CNATTU Jacksonville’s overall readiness and success for CY-2022 was remarkable.  More than 5,200 Navy, Marine, and foreign military students graduated to support multiple war fighting platforms in the Fleet and around the world.

Higingbotham's and Badman's biographies can be read here: https://www.netc.navy.mil/Commands/Center-for-Naval-Aviation-Technical-Training/Jacksonville/Leadership/