This week’s News and announcements include:
NEW Winter Weather Advisory
Prescribed Burn Notification
Alternate Tax-Filing Services
Seeking Community Chronologists
Fire Warden Training Offerings
Biannual Water Quality Report
Civilian Shopping Privileges at MCX
Advisory | Crime Prevention Safety Tips
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 (Weather Impacts)*
NEW Approved Outages and Closures
NEW MCCS Weekly Happenings*
Extra Opportunities*
Winter Weather Advisory
Details on the Ready Cherry Point page.
The community is advised to closely monitor the National Weather Service forecast and official MCAS Cherry Point Air Station website and social media for updates.
Prescribed Burn Season Notification
The Environmental Affairs Department, Natural Resources Division, along with the Cherry Point Fire Department, will begin the prescribed burning season this month. Prescribed burning is vital for reduction of fuels to mitigate potential wildfires, promotion of fire-dependent plants that thrive after fire, creating new growth for wildlife, and enhancing training areas to ensure military readiness. The community should expect to see awareness notifications prior to prescribed burns. Individuals are advised to stay clear of the specified areas to the maximum extent practicable for the sake of safety for themselves and fire crew personnel. The prescribed burns will be scheduled with consideration of weather and resources to keep impacts to operations minimized. Fire engines and suppression equipment will be on standby during prescribed burn activities.
Alternate Tax-Filing Services for Cherry Point
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Law Center will not be offering tax services this year. Individual requiring help making tax filings are encouraged to use the tax centers at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River. MCB Camp Lejeune Tax Center, 910-451-3296, Trailer 64B on Molly Pitcher Drive, opens Jan. 26, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday for Unit and Individual Appointments; and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday for E-5 and below for Basic Tax Returns. More information: https://www.mcieast.marines.mil/Staff-Offices/Regional-Legal-Services-East/Legal-Services-Support-Team-Camp-Lejeune/Tax-Center. MCAS New River Tax Center, 910-449-6169, Bldg. AS-216 on Bancroft St. (1st Floor), opens Feb. 2, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday, for Individual Appointments. More information: https://www.newriver.marines.mil/Staff-Judge-Advocate/Tax-Center.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s Environmental Affairs Department (EAD) is stepping up its monitoring and stewardship efforts for various sites around the installation and is asking for the community’s help in tracking the ecological development of multiple locations. The monitoring records will enhance the organization’s work of documenting the historic progression of 10 sites, which include Catfish Pond and multiple locations along the Neuse River shoreline. View the locations at https://www.chronolog.io/map. Contributors must visit each site to capture imagery and submit contributions via email. EAD is interested in documenting any changes occurring, including storm events and “everyday” observations.
Fire Warden Training Announcement
According to ASO 11320.1C, “commanding officers and officers-in-charge shall appoint a Fire Safety Officer for their organization." The appointed officers will act as liaison with the Fire Protection Division on matters of fire safety. Active-duty units should appoint an officer with the rank of lieutenant or higher for this assignment. Fire safety officers organize a Fire Safety system appointing a Fire Safety Warden and an alternate for each facility and area under their jurisdiction. The Fleet Readiness Center East Safety department oversees its own program. Personnel who are designated as a Fire Warden or Assistant Fire Warden are required to attend the applicable training class. The Fire Warden Class will be offered from 9-11 a.m., on the following dates: April 8, July 8 and Oct. 7. Supervisor should sign up their employees for the class by emailing chpt.fire.prevention@usmc.mil. Contact Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Assistant Chief of Fire Prevention Brandee Ridgway at 252-466-4008 for more information.
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.
Advisory | Crime Prevention Safety Tip: Protecting Yourself, Property
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Always keep your vehicle locked, while moving or parked.
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If driving at night, use well-lit streets and parking lots that are open for easy observation.
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Be cautious of any stranger approaching your vehicle. If you feel endangered, press the horn repeatedly in short blasts; the action will attract attention.DO NOT PICK UP HITCHHIKERS!
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If you think you are being followed, pull into the nearest police station, gas station, or place you recognize as safe. DO NOT DRIVE HOME!
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Plan and know your route before you leave, whether it is for a short drive in the city or long trip in the country.
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View the interior of your car before getting in to make sure no one is hiding inside, even if the doors are locked. Have keys in hand so you do not have to linger before entering your car.
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Don’t leave your purse on the seat beside you; put it on the floorboard or out of sight, where it is more difficult for someone to grab it.
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Lock bundles or bags in the trunk. If interesting packages are out of sight, a thief will be less tempted to break in to steal them. Remember these THREE things: TAKE YOUR KEYS. … LOCK YOUR VEHICLE. … HIDE YOUR BELONGINGS.
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Keep your gas tank full and your engine properly maintained to avoid breakdowns.
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., Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, 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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Due to forecast inclement weather, all Chapel Services are canceled Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, 2026.
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The Cherry Point Mess Hall will observe regular hours during the weekend, and midnight rations during the inclement weather. The Bogue Mess Hall will be closed.
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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.
Approved Outages and Closures
Road Lane Closure
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From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Feb. 4, the southbound lane of Roosevelt Boulevard near Military Construction Project 142B, Satellite Fire Station (near Water Treatment Facility) will be closed to allow for subgrade work for the driveways to the street.
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From 7 a.m., Jan. 19 to 5 p.m., Feb. 1, a closure of the road lane on Roosevelt Boulevard new Military Construction Project 142, Main Fire Station entrance is required to cut the curb along the street and tie in the concrete pavement of the apparatus bay.
Electrical/Power
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From 7-11 a.m., Feb. 6, a power outage is required at Building 1005 to an amp breaker in the control building.
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From 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Jan. 30, a power outage is required at Build 6033 to perform maintenance.
Water
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. Also find more information at https://cherrypoint.usmc-mccs.org/calendar-of-events.
*Due to the Inclement weather forecast for the weekend of Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, multiple MCCS services and events are expected to be closed, postponed or unavailable. Monitor MCCS and MCAS Cherry Point social media for information and updates.
*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.
Colorectal Cancer Screening Nets Tricare Coverage
Guardant Health, Inc., a leading precision oncology company, announced Jan. 14, 2026, that its Shield blood test for colorectal cancer screening (CRC) is now covered for active-duty service members and their families, including in North Carolina, through TRICARE, the U.S. military’s health insurance coverage, with no copay for average-risk individuals ages 45 and older. According to the press release, Shield is the first and only blood test approved by the FDA as a primary screening option for CRC, offering U.S. military troops in North Carolina a more pleasant and convenient option for screening by overcoming barriers associated with other screening methods.
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.