The Windsock March 27, 2014

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Vol. 72, No. 13

March 27, 2014

www.cherrypoint.marines.mil

2nd LAAD storms Onslow Beach during live-fire training

2nd MAW CG hosts heroes dinner LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT

Six Marines and a Sailor with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing were honored March 19 for acts of heroism and for playing critical roles while supporting the mission of the Wing. Major General Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general of 2nd MAW, and his wife, Alicia, hosted a heroes dinner at their residence aboard Cherry Point to show their appreciation for the sacrifices the seven made during 2013. “I feel honored to bring this group together,” said Hedelund. “Events like this are what the commandant calls giving back to the Marine Corps, and they represent what the Corps is all about – working together as a team and family.” The honorees and senior leadership from 2nd MAW and Cherry Point recalled the contributions of the heroes during the dinner with a meal prepared by celebrity chef Rick Tarantino and a team of chefs from the Cherry Point Mess Hall. Honoring sacrifice and selfless service is important for service members, said Hedelund. With food and drinks donated by local community businesses, the heroes saw the impact their hard work and dedication has in the community. “These events are the best thing I do all year,” said Tarantino, who has cooked for four consecutive heroes dinners at Cherry Point. “It’s a chance to give back for those who serve us.” Hedelund took time during the event to introduce each honoree and explain their exploits. Though nominated for a variety

LANCE CPL. ANDREA CLEOPATRA DICKERSON

A Marine with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion fires a PL-87 Stinger missile at an unmanned aerial vehicle target during live-fire training at Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune March 18.

LANCE CPL. ANDREA CLEOPATRA DICKERSON MCB CAMP LEJEUNE

More than 140 Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion conducted PL-87 Stinger missile live fire training at Onslow Beach, Camp Lejeune March 18 – 19. “The purpose of this training is to track live targets, giving the Marines the con-

See HEROES page A7

fidence they need to shoot their weapon systems while downrange,” said Sgt. Todd Grindstaff, the 2nd LAAD training chief. Gunners with the squadron shot 70 live missiles at MQM-170 Outlaw unmanned aerial vehicles during the training to fulfill their annual training requirements. Supply, motor transport and communications

Marines from Alpha Battery, Bravo Battery and Headquarters and Support Battery were on hand to support their brothers-in-arms on the ground while they shot in disparate visibility conditions, including foggy and night conditions. “The Marines donned gas masks to See STINGER page A7

2nd MAW Prowler squadron conducts division lead qualification flight LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT

LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS

Pilots and crew with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 prepare their EA-6B Prowlers for a mission at Cherry Point March 19.

Air Show ‘premium seating’ packages now available WINDSOCK STAFF MCAS CHERRY POINT

Make plans now to enjoy the best seats on the flight line for North Carolina’s largest and only nationally recognized air show for 2014, the Cherry Point “Inspiration to Innovation” Air Show scheduled for May 16 – 18. Admission and parking for the air show are free. There will be large open seating area for spectators to bring chairs or blankets available at no charge. For those who want to get closer to the action, four premium seating options are available for purchase during all three shows: bleacher seats, box seats, the General Seating Chalet and the

News Briefs

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Half Marathon

A5

Blackjack

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Menus

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Corps News

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Announcements

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Afterburner Chalet. Bleacher seats are nestled against the box seats and provide a great perspective with an unobstructed view of the show. Box seats allow you to experience all the liveliness and excitement of the flight line, but with a little privacy. This uncovered seating option is available in bundles of four, six, or 10. The General Seating Chalet puts spectators right along the flight line, where the energy is intense and will keep your heart racing. This chalet has both covered and uncovered seating available. The ticket price includes various snacks See SEATING page A7

Pilots with Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 conducted a division lead qualification flight March 19, en route to Marine Corps Air Staion Yuma, Ariz. The squadron conducted the multipurpose flight to give the squadron’s pilots a chance to qualify as division lead with the EA-6B Prowler, while conducting a squadron movement across the country. During a division lead flight, three or more Prowlers fly an assigned mission, which is a rarity for VMAQ-4 pilots. Ordinarily, Prowler crews fly solo missions in support of combat operations. Division lead flights add to the squadron’s expeditionary capabilities, according to Maj. Jeff Bauer, an electronic counter measures officer with the squadron. “The ability to launch a division is important because it demonstrates the squadron’s ability to deploy at a moment’s notice to any place in the world in support of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing,” said Bauer. The Prowler’s mission is unlike most other Marine Corps aircraft because they usually fly solo. Given the stealth mission of VMAQ-4, the squadron’s pilots are conditioned to flying alone. Division lead flights give the squadron a chance to enhance their team capabilities, according to Maj. Bart E. Macmanus, the administration officer-in-charge at the squadron. “The pilot briefs all of the procedures for what we may encounter because something that we don’t do very often is take more than two aircraft airborne at a time,” said Macmanus. “It’s very rare that we get three or more, and when we do get those three or more airborne, it becomes a very robust training sortie.”

News can also be found online All stories and photos can be found at: • www.cherrypoint.marines.mil • www.dvidshub.net/unit/MCAS-CP Read the Windsock online at: • www.issuu.com/mcascherrypoint Like us on Facebook: • www.facebook.com/mcascherrypoint • www.facebook.com/TheAirShow Follow us on Twitter: • www.twitter.com/mcascherrypoint More photos can be found on Flickr: • www.flickr.com/photos/mcas_cherry_point


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