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Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Lemoore Welcomes New Leadership

22 May 2020
Cmdr. Shawn Rumbley relieved Cmdr. Ronnie Harper as commanding officer of Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore during a COVID-19-conscious virtual change of command ceremony May 14.

Cmdr. Shawn Rumbley relieved Cmdr. Ronnie Harper as commanding officer of Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore during a COVID-19-conscious virtual change of command ceremony May 14.

CNATT Commanding Officer Capt. Bryant Hepstall participated in the ceremony virtually via telephone from Pensacola, Florida.  CNATTU Lemoore also welcomed Cmdr. Manuel Sanchez as its new executive officer.  Rumbley had been the unit’s executive officer since September 2018.

CNATTU Lemoore equips Sailors and Marines with the necessary F/A-18 knowledge, skills, and abilities to function at the highest technical standards in naval aviation maintenance.  At the forefront of Sailor 2025 training modernization initiatives, CNATTU Lemoore is bringing concentrated training to the flight line with Broad Unscheduled Rapid Support Training courses, and shifting aviation safety culture with Aviation Maintenance Never Events training.

The Navy Sailor 2025 initiative is evolving the current learning model to improve and modernize training systems by more effectively developing, managing, and retaining the force of tomorrow. The program focuses on empowering Sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure Sailors are ready for the Fleet.

Taking command during this period of dynamic change brought on by the Sailor 2025 program, Rumbley expressed gratitude and displayed an eagerness to continue building towards training modernization goals.

“Commander Harper served as a superb role model while leading this phenomenal team during many innovations which raised the standard of training the fleet.  I want to thank him for his leadership and look forward to working with him in his new role at Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, our number one customer, as CNATTU Lemoore continues to produce highly trained and resilient Sailors and Marines capable of generating aircraft readiness to succeed in combat.”

Rumbley also had a message for the Sailors and Marines who listened in via telephone.

“To the staff and domain leadership, my pledge to you is to lead from the front and leverage the many talents of this high performing team of professionals to completely support the NETC and CNATT vision and mission to best serve our fleet customers. I am very excited for the opportunity to command and look forward to fostering a command climate that embodies a continuing Culture of Excellence, where high standards of professional and personal conduct, creativity, and efficiency are normalized throughout the command.”

Rumbley, a native of Detroit, Michigan, enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1988. After attending basic training at Recruit Training Command San Diego, California, he attended seaman apprentice training, initially served as an undesignated seaman, and then converted to aviation electrician’s mate (AE). He later earned his commission as an ensign through the Limited Duty Officer Program.

His enlisted tours include USS Fresno (LST 1182), based at Naval Station Long Beach, California, where he served in numerous deck department positions; Fighter Squadron (VF) 124 stationed at Naval Air Station (NAS) Miramar, California, the F-14 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS), which disestablished in 1996 and became VF-101 Det. Miramar; and VF-213, changing stations to NAS Oceana, Virginia, where he completed three deployments and served as AE leading petty officer (LPO), avionics division LPO, FDC, and maintenance control LPO. He was selected as the squadron’s fiscal year 1998 Sailor of the Year.

His operational and at-sea officer tours include VF-213, where he completed two deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and served as the material control officer (MCO), maintenance/material control officer (MMCO), and assistant maintenance officer (AMO); USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) as AMO and MMCO, completing the ship’s maiden deployment where she earned the Battle “E” her first operational year; Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic as the readiness officer, providing logistical oversight to 17 squadrons; Carrier Air Wing 1 as maintenance officer (MO); and Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 120 E-2/C-2 FRS as the MO.

His ashore officer assignments include the Personnel Exchange Program, Ottawa Ontario, Canada assigned to the Canadian Forces in the Directorate of Technical Airworthiness, leading a team of 14 engineers and two technologists in the procurement of avionics for the Canadian Forces CF-18 mid-life avionics upgrade program. He also served at Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) Oceana as quality assurance officer, legal officer, safety officer and power plants division officer. He participated in the transition of AIMD Oceana to Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic on the commanding officer’s staff.

Rumbley holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a vocational Associate of Applied Science in Electronics Engineering Technologies.

CNATT’s mission is to develop, deliver, and support aviation training necessary to meet validated Fleet requirements. Its mission aligns perfectly with MyNavy HR Pillar 1, Force Development, ensuring Sailors and Marines are equipped with the specific skills they need to do their jobs and having access to career enhancement opportunities.

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