MCAS Cherry Point News

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)

Mardi Gras welcomes the 2nd MAW Band

Thousands of people dressed in colorful costumes and clothing covered the roads during the annual New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations.

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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nick Cooley, a powerline mechanic, inspects an EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft to make sure it is safe to fly at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Feb. 8, 2011. Cooley is assigned to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VMAQ) 3. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Sheila deVera, U.S. Air Force/Released) - U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Nick Cooley, a powerline mechanic, inspects an EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft to make sure it is safe to fly at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan, Feb. 8, 2011. Cooley is assigned to Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VMAQ) 3. (DoD photo by Senior Airman Sheila deVera, U.S. Air Force/Released)

MAG-14 Prowlers fly toward sundown, legacy intact through 40th anniversary

A 1977 newspaper headline read “‘Can do easy’ Marines get their first EA-6B”— highlighting Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 as the first VMAQ in Marine Aircraft Group 14’s history to have received an EA-6B Prowler. The Prowler’s 40th anniversary of active use in MAG-14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, can only be summed-up in a bitter-sweet acknowledgement and look back on its impact on Marine Corps aviation, Feb. 23.

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1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - 1st Lt. Morgan White, right, instructs her Marines during a squadron-wide gear inspection aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 6, 2017. White states that the training she has received in the Marine Corps helped develop her leadership and decision-making skills. “The Marine Corps teaches you to make hard decisions,” said White. “When life throws us questions that we don’t know the answer to, we’ve learned to quickly think on our feet.” White is the communications officer for Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, Marine Aircraft Group 14, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Lending a helping hand: Marine’s uncommon valor saves stranger’s life

Emergency medical technicians arrived on scene and stated that the man behind the wheel had suffered a stroke. In the moments before the incident, what seemed like a simple decision turned into something much greater; the difference between life and death.

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James Tooker, top row, third from right, has been a part of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Fuels Department for more than four decades aboard MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. “Whoever was in the shop with me in the tank farm area, I kind of took them under my wing,” said Tooker. Tooker retired Jan. 30, 2017, as the senior civilian fuel inspector aboard the air station. (Courtesy photo/ Released) - James Tooker, top row, third from right, has been a part of the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Fuels Department for more than four decades aboard MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. “Whoever was in the shop with me in the tank farm area, I kind of took them under my wing,” said Tooker. Tooker retired Jan. 30, 2017, as the senior civilian fuel inspector aboard the air station. (Courtesy photo/ Released)

Cherry Point fuels civilian retires after 41 years of dedicated service

The first time that James Tooker set foot on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Marines were still flying biplanes here and had just stopped fighting in their dress blues. OK, just kidding, but it was a long time ago, long before many of today’s Marines were even born. It was 1981, and in that same year, a former movie actor by the name of Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as President of the United States; MTV was launched (then as Music Television); and possibly the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, raised his massive fists for the last boxing match of his distinguished career. Although Tooker came here to begin a long career as part of the Cherry Point civil service team, the New Bern native had already lived another life as a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1968 to 1975. After his time in the armed forces, he then worked odd jobs until starting as a trainee aboard the air station in 1981. Military bases are peppered with guys and gals like Tooker – people who step through the gate in search of many things such as good work, new challenges, an opportunity to serve their country in a meaningful way – people who quietly find their niche in a culture built on camaraderie and semper fidelis.

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Col. (Ret.) Wayne Whitten, a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Reconnaissance Association, is interviewed by a reporter during the 40th anniversary commemoration ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 17, 2017. The primary mission of the EA-6B Prowler is suppression of enemy air defenses in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Col. (Ret.) Wayne Whitten, a member of the Marine Corps Aviation Reconnaissance Association, is interviewed by a reporter during the 40th anniversary commemoration ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 17, 2017. The primary mission of the EA-6B Prowler is suppression of enemy air defenses in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Prowler’s 40th anniversary commemorated aboard MCAS Cherry Point

Marines assigned to various Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons and VMAQ alum come together in honor of the 40th anniversary of the EA-6B Prowler during a commemoration ceremony held aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 17, 2017. The primary mission of the Prowler is suppression of enemy air defenses in support of strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within the combat area. The VMAQ squadrons will be operating until their sundown in 2019 when the final Prowler will be transitioned out of the Marine Corps.

