Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) promoted a chief petty officer to the Officer ranks during a commissioning ceremony held at the Chiefs’ Club March 1.

Chief Aviation Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Trent A. Barnes became an officer as part of the Limited Duty Officer (LDO) program, which allows senior enlisted personnel considered highly skilled in their job a means of becoming a commissioned officer.

He was one of 23 aviation maintenance (6632) LDOs the Navy chose during the FY10 active-duty selection cycle. His mother, immediate family, and fellow chiefs and officers were in attendance.

“It’s great to have such a motivated and intelligent person working with you, taking care of his shipmates. This is what will make him an outstanding Officer,” said Cmdr. David Latosky, commanding officer of CNATTU Whidbey Island.

Barnes’s career truly is the epitome of “Up from the ranks”. He joined the Navy in September 1994 as an E-1, left USS Monterey (CG-61) in 1999 as a Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class, transferred to VX-1 in Patuxent River, Md., cross-rated to aviation electronics technician in 2002, achieved the rank of AT1 while attached to VAQ-133, and promoted to chief during his shore tour at CNATTU Whidbey Island.

“My broad goal as a Mustang is to continue to develop as a leader, and to do my part in developing the leaders of tomorrow,” said Barnes. “I am tremendously grateful for the mentorship and camaraderie I experienced over my last 15 years of service and look forward to upholding those virtues of the Navy in the years ahead.”

When asked if he has any departing words for Sailors at CNATTU, Barnes replied, “The pride and professionalism at CNATTU Whidbey Island is second to none and I will definitely miss the Shipmates I have served with. The command has been like a family to me and is truly a team environment.”

Barnes will leave CNATTU on March 16 to attend a five-week course at the Officer Indoctrination School (OIS) in Newport, R.I. The school provides LDO selectees with a full schedule of academic studies, military indoctrination and physical fitness training.

Upon completion of OIS, Barnes will return to Whidbey Island and be assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron 139.