Vol. 71, No. 48
November 28, 2013
www.cherrypoint.marines.mil
Marines return from five-month deployment
Squadron proves importance of air support during ITX LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT
LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS
Cpl. Glen M. Bochek reunites with his family early Saturday morning at Cherry Point. Bochek is a tactical air defense controller with Marine Air Control Squadron 2 returning from his first deployment to Afghanistan.
LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing returned early Saturday morning after a five-month deployment to Helmand province, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Operating at Camp Leatherneck while assigned to Marine Air Control Group 28, Marine Air Control Squadron 2 provided aerial control of all coalition and civilian air traffic across Regional Command Southwest, or roughly 70,000 square miles.
The Marines returning are part of a large group of 2nd MAW Marines returning from Afghanistan. “Our mission is done here,” said 1st Lt. James J. Wuestman, an air operations center officer with MACS-2. “Central command basically told us they want to transfer the duties of the Marines in Afghanistan out of theater.” For Wuestman, returning from his fifth deployment, the Marines performed exactly as expected, handing over control of the airspace to the Air Force earlier this month. “The See RETURN page A7
More than 200 Marines and Sailors with Marine Wing Support Squadron 274 arrived here Nov. 20 after engaging in a five-week exercise in the Mojave Desert. The Integrated Training Exercise is a predeployment exercise designed to allow unit’s to evaluate their combat effectiveness in a deployed environment. ITX replaced Enhanced Mojave Viper late last year and is conducted at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif. The squadron participated in the exercise in preparation for upcoming missions and possible deployments, according to Maj. Adam Pastor, the squadron’s executive officer. During the exercise, the squadron provided vital support to the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, Pastor said. “The Marines and Sailors performed airfield operations, aircraft rescue and firefighting, explosive ordinance disposal, motor transport, logistics and communications support,” said Pastor. “This training ensures the squadron is ready for any mission they are tasked.” The Marines and Sailors also refamiliarized themselves with Marine Corps common skills. “We practiced convoy operations, desert survival training, and weapons handling and familiarization skills,” said Sgt. Mark A. Peterson II, an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting specialist with the squadron. In addition to performing well during the exercise, the squadron revolutionized the evaluation process, according to Pastor. See ITX page A7
First three female Marines graduate infantry training course
LANCE CPL. JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ
A platoon from Company D, Infantry Training Battalion, School of Infantry-East, stand in formation during a graduation ceremony Nov. 21 at Camp Geiger. The graduation of 227 students marked the first class of Marines to include females. The class was part of the Marine Corps’ research effort toward integrating women into ground combat military occupational specialties. See full story and photos page A3
HITT prepares females for PFT season PFC. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Every Thursday service women from Cherry Point gather at the High Intensity Tactical Training Center for an hour of physical training in preparation for the next year’s physical fitness test. While proposed changes to female fitness standards in the Marine Corps are currently on hold, it is essential for females to take part in this type of training to help them improve their physical fitness and combat readiness, said Dana Nichols, a fitness specialist and HITT instructor with Marine Corps Community Services. HITT classes help enhance fitness levels and optimize combat readiness and resilience. MCCS designed the female-only class after the Marine Corps began exploring a switch from the flexed arm hang to pullups for female Marines and Sailors dur-
ing the annual PFT. “This class is to help female Marines get stronger for pull-ups, lose fat and run faster,” said Nichols. During the training, participants complete an exercise circuit focusing on endurance and strength. The circuit includes pull-ups, ropes, kettle bells, box jumps and a variety of lower body exercises. “It is great to see women coming out in groups to work out on their lunch break,” said Nichols. “I love to see them encourage each other to work harder.” Classes like HITT give Marines a chance to build camaraderie while also building their physical fitness abilities, said 2nd Lt. Kia Logan, a communications officer with Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2. “I think it’s awesome that this class is offered for females,” said Logan. “The See HITT page A7
News Briefs
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Toys for Tots
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Females pass ITB
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Holiday Safety
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Corps News
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Announcements
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PFC. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS
Dana Nichols, a Marine Corps Community Services fitness specialist and High Intensity Tactical Training instructor, demonstrates a proper assisted pull-up during a circuit workout at the HITT Center Nov. 21.
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