CNATTU Lemoore welcomes new leadership

LEMOORE, Calif. -- Commander Manuel Sanchez relieved Cmdr. Shawn Rumbley as commanding officer of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Lemoore during an outdoor change of command ceremony today. 

While in command of CNATTU Lemoore, Rumbley was responsible for more than 135 personnel daily, encompassing 56 courses of instruction, while serving a student population of more than 300.
 
Staff and guests witnessed the outdoor ceremony during a COVID-19-measured setting. CNATTU Lemoore also welcomed Cmdr. Riley Swinney as the new executive officer.  Sanchez had served as the command’s executive officer since May 2020.

Taking command during the continuous improvements brought on by the Sailor 2025 Program, Sanchez expressed gratitude and praise toward Cmdr. Rumbley’s footprint on the command.

“Commander Rumbley was a lead from the front commanding officer who set the standards on innovation and supporting the fleet with top quality training," Sanchez said.  "His laser focus led our team in flawlessly executing the mission while genuinely caring for the professional development and safety of all his staff and students.  His tenure as commanding officer was under the COVID pandemic however, under his charge, the CNATTU team with no interruption to mission produced quality Sailors and Marines capable of produce and maintain aircraft readiness to succeed in combat.  I want to sincerely thank him for his leadership and mentorship he provided me as his executive officer and wish him nothing but the best in his new role as Strike Fighter Wing Pacific maintenance officer where he will undoubtedly help take the Lemoore flight line to new levels of readiness and success.”

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 Ready Relevant Learning set for modernization initiatives, CNATTU Lemoore brings concentrated training to the flight line with Broad Unscheduled Rapid Support Training courses, Learn to Win structured training and, building an aviation safety culture with an emphasis on Warrior Toughness.

Sanchez also had a message for the Sailors, Marines and civilian staff.

“To CNATTU Lemoore team and CNATT domain leadership, my commitment to you is to lead by example and capitalize on our team’s subject matter expertise in order to meet all of NETC and CNATT mission objectives in support of our fleet customers," Sanchez said. "I am extremely honored for the opportunity to command and look forward to instilling teamwork and excellence while maintaining high standards, a culture of professional and personal conduct, innovation, proficiency and efficiency.”

Sanchez, a native of Beeville, Texas, joined the U.S. Navy in May 1990. After completing recruit training, he attended Aviation Maintenance Administrationman “A” School.  He later earned his commission as an ensign through the Limited Duty Officer Program. He has a Bachelors of Science in Technical Management from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and a Masters of Engineering in Technical Management from Texas A&M University.

His enlisted tours include Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron (HM) 12, Naval Station (NAS) Norfolk, Virginia; Fighter Squadron (VF) 74, NAS Oceana, Virginia; USS Wasp (LHD 1) based at Norfolk, Virginia; Navy Recruiting District Houston, Texas; and Sea Control Squadron (VS) 21, Naval Air Facility (NAF) Atsugi, Japan.

As an officer, his operational and at-sea tours include Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 27 as maintenance/material control officer and assistant maintenance officer, NAF Atsugi, Japan; Blue Angels as maintenance officer, NAS Pensacola, Florida; Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 as maintenance/material control officer and assistant maintenance officer, NAS North Island, California; and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 as maintenance officer, NAS Lemoore, California.
 
His ashore assignments include Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 as maintenance/material control officer, NAS Point Mugu, California; Fleet Readiness Center Southeast as maintenance/material control officer, assistant maintenance officer, and the command’s initial AIRSpeed Lean Six Sigma officer, NAS Jacksonville, Florida; and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 41 as maintenance officer, NAS North Island, California. 

His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (seven awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two awards), and various unit and service awards. He was awarded the Helicopter Strike Maritime Wing, Pacific Senior Maintenance Officer of the Year in 2018.