This week’s News and announcements include:
NEW Cookie Drop
Cookies for Troops Pickup Event
NEW Biannual Water Quality Report
Civilian Shopping Privileges at MCX
Rep USMC, Give to CFC
Advisory | Christmas Tree Safety
Advisory | MARADMIN 582/25 OMPF Photos
NMCRS Seeks Volunteer to Crochet Blankets
Budget for Baby Class
Visiting Nurse Services
NEW Office Closures and Services Nonavailability
NEW Approved Outages and Closures
NEW MCCS Weekly Happenings
NEW Extra Opportunities*
Carteret Chamber MAC Cookie Drop
Members of the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee will be at the Public House, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, at 4 p.m., today to deliver its annual supply of Cookies for the Troops. Service members are invited to meet and greet the members and show appreciation to the community organization for its support to the installation and service members.
Annual Cookies for Troops Pickup, Dec. 19
The 22nd Annual Cookies for the Troops Event, presented by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC), will take place from 9-11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 19, at the Public House. The Carteret MAC will bring thousands of cookies to the Air Station for service members who plan to be here during the holiday period. This is the community's way of showing its appreciation to local service members. Unit representatives should pick up their unit's cookies inside the Public House. Cookies are available on a first come, first served basis.
2025 Biannual Water Quality Report
The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 2025 Biannual Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report), for Public Water Supply ID NC0425035, is now available, as required by America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 and the Department of the Navy Memorandum dated Feb. 19, 2021. This report is designed to provide details about the air station’s water, its source, its contents, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. This report is a snapshot of water quality from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2025. View or download the report here. Direct inquiries about this information to Ruan Stewart, Water Program Manager, at 252-466-5917.
Department of Defense/War and Department of Homeland Security civilian employees can now shop at the Marine Corps Exchange, and just in time for the holiday shopping season. Some exclusions apply. Find more information at https://www.mymcx.com.
Finish Strong: Give to CFC
CFC is quickly coming to a close for this giving cycle, as the Office of Personnel Management decided to close the online giving system sooner this year. This has been a very low charitable year across the board for CFC. There are many reasons for this — OPM started a month later than usual, followed by a 43-day government shutdown. Let’s finish strong! Marine Corps donations are the least among the other service branches, according to last week's stats from OPM. OPM has decided to close the online giving system located on https://givecfc.org/ on Dec. 31. However, mail-in donations will be accepted until Jan. 15, 2026, if any personnel would like to donate via paper pledge, get in touch with your units CFC representative and follow the instructions at https://givecfc.org/campaign-workers/handling-paper-pledges to fill it in.
Advisory | Christmas Tree Safety
Almost ⅓ of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Christmas tree fires are not common but are likely very serious if they occur. Heating sources too close to trees causes a fire one in five times. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Medical Services remind the community to be fire smart as it decks the halls this holiday season with a few Christmas Tree Safety points. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas tree can grow very quickly. It offers tips for picking, placing and lighting, and disposing of a tree.
Effective April 1, 2026, the use of official photos will be reinstated for boards that determine assignments, training, education, and command opportunities (NOT promotion), according to MARADMIN 582/25, Requirement Update on Official Photographs for Non-promotion Selection Boards. These boards will use photos as part of their evaluation process to emphasize professional appearance, discipline, fitness, and compliance with height/weight standards. Marines are required to update their official photo within 365 days prior to the convening of a board and submit their photo to Official Military Personnel File (OMPF) no later than 10 business days before board convenes. Photos must be taken by COMMSTRAT sections or authorized DoD photo units in accordance with official guidelines. The use of photos for promotion boards is still prohibited.
NMCRS Seeking Crocheting Volunteers
Do you want to start a hobby in 2026? Looking to volunteer? Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is seeking individuals to volunteer to crochet blanks for its Budget for Babies class. Volunteers would be entered into the organization’s volunteer database and receive 30 hours of community service for each completed blanket. Volunteer Miriam Mellema will teach the class from 1-2 p.m., on select Friday during 2026. Active-duty military volunteers will also receive a letter of appreciation after completion. Open to everyone. Click here: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Crochet Class to sign up.
