This week’s News and announcements include:
Slocum Gate Closure
Gate Operations During Slocum Closure
Zero Tolerance for Sexual Assault/Harassment
Make Commissary Option 1
Hurricane Season Underway
Vacation Bible School at Chapel
Budget for Baby Class
NMCRS Crochet Class
Visiting Nurse Services
NEW Approved Outages and Closures
NEW MCCS Weekly Happenings
Extra Opportunities*
Slocum Gate Closure, about 5 Weeks
The Slocum Gate at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point will be temporarily closed starting July 6, 2026, for approximately five weeks. This closure is necessary to install critical security and infrastructure upgrades. Traffic disruptions are anticipated both on base and in the surrounding community during peak morning and afternoon commute times, 6–8 a.m. and 3–5 p.m., weekdays, and particularly along NC Highway 101 and US 70 Business route in Havelock, North Carolina.
To mitigate traffic congestion, the installation will offer special opening times and modify traffic patterns at some of its access control points. Officials are also strongly advising eastbound drivers (approaching the installation from New Bern) to use the Havelock Bypass to route traffic around the city for smoother traffic flow. To reduce the possibility of traffic bottlenecks, access to commercial vehicles or large transport trucks, and traffic will be prohibited between 5–9 a.m. on weekdays. See the recommended routes for personnel.
Gate Operations During Slocum Gate Closure
Main Gate: 24 hours, seven days a week (24/7).
Cunningham Gate: 4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday–Friday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
Mary Lou Gate: Inbound traffic only, from 6–8 a.m., Monday–Fridayand to outbound traffic only, from 3–5 p.m., Monday–Friday
Catawba Gate: Open during the morning (6–8 a.m.), ONLY to designated essential personnel with an official special-access pass provided by the Provost Marshal’s Office.
Guidance on Sexual Assault, Harassment
MCAS Cherry Point maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and sexual harassment. Cultivating a safe environment is a shared responsibility that requires active bystander intervention and a commitment to treating all personnel with dignity and respect.
General Guidance:
• Actively Intervene: If you witness inappropriate behavior or identify a high-risk situation, step in safely or immediately notify leadership. Bystander intervention is critical to prevention.
• Prevent Retaliation: Reprisal or retaliation, or ostracism against any individual who reports sexual assault or harassment is strictly prohibited under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and civilian personnel regulations.
• Know the Reporting Options: A sexual Assault Response Coordinator will guide the victim through their reporting options (Restricted vs. Unrestricted), ensuring they understand their rights and the resources available to them.
24/7 Support Resources:
• DoD Safe Helpline: Call 877-995-5247 or visit safehelpline.org for confidential, anonymous support.
• MCAS SAPR Office: 24/7 SAPR Support Line: 252-665-4713.
Shop.Commissaries.com
Take advantage of your local commissary benefit, which now offers online ordering and delivery. In store, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the occasional doorbuster deals and savings, bulk-buy inventory, and national and global brand products offered at competitive price points. Visit the Cherry Point Commissary. Find more information at https://shop.commissaries.com.
Be Ready During Hurricane Season
Atlantic hurricane season is officially here. Running from June 1 to Nov. 30, the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, has forecast 8-14 named storms. Preparation is the best defense against inclement weather. Take action now to be ready when storms occur:
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Review and practice your emergency action plan.
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Build or restock your disaster supply kits (water, non-perishable food, batteries, first aid supplies, etc.)
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Secure your property and know your evacuation routes.
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During the season, monitor official command communications and local weather forecasts. Stay safe and stay prepared!
Visit ReadyMarineCorps for more information.
Vacation Bible School
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Chapel hosts Vacation Bible School for school-aged children from first to fourth graders from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., July 20-24, 2026. VBS will be presented as a camp getaway with activities that include archery, crafts, outdoor games, Bible study, a field trip to an area faith-based camp and retreat center, and more. Lunch will be provided daily. Contact the Chapel by email or call 252-466-4000 to register.
Budget for Baby Class
The next Budget for Baby® classes with open spots is 10 a.m., July 24 and Aug. 14, 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.
NMCRS Crochet Class for Volunteers
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society is seeking individuals to volunteer to crochet blanks for its Budget for Babies class. If you’re wanting to give back to your Cherry Point Community and learn how to crochet — this class is for you. Sept. 18, 2026, is the next open crochet class, taught by Miriam and Melissa. Volunteers would be entered into the organization’s volunteer database and receive 30 hours of community service for each completed blanket. Volunteers Miriam and Melissa will teach the class. Active-duty military volunteers will also receive a letter of appreciation after completion. Open to everyone. Click the link to sign up: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Crochet Class Sign Up Form – Fill out form. Note: NMCRS has paused its intake of Baby blankets to review requirements and inventory needs. Please check back or call the office to inquire about turning in baby blankets until further notice.
Visiting Nurse Services
Navy Marine Corps Relief Society offers the services of a free Visiting Nurse, Donna, who would be able 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.
Approved Outages and Closures
Power Outage
Road Lane Closure
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From 7 a.m., July 14 to 5 p.m., July 17, a road lane closure is required along Roosevelt Road to install a traffic light signal in relation to the military construction project Satellite Fire Station (P142B).
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From 7 a.m., July 17 to 5 p.m., July 19, a road lane closure is required along Roosevelt Road to install a traffic light signal in relation to the military construction project Satellite Fire Station (P142A).
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From 8 a.m. June 24 to 4:30 p.m., July 31, the intersection of 3rd Avenue (between Buildings 3383 and 3452) and Fitness Loop Road (from Building 4322 to Building 289) will be closed to facilitate the replacement of the gravity sewer line.
Ongoing Outages/Closures:
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. This week's happenings include:
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CIA Career Day, July 10 at Training and Education Building
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Advanced screening of “The Odyssey” at Two Rivers Theater, 7 p.m., July 11. Also, Family Movie Night, July 15, and Free Summer Movies and more.
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Check out the Cherry Point Library. You'll be surprised at its wealth of offerings and resources for all ages. Start with the Pokemon Festival, July 11 or Baby's First Masterpiece, July 13.
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American Clippers now offers online booking.
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MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd MAW Sergeants Major Golf Tournament, presented as a four-player superball format, July 24. Sign up to participate.
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Single Marine Program offers an array of activities to enhance your assignment experience. Choose from Art Club, Country Line Dancing, Music Club, DND, Karaoke, Volunteer Opportunities and more;
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Youth Sports offers a two-week Cheer Camp, starting July 13.
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Family Member Employment Readiness Program offers Civilian Resume Writing course, July 14.
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Find more events and offerings at https://cherrypoint.usmc-mccs.org/calendar-of-events …