The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) Depot Cherry Point conducted its annual refresher training recently for personnel qualified to work in the command’s Goldplate program.

Goldplate is a nickname for the depot’s maintenance program supporting the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1). It consists of 106 NADEP artisans and support personnel who are cleared to work on a presidential helicopter when it comes to the depot for maintenance. About 40 people attended each of the two classes that were taught by the depot’s two Goldplate instructors, Security Specialist Jeff Grunigen and Program Manager GySgt Jose Munagorri.

“The training is designed to keep employees up to date on where we’re at with the program,” Grunigen said. “Goldplate is a special access program that requires an employee to pass a rigorous background investigation to qualify. It’s a very prestigious program to be part of.”

NAVAIR Depot Cherry Point provides maintenance, engineering, and logistics support on a variety of aircraft, engines, and components for all branches of the U.S. armed forces. Employing almost 4,000 people, the depot is the only source of repair within the continental United States for many jet and rotary wing engines. It is the Navy’s center of excellence for rotary wing aircraft, providing engineering and logistics support for all Navy helicopters.

Grunigen said the command went through a Goldplate inspection on April 23 that was conducted by inspectors from HMX-1 and NAVAIR. The result of the inspection was a reflection on the high caliber of the depot’s program.

“It was a thorough inspection from the top down,” Grunigen said, “and we had no discrepancies.”

Photo Caption: As instructor Jeff Grunigen looks on in a classroom at the NAVAIR Depot Cherry Point, LtCol Loius Cipriani gives an introductory presentation to depot employees about the Goldplate program prior to the start of the annual refresher training class. The colonel, who was formerly a pilot in the Presidential Helicopter Squadron (HMX-1), spoke about his experiences with the squadron and what it means to be involved with the Goldplate program. (Photo by Gary Rice)