Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point -- Cpl. James B. Edwards
MOS: SAR rescue swimmer and HH-46E crew chief
UNIT: VMR-1
AGE: 21
HOMETOWN: Louisville, Ky.
DATE JOINED: July 09, 2007
WHAT IS YOUR JOB?
I am trained as a rescue swimmer, and I can deploy out of the aircraft and save people from the water. As a crew chief I work the hoist from the plane and I am responsible for the aircraft and the rest of the crew, making sure the plane is mechanically sound.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR JOB?
I love being able to help people. We are not just here to support 2nd MAW, we also do most of our missions to help the general public.
WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB?
It’s very physically demanding at times. There is a lot to know in order to keep me and the rest of the crew safe.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB SUPPORT THE MISSION OF 2ND MAW AND MCAS CHERRY POINT?
We support 2nd MAW flight operations by standing ready to respond to any flight emergencies that might happen in the local area.
HOW DOES YOUR JOB IN GARRISON DIFFER FROM YOUR JOB IN THE FIELD?
Here at VMR-1, we support the local community and 2nd MAW. In the field our number one priority is to medically evacuate injured military members.