MCAS Cherry Point News

Col. James Wellons gives the opening remarks during the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 30, 2017. WTI is a seven week period of instruction that trains Marines and Sailors to become certified Weapons and Tactics Instructors. More than 200 Marines and Sailors graduated from this class of WTI. Wellons is the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Col. James Wellons gives the opening remarks during the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course 2-17 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz., April 30, 2017. WTI is a seven week period of instruction that trains Marines and Sailors to become certified Weapons and Tactics Instructors. More than 200 Marines and Sailors graduated from this class of WTI. Wellons is the commanding officer of Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band play “Anchors Aweigh” to former U.S. Navy service members before a parade in New Orleans, Feb. 26, 2017. The 2nd MAW Band attended the Mardi Gras celebrations where they provided music for the spectators during multiple parades. The parades allowed the band to be the face of the Marine Corps while interacting with observers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Marines assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band play “Anchors Aweigh” to former U.S. Navy service members before a parade in New Orleans, Feb. 26, 2017. The 2nd MAW Band attended the Mardi Gras celebrations where they provided music for the spectators during multiple parades. The parades allowed the band to be the face of the Marine Corps while interacting with observers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Sgt. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Alicia Hojara, center, was awarded the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce’s Service Person of the Quarter award during an honorary luncheon in Emerald Isle, N.C., Feb. 10, 2017. Master Sgt. Christopher McGuire, left, and Lt. Col. Garrett Randel, right, nominated Hojara for her outstanding dedication to giving back to the local community. Hojara volunteers for multiple organizations including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors that provides comfort and care for families who have lost a family member in the armed services. Randel is the commanding officer and McGuire is the aviation ordnance chief of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training unit aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

More than 20 Marines graduated from the Martial Arts Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 3, 2017. The Marines endured 15 training days of being mentally and physically tested while learning how to properly and proficiently instruct the disciplines of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Martial arts instructors serve the command by enhancing warrior ethos, resulting in more completely trained Marines who are part of a capable and combat-ready team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - More than 20 Marines graduated from the Martial Arts Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 3, 2017. The Marines endured 15 training days of being mentally and physically tested while learning how to properly and proficiently instruct the disciplines of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Martial arts instructors serve the command by enhancing warrior ethos, resulting in more completely trained Marines who are part of a capable and combat-ready team. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Cpl. Wilde Lariveaux works at his computer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. Lariveaux emigrated from Haiti to the United States at the age of seven, and later went back to lend humanitarian aid after Hurricane Matthew decimated the Haitian country. Lariveaux is an administrative specialist assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Cpl. Wilde Lariveaux works at his computer aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 1, 2017. Lariveaux emigrated from Haiti to the United States at the age of seven, and later went back to lend humanitarian aid after Hurricane Matthew decimated the Haitian country. Lariveaux is an administrative specialist assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 14, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Maj. Gen. John Love, 2nd Marine Division commanding general, climbs into an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Jan. 27, 2017. This was Love’s first time getting to see the capabilities of the aircraft firsthand. His visit helped strengthen the relationship between the ground and air combat elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Maj. Gen. John Love, 2nd Marine Division commanding general, climbs into an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Jan. 27, 2017. This was Love’s first time getting to see the capabilities of the aircraft firsthand. His visit helped strengthen the relationship between the ground and air combat elements of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Various rock and country artists perform during the Cherry Point Unplugged concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 11, 2017. Marine Corps Community Services, local radio stations and numerous volunteers organized the event. Over 1,200 Marines, sailors and members of the community packed the Two Rivers Theater to enjoy the free concert featuring artists such as Aaron Lewis; Citizen Zero; A Thousand Horses; and Seasons After. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ Released) - Various rock and country artists perform during the Cherry Point Unplugged concert aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 11, 2017. Marine Corps Community Services, local radio stations and numerous volunteers organized the event. Over 1,200 Marines, sailors and members of the community packed the Two Rivers Theater to enjoy the free concert featuring artists such as Aaron Lewis; Citizen Zero; A Thousand Horses; and Seasons After. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ Released)

Sgt. Destany Weatherwax stands in front of judges evaluating her meal during the Chef of the Quarter competition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Dec. 8, 2016. Weatherwax was declared winner of the competition by the judges for her performance during the event. Weatherwax is a food service specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released) - Sgt. Destany Weatherwax stands in front of judges evaluating her meal during the Chef of the Quarter competition aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Dec. 8, 2016. Weatherwax was declared winner of the competition by the judges for her performance during the event. Weatherwax is a food service specialist assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/Released)

Runners prepare to start the 7.5K Anniversary Run aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 29, 2016. The run was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/ Released) - Runners prepare to start the 7.5K Anniversary Run aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 29, 2016. The run was to celebrate the 75th anniversary of MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Cody Lemons/ Released)

Col. Todd Ferry, left, receives the unit colors from Col. Chris Pappas III during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2016. Ferry is now the commanding officer of MCAS Cherry Point and Pappas’ next assignment is to be the chief of staff, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Combat Development Integration in Quantico, Virginia. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that symbolizes the passing of authority from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (United States Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Long/ Released) - Col. Todd Ferry, left, receives the unit colors from Col. Chris Pappas III during a change of command ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., July 28, 2016. Ferry is now the commanding officer of MCAS Cherry Point and Pappas’ next assignment is to be the chief of staff, Marine Corps Combat Development Command and executive assistant to the deputy commandant, Combat Development Integration in Quantico, Virginia. The change of command ceremony is a tradition that symbolizes the passing of authority from the outgoing to the incoming commanding officer. (United States Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Austin Long/ Released)