Marines and Sailors with Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1) swim towards an HH-46E Sea Knight helicopter (Pedro), also with VMR-1, during water survival training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. VMR-1 provides search and rescue support to MCAS Cherry Point based aircraft as well as short and medium range rapid response transport of key personnel and critical logistics. (U.S. Marine Corps official photo by Lance Cpl Steve Acuff/Released) - Marines and Sailors with Marine Transport Squadron 1 (VMR-1) swim towards an HH-46E Sea Knight helicopter (Pedro), also with VMR-1, during water survival training aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. VMR-1 provides search and rescue support to MCAS Cherry Point based aircraft as well as short and medium range rapid response transport of key personnel and critical logistics. (U.S. Marine Corps official photo by Lance Cpl Steve Acuff/Released)

Pictured here with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s commanding officer Col. Chris Pappas III and Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Pangborn are volunteers with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society were recognized for their volunteer service during the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Cherry Point Volunteer Awards and Recognition Ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 22, 2016. The ceremony was held to honor the volunteers for their dedicated service and the countless hours they have contributed to the progression of Marines and Sailors with Cherry Point and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Last year, the organization was able to provide assistance to over 1,100 service members. The NMCRS provides financial, educational and other need-based assistance to service members needing assistance. Pappas is the Commanding officer and Pangborn is the sergeant major, both of MCAS Cherry Point. - Pictured here with Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point’s commanding officer Col. Chris Pappas III and Sgt. Maj. Benjamin Pangborn are volunteers with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society were recognized for their volunteer service during the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and Cherry Point Volunteer Awards and Recognition Ceremony at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 22, 2016. The ceremony was held to honor the volunteers for their dedicated service and the countless hours they have contributed to the progression of Marines and Sailors with Cherry Point and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Last year, the organization was able to provide assistance to over 1,100 service members. The NMCRS provides financial, educational and other need-based assistance to service members needing assistance. Pappas is the Commanding officer and Pangborn is the sergeant major, both of MCAS Cherry Point.

The pilot of an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 flies above Boca Chica Field, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., March 25, 2015. Marines with VMA-223 traveled to Key West to conduct air-to-air training March 18 – April 12.The squadron conducted the training to refine its ability to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance and aerial defense for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. - The pilot of an AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 223 flies above Boca Chica Field, Naval Air Station Key West, Fla., March 25, 2015. Marines with VMA-223 traveled to Key West to conduct air-to-air training March 18 – April 12. The squadron conducted the training to refine its ability to provide offensive air support, armed reconnaissance and aerial defense for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.

Best-selling author Dave Pelzer speaks to a crowd of Marines, Sailors and civilians during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 1, 2015. - Best-selling author Dave Pelzer speaks to a crowd of Marines, Sailors and civilians during a visit to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 1, 2015.

A Marine reads through an informational brochure during a Hiring our Heroes career and transition class at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 20, 2015. Hiring our Heroes is hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is a nationwide initiative to help veterans find meaningful employment in public, private and non-profit sectors. The program is aimed at transitioning service members and families to assist in their integration back into the civilian community. - A Marine reads through an informational brochure during a Hiring our Heroes career and transition class at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 20, 2015. Hiring our Heroes is hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is a nationwide initiative to help veterans find meaningful employment in public, private and non-profit sectors. The program is aimed at transitioning service members and families to assist in their integration back into the civilian community.

Cpl. Javade Smith and his family received the New Bern Chamber of Commerce Military Alliance Military Family of the Quarter Award during a ceremony in New Bern, N.C., March 12, 2015 - Cpl. Javade Smith and his family received the New Bern Chamber of Commerce Military Alliance Military Family of the Quarter Award during a ceremony in New Bern, N.C., March 12, 2015

Raymond Bane connects a Delsar Life Detector Listening Device to listen for survivors inside the rubble following a simulated vehicle borne IED explosion during the 2015 Crisis Response Drill at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 3, 2015. The annual exercise was designed to test Cherry Point’s emergency preparedness program and response procedures. Bane is a firefighter with Cherry Point’s Fire and Emergency Services Department. - Raymond Bane connects a Delsar Life Detector Listening Device to listen for survivors inside the rubble following a simulated vehicle borne IED explosion during the 2015 Crisis Response Drill at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 3, 2015. The annual exercise was designed to test Cherry Point’s emergency preparedness program and response procedures. Bane is a firefighter with Cherry Point’s Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Marines stand in line waiting to enter the Ironman field mess tents to sample food during the Maj. Gen. W.P.T. Hill Field Mess Competition at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 27, 2015.Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 competed against units across the Marine Corps for the W.P.T. Hill Award which was established in 1985 as a way to improve food service operations and distinguish the top field and garrison messes across the Marine Corps. - Marines stand in line waiting to enter the Ironman field mess tents to sample food during the Maj. Gen. W.P.T. Hill Field Mess Competition at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue, N.C., Feb. 27, 2015. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 competed against units across the Marine Corps for the W.P.T. Hill Award which was established in 1985 as a way to improve food service operations and distinguish the top field and garrison messes across the Marine Corps.

Poster designed by Peter Hemmer for the Defense Equal Opprotunity Management Institute. - Poster designed by Peter Hemmer for the Defense Equal Opprotunity Management Institute.

Spouses and family members with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 perform defensive strikes as part of a Marine Corps Martial Arts demonstration during a Jane Wayne Day hosted by Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 12, 2014. During the event, spouses and other extended MWHS-2 family toured portions of the air station to learn more about the day-to-day lives of their Marines. The day included familiarization classes with Marine Corps weapon systems at an Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer; aircraft simulators; and a MCMAP demonstration. - Spouses and family members with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 perform defensive strikes as part of a Marine Corps Martial Arts demonstration during a Jane Wayne Day hosted by Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Sept. 12, 2014. During the event, spouses and other extended MWHS-2 family toured portions of the air station to learn more about the day-to-day lives of their Marines. The day included familiarization classes with Marine Corps weapon systems at an Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer; aircraft simulators; and a MCMAP demonstration.