MCAS Cherry Point News

- - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Coffey, left, receives the non-commissioned officer sword from Lt. Col. Tyler E. Burnham, the Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) commanding officer, signifying his appointment as the new H&HS sergeant major during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The ceremony was held to transition the position of H&HS sergeant major from Sgt. Maj. James I. Petty to Sgt. Maj. Coffey. This event also marked the retirement of Sgt. Maj. Petty after 22 years of honorable service. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Bertram)

H&HS Relief and Appointment Ceremony

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. James I. Petty relinquished his post as the sergeant major of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron to Sgt. Maj. Thomas R. Coffey during a relief and appointment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. Prior to his new position, Sgt. Maj. Coffey served as the Inspector-Instructor Sergeant Major of 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines. This event also served as Sgt. Maj. Petty’s retirement after 22 years of honorable service.

Read More

- - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. David Donnell, right, passes the Marine Corps colors to Lt. Col. Robin Fonseca, left, during a change of command ceremony for Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Cherry Point, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The passing of colors is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker)

CNATTU Cherry Point Change of Command

The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point held a change of command ceremony, bidding fair winds and following seas to Lt. Col. David Donnell, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 24, 2022. The ceremony is a time-honored tradition that symbolizes the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader, Lt. Col. David Donnell to another, Lt. Col. Robin Fonseca. CNATTU Cherry Point is an essential school that instructs on the basis of maintaining mission readiness of aircraft and Marine Aircraft Wings. The technical school provides aviation maintenance specialized training to operate and maintain weapons systems and sub-system that support AV-8B Harriers, C/KC-130J Hercules, cryogenics, maintenance avionics, and maintenance aviation ordnances. CNATTU Cherry Point trains approximately 1,400 Marine, Navy, Italian Foreign National, and civilian students each year in 76 courses of instruction.

Read More

- - U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Julian Flores, right, passes the Marine Corps colors to Lt. Col. Tyler Burnham, left, during a change of command ceremony for Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. The passing of colors is a time-honored tradition, symbolizing the passing of responsibilities and authority of command from one leader to another. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jacob Bertram)

H&HS Change of Command Ceremony

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) held a change of command ceremony, bidding fair winds and following seas to Lt. Col. Julian Flores at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 16, 2022. The ceremony saw the passing of responsibility and authority of command of the Marine Corps' largest squadron to Lt. Col. Tyler Burnham.

Read More

Leaders of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point gathered to make donations to the Active Duty Fund Drive held by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2022. Last year, the NMCRS was able to provide more than $907,000 in interest-free loans and outright grants to meet needs of active duty and retired Marines, Sailors and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker) - Leaders of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point and Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point gathered to make donations to the Active Duty Fund Drive held by the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2022. Last year, the NMCRS was able to provide more than $907,000 in interest-free loans and outright grants to meet needs of active duty and retired Marines, Sailors and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker)

NMCRS kicks off Active Duty Fund Drive

Starting the work week off strong, the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Active Duty Fund Drive kicked off at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 28, 2022. Installation and Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point leadership showed their support by making the first donations.

Read More

U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chosnel Raymond, logistics officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, speaks to his Marines while conducting a joint training exercise with Sailors assigned to the Navy Boat Docks on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 17, 2022. The Marines of MWSS-271 conducted this exercise in order to test their redesigned internal structure according to the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl Noah Braswell) - U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Chosnel Raymond, logistics officer with Marine Wing Support Squadron (MWSS) 271, speaks to his Marines while conducting a joint training exercise with Sailors assigned to the Navy Boat Docks on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 17, 2022. The Marines of MWSS-271 conducted this exercise in order to test their redesigned internal structure according to the Commandant of the Marine Corps' Force Design 2030. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance. Cpl Noah Braswell)

One Team, One Fight

U.S. Marines and Sailors stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, conducted a joint training exercise at the station’s Navy Boat Docks to strengthen cooperation and teamwork between the services on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022.

Read More

The course of fire was designed to prepare Marines for the upcoming Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, later this year. - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Derek Trombly, a landing support specialist assigned to Combat Logistics Company 21, loads rounds into a magazine in preparation for a course of fire on the pistol range at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan 7, 2022. The course of fire was designed to prepare Marines for the upcoming Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, later this year. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker)

BANG! BANG!