Budget for Baby Class
The next Budget for Baby® classes with open spots is 10 a.m., Jan. 9 and Jan 23, 2026. The class focuses on the financial impact of adding a new family member. Use the link to register for an upcoming 2025 class: https://forms.office.com/r/5NNRZTYfr7 or call 252-466-2031 or email cherrypoint@nmcrs.org. Participants will receive a $50 gift card and handmade blanket at the end of the class. Eligible to those expecting or who have had a child within the past six months. The class is open to all ranks.
Visiting Nurse Services
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society offers the services of a free Visiting Nurse, who would be more than available to schedule appointments with expecting parents to do a range of services including home safety assessments and prenatal and postpartum feeding and care. Expecting parents who wish to be seen by the visiting nurse, should contact the NMCRS Office at 252-466-2031 for a referral form.
Office Closures and Service Nonavailability
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Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC) Cherry Point will be closed for section training, from 1-4:30 p.m. every Thursday. Direct questions to Master Sgt. Nilton Arrublatorres at 252-466-5782.
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The Military Housing Office will close from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Dec. 18.
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The Military Housing Office will be closed Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. Normal hours of operation will resume Monday, Dec. 29.
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Distribution Management Office (DMO) will be closed for an office function from noon to 4:30 pm., Thursday, Dec. 18.
Approved Outages and Closures
Parking Lot
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From 7 a.m., Dec. 15 to 4:30 p.m., Dec 19, a closure of the parking or storage lot at Building 4569 is required to complete the tie in of a water line for Military Construction Project 130.
Electrical/Power
Steam
Ongoing Outages/Closures:
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Through April 28, 2028, a parking lot closure at Building 1669 will be in effect to supplement the demolition and reconstruction the facility.
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Utility Outage: From 7 a.m., Sept. 15, to April 28, a full utility outage is required at Buildings 3992 and 4522 for demolition operations regarding military construction Project 226.
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Road Closure: From 7 a.m., Sept. 15 to April 28, 2026, a partial road closure will be in effect along F Street from Building 4031 to 7th Avenue, and from 7th Avenue from Building 6042 to F Street to demolish Buildings 3992 and 4522 to complete work on military construction Project 226. the road will only be open to essential personnel during the timeframe.
MCCS Weekly Happenings
Follow MCCS at (https://www.facebook.com/mccschpt/) for more information and updates and to stay connected. This week’s updates include:
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Decorate a pinecone Christmas tree at the Public House this Friday, Dec. 19. Registration is required. | More >
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“Wicked: For Good” comes to the Two Rivers Theater Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20, and also, several free holiday movies will be playing through Christmas Eve. | More >
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Enjoy a morning of Christmas crafting at the Station Library Monday, Dec. 22. Registration is required. | More >
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Single and unaccompanied service members are invited to the Public House for Christmas dinner Thursday, Dec. 25. | More >
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Register by Friday, Dec. 26 for our next American Red Cross Blended Learning Lifeguard Course. Participants must be at least 15 years old before the last scheduled class session. | More >
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Look for savings on top national brands as you finish your holiday shopping at the MCX now through Christmas Eve. | More >
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Enter by Dec. 31 for a chance to win a lifetime membership to the MTNTOUGH+ App, a Stone Glacier Pack, and a $250 MCX e-Gift Card. | More >
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Let Single Marine Program volunteers wrap your gift purchases at the MCX from Dec. 21-24. Donations are welcome. | More >
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Check out our full calendar of events. | More >
*Disclaimer: Items included below are from non-DoD sources and individuals can participate at their own discretion. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement by the DoD or the Marine Corps.
Havelock Bypass Opening, Dec. 19
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold a dedication ceremony to officially open the Havelock Bypass at 10 a.m. Dec 19. The Havelock Bypass is part of the future Interstate 42 (I-42) project that has been in progress for several years. The road will be open for drivers starting the day of the dedication, according to officials. While the portion of the route officially open, drivers should be advised that construction continues with the possibilities for future closures or traffic detours to accomplish finishing details for the project.
Sound of Havelock: Emerald Gala
The Havelock High School Bands and the Havelock Band Boosters proudly announce The Sound of Havelock: Emerald Gala, an elegant community celebration taking place from 6-11 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center. The event is designed to capture the spirit of a formal night on the town, offering a chance to step away from the routine and enjoy music, dining, dancing, and connection in an upscale setting. Inspired by the “Sound of Freedom,” the gala is a special community event offering fine dining, live music and lively entertainment. Visit https://www.havelockband.com for more information. The point of contact for this topic is Kristen Sanner, kristen.sanner@outlook.com.