The Windsock November 21, 2013

Page 1

Vol. 71, No. 47

November 21, 2013

www.cherrypoint.marines.mil

Hancock Marina open to Cherry Point patrons

Transport squadron supports recon jump

LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT

After nearly an eight month closure, the renovations at the Hancock Marina are now complete and the marina is again open for Cherry Point’s community to use. Boaters and fishermen may use the facility, which reopened earlier this month, for wet and dry storage of vessels. Marine Corps Community Services and Cherry Point base facilities began much needed repairs and renovations in February, according to Matt Houde, the recreation supervisor for the marina. “The docks were in fair condition when I started working here, but over the years they had really started to wear out,” said Houde. MCCS, along with base facilities and contractors, began working on the project about a year ago. “When we got word from the base that the docks were being completely renovated—let’s just say it was a wonderful day,” said Houde. Renovations included complete removal and replacement of all seawall structures, the building of a new crabbing and fishing pier, paved parking areas for patrons, and a new area with picnic tables. “The marina is brand new, very safe and looks like a marina should,” said Houde. Since the reopening of the facility, the boating community has taken full advantage of the renovations, according to Houde. “We have really just reopened, but the slips will be 80 to 90 percent full in the next month,” said Houde. “We have several returning patrons who left when the renovations started

LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS

Marines with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion parachute toward the ground after jumping from a KC-130J Hercules over Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue Nov. 19, as part of a two-day static-line training exercise with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252.

LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS MCAS CHERRY POINT

Members of Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 252 performed static-line jumps with 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion at Marine Corps Auxiliary Landing Field Bogue Monday and Tuesday. Approximately 30 Marines jumped from low altitudes both night and day out of a KC-130J Hercules flown by VMGR-252 Marines. Static-line jumps are conducted with the use of a fixed cord attached to the inside of the aircraft used to open parachutes automatically for jumpers.

The purpose of the training was to improve the combat readiness of pilots, crew members and jumpers. “Combat readiness is essential to mission success and this training helps ensure that the Marines are ready for anything,” said 1st Lt. Jenner M. Yuhas, a KC-130J pilot with VMGR-252. The training helped the transport squadron sharpen their skills as well as practice planning and coordination with the 2nd Recon Bn. mission, according to Yuhas. See JUMP page A7

See MARINA page A7

Marines, Sailors hone vehicle skills at Cherry Point autocross event LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT

LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS

A Sports Car Club of America instructor demonstrates the autocross course on the flight line here Nov. 16. The course built drivers confidence in being able to maneuver and control their vehicles.

ECU students entertain military, community with “A Christmas Carol”

Cherry Point Marines and Sailors explored the limitations of their vehicles Saturday and Sunday during an autocross event on the flight line here. Cherry Point’s Single Marine Program and Marine Corps Community Services collaborated with the Sports Car Club of America to bring the quarterly autocross event back to the air station. During the event, the SCCA’s main objective was to teach Marines and Sailors how to avoid hazards on the road. The SCCA also provided training for attendees who used their personal vehicles on the course. Participants who drove their personally owned vehicles on the course learned how it might react when faced with obstacles or adverse conditions, said Jen Krivohlavy, the SMP coordinator.

Krivohlavy has attended autocross safety events several times, crediting the training for her own safety after a narrow escape last year. “It has saved my life. Just after leaving the autocross in March of last year, I got into an accident with a truck that had dropped a steel plate, which ended up totaling my car,” said Krivohlavy. Examples like Krivohlavy’s bring the event back to Cherry Point roughly four times a year, said Krivohlavy. “By understanding how to maneuver my vehicle, I saved my own life as well as some motorcyclists who were alongside me on the road.” Before driving, SCCA instructors perform safety inspections of participants’ vehicles to ensure tires and breaking systems are operating normally. The course is designed See AUTOCROSS page A7

Chieftains honor fallen brothers during squadron run LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT

PFC. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS MCAS CHERRY POINT

Marine Corps Community Services hosted service members, community members and their families at the Two Rivers Theater here Saturday for East Carolina University Storybook Theater’s performance of “A Christmas Carol.” “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a greedy, cold-hearted man visited by the ghosts of Christmases past, present and future, who show him the errors of his ways. The play examines his life’s journey and the true meaning of Christmas. Charles Dickens’ tale of transformation and personal redemption is universal, according to Patch Clark, Storybook Theatre director and ECU professor. “This story has a very special message about taking time to treasure friends and family as well as showing kindness to others all year long,” according to Clark. “This is a great message for audience members of any age and a play is a wonderful way to get that message See CAROL page A7

News Briefs

A2

HMH-366 Live Fire

A5

Turkey Bowl

A3

Holiday Safety

B2

Corps News

A4

Announcements

B3

Marine Air Support Squadron 1 took time to remember their fallen brethren during their annual Chieftain Run at Cherry Point Nov. 14. Each year MASS-1 Marines run a three-mile course of remembrance to honor former MASS-1 Marines who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in support of past and current operations. The purpose of the run is to remember the legacy of fallen Marines and build esprit de corps in their honor, according to 2nd Lt. Matthew D. Harrell, an air support control officer with MASS-1. “Before the run we talk about why we do the run,” said Harrell. “It’s designed to get you out and you end up running with people you hadn’t known before.” All Marines from the squadron take part in the event. The run helps reinforce and strengthen unit cohesion by recalling the past and looking toward the future, according to Harrell. “The run shows me that [MASS-1

LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS

Maj. Michael P. Volmer, right, leads members of Marine Air Support Squadron 1 in the squadron’s annual Chieftain Run Nov. 14 at Cherry Point. The run is conducted in remembrance of two Marines that lost their life in 2006 and 1997. Volmer is the executive officer of the squadron.

cares] about their Marines – it’s not a transitory place to be. They care about them individually and they try to spread that throughout the squadron,”

said Harrell. Regardless of rank or tenure, the run is a tradition all MASS-1 Marines See CHIEFTAIN page A7

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The Windsock November 21, 2013 by 2nd MAW/MCAS Cherry Point - Issuu