U.S. Marines from Combat Logistics Company 21 (CLC-21) utilized the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point pistol range on Jan. 7, 2022. The marksmanship coaches set up the course of fire, designed by CLC-21 executive officer, U.S. Marine Corps 1st Lt. James Minturn in preparation for the Marine Corps Marksmanship Competition at Camp Lejeune later this year.

Read More

210422-M-ZE543-0009.JPG - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Laura E. Thompson, an air traffic controller (ATC) with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, uses an Enhanced Terminal Voice Switch to call other ATC sectors nearby at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, March 29, 2021. The mission of ATC is to provide all-weather radar or non-radar approach, departure, en route, and tower ATC services to friendly aircraft. (U.S. Marine photo by Cpl. Alexandra Amor Santos Arambulo)

Cpl. Laura E. Thompson

The sky is literally the limit for an air traffic controller (ATC). From monitoring flight patterns to guiding aircraft on and off the flight line, these Marines are tasked with keeping our pilots safe. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Laura E. Thompson, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, shares her experience. “The best part about ATC is the ever-changing day-to-day,” said Thompson. “Every day I’m encountering new situations, learning new information, and making unforgettable memories. “As I gain experience with this job, I have been given more once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and come face-to-face with some of the most powerful aircraft in the world. Needless to say, my love for aviation has soared. From instructing the local Cherry Point [Unmanned Aircraft System] operator, to releasing special blocks of airspace to fighter jets for dogfighting, target practice, and combat air maneuvers, I have had some incredible experiences.” According to Thompson, being an ATC in the Marine Corps has allowed her to realize a dream and presents a hopeful outlook for life and career after service. “When I enlisted, I hoped for a [military occupational specialty] that would positively impact lives, open doors for new opportunities and transfer on to the civilian sector,” she said. “Air traffic control has been all of that and more, and I hope that my learned skills can be an asset to an air traffic control facility in the future.”

Read More

210408-M-HI521-0284.JPG - A U.S. Marine with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Special Reaction Team (SRT), breaches a door during forced entry training event with Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 8, 2021. Joint forced entry training allows SRT to familiarize themselves using different tools to breach a home. This is useful when responding to calls where a possible threat may be looming on the other side.

Special Reactions Team Trains with Firefighters

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Special Reaction Team (SRT) and civilian Firefighters with Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES) team up to conduct joint forced entry training at Fire Station 1, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 8, 2021. Joint forced entry training allows SRT to familiarize themselves using different tools to breach a home. This is useful when responding to calls where a possible threat may be looming on the other side. CPF&ES use the training for entering homes during a search and rescue when doors are locked.

Read More

210118-M-CJ305-1468.JPG - U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Keith Davanzo, a bulk fuel specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, takes notes during Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 28, 2021. Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar is a five-day course designed to enhance junior Marines’ leadership development and prepare them for future responsibilities in the Marine Corps. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Lance Cpl. Michael Neuenhoff)

Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar: Shaping an NCO

Twenty-nine students graduated Lance Corporal Leadership and Ethics Seminar Class 1-21, Jan. 29, 2021, at Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS), Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point. The course is designed to enhance the leadership development of junior-enlisted Marines and prepare them for future responsibilities in the Marine Corps.

Read More

201204-M-CJ305-1003.JPG - U.S. Navy LCDR Philip Guajardo, a psychiatrist and the division officer at the behavioral health clinic, Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point (NHCCP) schedules meetings and appointments from his office at NHCCP, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Dec. 4, 2020. Personnel at NHCCP have been working relentlessly to help tear down the stigmas surrounding mental health in the military and seeking help, as well as doing everything they can for each of their patients. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by lance Cpl. Michael Neuenhoff)

Mental Health, Behavioral Health

Over time, mental health has increasingly become more of a topic of discussion. With everything going on in the world today, there is no better time to breech the subject. “The military population is representative of our overall population,” said LCDR Philip Guajardo, a psychiatrist and the division officer at the behavioral health clinic at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point (NHCCP). “Especially now during this COVID pandemic, there are general stressors we are all facing whether its workplace safety, the health of our loved ones, the health of our selves or just other financial stressors.” The men and women at NHCCP have been tirelessly working to dispel the rumors and stigma concerning mental health and seeking help for it.

Read More