MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Morehead City recognized multiple Cherry Point Marines and civilians during a ceremony at the town’s Army Reserve Center, Feb. 26.
Explosive ordnance disposal technicians from Cherry Point and Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, airfield operations, operations directorate, the fire department and emergency medical services were recognized for their support during a hazardous spill incident in Morehead City, Jan. 12.
Also recognized for their support were service members and civilians from local state and federal agencies.
Morehead City mayor Gerald A. Jones Jr., Cherry Point’s executive officer Col. Robert D. Clinton, airfield operations officer Lt. Col. Kenneth L. Asbridge and MWSS-271 commanding officer Lt. Col. Paul D. Baker were in attendance. Also present were a number of EOD technicians from station and MWSS-271, and the fire department.
The Jan. 12 incident involved a forklift operator puncturing several barrels filled with the explosive chemical Peta erythritol tetranitrate during vessel operations. The spill caused a temporary 10-mile shutdown of U.S. Highway 70.
Cherry Point and MWSS-271 EOD Marines and civilians worked with other agencies to contain and clean up the spill.
During the ceremony, Mayor Jones remarked on how much the support means to Morehead City.
“These individuals, without hesitation, responded,” Jones said. “They are hometown heroes for helping the city in a time of need.”
As part of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to each organization.
Regardless of the the recognition, Clinton said the air station service members and civilians feel it is their job to support the community.
Jones expressed how much the assisting civilians and service members understand what community means.
“This was the community coming together,” Jones said. “That is what makes a community.”