MCAS Cherry Point News

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaron Smith, an expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist with Aircraft, Rescue, and Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, stands beside a P-19R ARFF truck at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 11, 2025. Marines with ARFF conducted pit drills to practice advancing toward a simulated fuel fire, pushing it into a single location and suppressing the fire, with goals of sharpening communication skills and building teamwork and trust on the firegrounds. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samantha Rodriguez) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaron Smith, an expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist with Aircraft, Rescue, and Firefighting, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, stands beside a P-19R ARFF truck at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 11, 2025.

Faces on Station -- Expeditionary Firefighting and Rescue specialist

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Aaron Smith, an expeditionary firefighting and rescue specialist assigned to Aircraft, Rescue, and Firefighting (ARFF), Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, ensures the Marines within his unit undergo consistent training to become well equipped to fight the next fire.

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Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 barracks’ newly renovated kitchen awaits guests prior to the grand opening ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 2, 2025. MCAS Cherry Point opens the Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience Kitchen to promote healthy lifestyle choices with the sampling of recipes from the WARR recipe cookbook, and to enhance Marines' quality of life in the barracks with the addition of a new hooded oven, refrigerator, air fryer, microwave, and cooking utensils. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by PFC. Sorayma Garcia) - Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 barracks’ newly renovated kitchen awaits guests prior to the grand opening ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, July 2, 2025.

Grand Opening of the First Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience Kitchen at MCAS Cherry Point

Grand Opening of the First Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience Kitchen at MCAS Cherry Point. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point established the first Warrior Athlete Readiness and Resilience kitchen in the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 barracks, featuring a fully remodeled kitchen setup including a new stove, fridge, pots, pans and other kitchenware to encourage better nutrition and healthy meal preparation. Marine Corps Community Services and Headquarters Marine Corps partnered up to provide Marines with specialized cookbooks, classes, and training to educate them on ways to incorporate healthy eating into their daily life.

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Graduates of the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft Ground Control System technician course stand for a photo with Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Cherry Point leadership and instructors, during a graduation ceremony at the Cherry Point Public House, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 18, 2025. The graduation of the first class of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft GCS technicians established the military occupational specialty and marked a step towards the implementation of Force Design 2030 - the official doctrine published by the Marine Corps to outline the evolution of the organization's warfighting in the 21st century. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Gavilanes) - Graduates of the MQ-9 Reaper aircraft Ground Control System technician course stand for a photo with Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Cherry Point leadership and instructors, during a graduation ceremony at the Cherry Point Public House, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 18, 2025.

First Class of Reaper GCS Technicians Graduate CNATTU Chery Point

The first class of MQ-9 Reaper aircraft Ground Control System technicians graduated from the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit Chery Point, during a ceremony at the Cherry Point Public House, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 18, 2025

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Sean Wales, a foreign object debris attendant, left; Scott Nickson, the FOD Supervisor; Timothy Fraunfelder, a FOD attendant; and Rudolf Zanaska, a FOD attendant; stand in front of a FOD blower at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2025. FOD blowing is a crucial operation at MCAS Cherry Point that uses air powered equipment to clear debris from runways and airfields, ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Casey Ornelas) - Sean Wales, a foreign object debris attendant, left; Scott Nickson, the FOD Supervisor; Timothy Fraunfelder, a FOD attendant; and Rudolf Zanaska, a FOD attendant; stand in front of a FOD blower at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2025.

Blown Away: FOD Removal Method Enhances Safety at Cherry Point

On flight lines, a number of hazards are presented by foreign object debris, or FOD, that threaten the safety of personnel, equipment, and aircraft. To minimize such risks, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point has shifted from the protocol of physically picking up debris to a more efficient method of blowing it away. The shift not only accelerates the removal of hazardous objects but also enhances safety by reducing potential damage to aircraft and ensuring a cleaner, safer working environment for all personnel on the flight line.

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Graham Gunter, a military legislative correspondent to Sen. Ted Budd, left, listens as U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brendan Burks, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, discusses operational capabilities, during a stop at the VMFA-251 aircraft maintenance hangar, during a staff delegation visit at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 23, 2025. The staff delegation visit was part of a comprehensive trip to visit military installations in eastern North Carolina to assess military readiness, construction, infrastructure, and quality-of-life initiatives, on behalf of Budd, who serves as a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Gavilanes) - Graham Gunter, a military legislative correspondent to Sen. Ted Budd, left, listens as U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brendan Burks, the commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, discusses operational capabilities, during a stop at the VMFA-251 aircraft maintenance hangar, during a staff delegation visit at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, April 23, 2025.

Senator Budd Delegation Visits Cherry Point

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point leaders hosted a staff delegation visit at the installation from members representing U.S. Senator Ted Budd, April 23, 2025. The delegation received updates on operations and ongoing military construction projects at the installation, touring multiple construction sites, and making stops at Fleet Readiness Center East, and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 542 and Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron (VMUT) 2.

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This significant step forward underscores MCAS Cherry Point's commitment to supporting the physical and mental well-being of our service members - A sign and shovel are photographed before a groundbreaking ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Oct. 25, 2024. This event announced the newest addition to the air station’s rapidly expanding infrastructure, a state-of-the-art, 93,000-square-foot fitness center. This significant step forward underscores MCAS Cherry Point's commitment to supporting the physical and mental well-being of our service members. (U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Matthew Williams)

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point proudly announces the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art, 93,000-square-foot fitness center

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point proudly announces the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art, 93,000-square-foot fitness center, marking a pivotal investment in the health and readiness of our Marines and Sailors.

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Romero, a Faribault, Minnesota native, was recognized as the Service Person of the Quarter by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his volunteer work in the local community and on the air station. - Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point Commanding Officer U.S. Marine Corps Col. Brendan Burks, left, congratulates U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Miguel Romero, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, right, at the Air Traffic Control Tower, MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 24, 2023. Romero, a Faribault, Minnesota native, was recognized as the Service Person of the Quarter by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his volunteer work in the local community and on the air station. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Lauralle Walker)

Service Person of the Quarter

Romero, a Faribault, Minnesota, native, was recognized as the Service Person of the Quarter by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his volunteer work in the local community and on the air station.

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- - 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.

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- - 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.

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U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Travis Oesterreich, an aviation supply specialist assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point, stands alongside senior installation leadership and fellow Marines during a Service Person of the Quarter event at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 22, 2022. Oesterreich was recognized and selected by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his impact on the local community. Service Person of the Quarter celebrates Marines and Sailors that go above and beyond to invest in the installation and local community with their time and talent. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Davidson) - U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Travis Oesterreich, an aviation supply specialist assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point, stands alongside senior installation leadership and fellow Marines during a Service Person of the Quarter event at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 22, 2022. Oesterreich was recognized and selected by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee for his impact on the local community. Service Person of the Quarter celebrates Marines and Sailors that go above and beyond to invest in the installation and local community with their time and talent. (Photo courtesy of Cindy Davidson)

Carteret County Honors Cpl. Travis Oesterreich as the Service Person of the Quarter

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Travis Oesterreich, an aviation supply specialist assigned to the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit (CNATTU) Cherry Point, was recognized and celebrated as the Service Person of the Quarter by the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee (MAC) at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, June 22, 2022.

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