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Enterprise Controllers Undergo Refresher Training

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS041207-09
Release Date: 12/7/2004 11:16:00 AM

By Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Mark A. Ebert, Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- Members of the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) air traffic controller team underwent Carrier Air Traffic Control Center (CATCC) refresher training during the first two weeks in November at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Pensacola, Fla.

The CATCC operation is one of the aspects of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) School curriculum at NATTC and has conducted this training for more than 20 teams from the fleet during the year.

Carrier-based air traffic controllers, like their ground-based counterparts, expedite and maintain a safe and orderly flow of aircraft, and help to prevent collisions.

"Training is essential," said Lt. Mike McCarthy, operations division training officer. "We ensure that the controllers have the training they need to work as a single unit."

The Enterprise team has recently experienced an 85 percent turnover of personnel since their last deployment, with experience ranging from the most senior controller to the new Sailor fresh out of "A" school. The refresher training will help them all perform as a close-knit team.

"My goal is to provide the continuity of training. We want the CATCC on every ship to operate the same," said Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Timothy Remmie, an instructor at the ATC school. "The idea is that as controllers transfer from one ship to another, they will still follow the plans that make their team successful."

Even one of the newest Enterprise Sailors, Air Traffic Controller Seaman Andrea Wood, benefited from the refresher training and looks forward to the carrier getting out of the shipyard and deploying.

"I'm kind of scared about being deployed for the first time, but I'm also excited about taking on a challenging job and new experience," Wood said.