MCAS Cherry Point News

Cpl. James B. Edwards, a VMR-1 search and rescue swimmer, climbs out of the pool after completing the 900-meter swim portion of his rescue swimmer requalification, Jan. 26. Rescue swimmers must qualify twice annually to maintain their proficiency. - Cpl. James B. Edwards, a VMR-1 search and rescue swimmer, climbs out of the pool after completing the 900-meter swim portion of his rescue swimmer requalification, Jan. 26. Rescue swimmers must qualify twice annually to maintain their proficiency.

Three Marines pose while participating in the Single Marine Program’s introduction to scuba diving class. The Olympus Dive Center came to Cherry Point’s combat pool to teach the Marines the basics of scuba diving. - Three Marines pose while participating in the Single Marine Program’s introduction to scuba diving class. The Olympus Dive Center came to Cherry Point’s combat pool to teach the Marines the basics of scuba diving.

Sgt. Caleb Bailey, left, an AV-8B Harrier mechanic with Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, refuels one of the squadrons aircraft while Cpl. Nicholas Waters, a plane captain with the squadron, assists by giving the pilot any needed instructions and signaling the bulk fuel Marines when it is time to turn off the fuel pump. The squadron tested the refuel capabilities here just days before starting combat operations in support of troops inserted into Marjah. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Nasso) - Sgt. Caleb Bailey, left, an AV-8B Harrier mechanic with Marine Attack Squadron 231, Marine Aircraft Group 40, Marine Expeditionary Brigade-Afghanistan, refuels one of the squadrons aircraft while Cpl. Nicholas Waters, a plane captain with the squadron, assists by giving the pilot any needed instructions and signaling the bulk fuel Marines when it is time to turn off the fuel pump. The squadron tested the refuel capabilities here just days before starting combat operations in support of troops inserted into Marjah. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel Nasso)

Cpl. Benjamin Alvarez manages a list of active and upcoming missions during a Marine air command and control systems integrated site training exercise at Davis Airfield, south of Jacksonville, N.C., Feb. 9. Alvarez is an air support operator with Cherry Point’s Marine Air Support Squadron 1 - Cpl. Benjamin Alvarez manages a list of active and upcoming missions during a Marine air command and control systems integrated site training exercise at Davis Airfield, south of Jacksonville, N.C., Feb. 9. Alvarez is an air support operator with Cherry Point’s Marine Air Support Squadron 1

Marines perform squats with a weighted bar during a semper fit class at Cherry Point's Fitness Connection, Feb. 2. According to Vicky Lee, the fitness program coordinator for the semper fit program, this class in particular is geared toward preparing Marines for the combat fitness test, a yearly analysis of a devil dog’s ability to withstand the physical rigors of combat. - Marines perform squats with a weighted bar during a semper fit class at Cherry Point's Fitness Connection, Feb. 2. According to Vicky Lee, the fitness program coordinator for the semper fit program, this class in particular is geared toward preparing Marines for the combat fitness test, a yearly analysis of a devil dog’s ability to withstand the physical rigors of combat.

Pilots of a KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 get a bird’s-eye view of earthquake-stricken Haiti prior to landing, Feb. 6. The Hercules’ crew transported Marines and much-needed relief supplies to the Caribbean nation. - Pilots of a KC-130J Hercules assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 get a bird’s-eye view of earthquake-stricken Haiti prior to landing, Feb. 6. The Hercules’ crew transported Marines and much-needed relief supplies to the Caribbean nation.

New Bern artist, Vicki Vitale-Farrow, painted Semper Fi, a bear who wears the Marine Corps dress blue uniform to honor all service members. The bear was unveiled in the main lobby of the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, N.C., Feb. 9. - New Bern artist, Vicki Vitale-Farrow, painted Semper Fi, a bear who wears the Marine Corps dress blue uniform to honor all service members. The bear was unveiled in the main lobby of the Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern, N.C., Feb. 9.

Turner G. Blount, one of the first African-Americans in the Marine Corps, holds his boot camp graduation photo. Blount was drafted into the Marines in 1943 where he served in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1969 as a master sergeant and went on to become a councilman for the city of Jacksonville, N.C. - Turner G. Blount, one of the first African-Americans in the Marine Corps, holds his boot camp graduation photo. Blount was drafted into the Marines in 1943 where he served in three wars: World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He retired in 1969 as a master sergeant and went on to become a councilman for the city of Jacksonville, N.C.