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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)

Sgt. Alicia Hojara -- Superhero Unmasked

Superheroes come in all sizes and all kinds of disguises - Sgt. Alicia Hojara is living proof of that.

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Judy Robison, center, is the recipient of an award of recognition during the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s annual banquet aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. “[The NMCRS] has impacted me over 30 years,” said Robison, a volunteer since 1980. NMCRS provides volunteers and employees with the training and resources to be effective, offering consistent services throughout the society. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Judy Robison, center, is the recipient of an award of recognition during the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society’s annual banquet aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. “[The NMCRS] has impacted me over 30 years,” said Robison, a volunteer since 1980. NMCRS provides volunteers and employees with the training and resources to be effective, offering consistent services throughout the society. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society thanks volunteers

The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has taken care of Marines and Sailors with various monetary and educational burdens aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point for decades. But the incredible depth of the society’s support would be impossible if not for the volunteers who make up 90 percent of the organization, selflessly giving their time and effort to make the lives of the broad military family better. Though, like most volunteers, they may live off of their own feelings of accomplishment for these efforts, there comes a time once a year when they are publicly recognized and thanked. The society hosted its annual banquet, this year, on Feb. 9, to recognize these often unsung heroes for the hours spent helping families in difficult situations.

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Sgt. Brett Hankins watches his surroundings as an MV-22 Osprey prepares for flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. The crew chief is in charge of being aware of their surrounds at all times to give the pilot proper direction when conducting flight operations. The pilots and crew chiefs rely on each other to complete their mission objectives. Hankins is a crew chief the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - Sgt. Brett Hankins watches his surroundings as an MV-22 Osprey prepares for flight aboard Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Feb. 9, 2017. The crew chief is in charge of being aware of their surrounds at all times to give the pilot proper direction when conducting flight operations. The pilots and crew chiefs rely on each other to complete their mission objectives. Hankins is a crew chief the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263, Marine Aircraft Group 26, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

Through Their Eyes: Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey Pilot

The pilot strode across the flight line to his aircraft, and after climbing into the tight cockpit, began running preflight checks on the MV-22 Osprey he would be spending the next hour flying. The steady whir of the engine slowly became a roar as the rotors spun violently before taking off from Marine Corps Air Station New River, N.C., Jan. 9.

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Days before being meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant, Cpl. Ryan Tugas stands among the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 vehicles he works with on a daily basis aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 31, 2017. Being a former Boy Scout, Tugas’ constant efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty to lead his Marines has catapulted him through the noncommissioned officer ranks. Tugas is a motor transport operator assigned toMTACS-28, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released) - Days before being meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant, Cpl. Ryan Tugas stands among the Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 vehicles he works with on a daily basis aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Jan. 31, 2017. Being a former Boy Scout, Tugas’ constant efforts to go above and beyond the call of duty to lead his Marines has catapulted him through the noncommissioned officer ranks. Tugas is a motor transport operator assigned toMTACS-28, Marine Air Control Group 28, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/ Released)

Former Boy Scout pins as MTACS-28 meritorious sergeant

First introduced to leadership positions in the Boy Scouts, Sgt. Ryan Tugas traded in his merit badges for an opportunity to earn his Eagle, Globe and Anchor in 2013. On Feb. 2, Tugas was meritoriously promoted to sergeant by the senior leadership of Marine Tactical Air Command Squadron 28 and recognized as a Marine who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

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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)

Marines graduate Martial Arts Instructor course aboard MCAS Cherry Point

More than 20 Marines from various units graduated the Martial Arts Instructor course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., Feb. 3, 2017. The Marines completed 15 rigorous training days that included both physical and mental tests, to become Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructors.

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