Vol. 72, No. 18
May 1, 2014
www.cherrypoint.marines.mil
VMAQ-2 increases combat proficiency
Marine Corps changes authorized ‘professional gear’ for PCS LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Marines and Sailors planning permanent change of station moves during the summer season should expect a change to the amount of professional gear authorized as part of a funded PCS. The Department of Defense plans to change policies regarding authorized weight limits for professional gear and what items constitute progear. The changes take effect May 1. There is currently no weight limit for pro-gear, but with the scheduled change, a maximum net weight of 2,000 pounds applies, with no waivers, according to Sgt. Bryan Xayvong, the personal property noncommissioned officer in charge at Cherry Point’s Distribution Management Office. “The main reason for the change is many members were trying to claim anything and everything as pro-gear,” said Xayvong. According to www.move.mil, the Defense Personal Property Program’s website, pro-gear is considered, “articles of household goods in a member’s possession needed for the performance of official duties at the next or later destination,” including: reference material not available at the destination base or station; specialized equipment designed for specific trades; specialized clothing for use during official duties; certain radio equipment; individually owned or specially issued field gear; and official awards to specific individuals. Some items not considered pro-gear during ofSee DMO page A7
LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 flight and ground crew inspect an EA-6B Prowler at Cherry Point April 17, before departing for low-level navigation training.
LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 2 increased the proficiency of its pilots by conducting low-level navigation flights April 17 here. During low-level navigation flights, pilots fly
the EA-6B Prowler at low altitudes while traveling at fast speeds. “This training is designed to help pilots think quicker on their feet,” said Capt. Jason A. Kozak, a pilot with VMAQ-2. The pilots of VMAQ-2 flew through the mountainous areas of West Virginia to practice
Cherry Point hosts 1st Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K LANCE CPL. ANDREA CLEOPATRA DICKERSON MCAS CHERRY POINT
Approximately 350 service members and civilians participated in Cherry Point’s inaugural Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K along Marine Air Control Group 28’s physical fitness test course April 25 at Cherry Point. Cherry Point hosted several events throughout the month to highlight the importance of sexual assault prevention and response. The campaign theme this year was “Live Our Values: Step Up to Stop Sexual Assault.” “We need cultural change where every service member is treated with dignity and respect, where all allegations of inappropriate behavior are treated with seriousness, where victims’ privacy is protected, where bystanders are motivated to intervene, and where offenders know that they will be held accountable by strong and effective systems of justice.” Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel during a DoD press briefing last year. The event was a great way to get people across the air station involved and build camaraderie, said Gunnery Sgt. Zane J. Poe, the Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 Uniformed Victim Advocate. “We could not have done this event without the support of our leadership,” Poe said. “They really got behind us and made things happen.” For one Marine, the event was more than just an opportunity to squeeze more physical fitness into his day. Gunnery Sgt. Edward Gress, an aviation ordnanceman with MWHS-2, said he is an avid marathon runner, but this run really hit home and stood out from the rest. He said the event was more meaningful because he knows people who have been victims. Gress felt it was important to show his support for sexual assault prevention. Posters from the air station’s SAAM poster contest were See SAAM page A7
MCAS CHERRY POINT
Maintenance Marines with Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 play a vital role in ensuring AV-8B Harriers are serviceable to the squadron, which supports both the squadron’s mission of developing pilots for the fleet and the overall mission of 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The maintenance Marines go through extensive training in school that is not only essential for them to learn, but is important for the pilots who are learning to fly the aircraft, according to Staff Sgt. Sean C. Corey, a fixed-wing aircraft mechanic with VMAT-203.
See VMAQ2 page A7
Cherry Point Marine, family awarded for volunteer efforts LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT
COURTESY PHOTO
Major General Robert F. Hedelund, commanding general of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, runs at Cherry Point during the station’s first Sexual Assault Awareness Month 5K April 25.
VMAT-203 Marines turn wrenches to support student pilots LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS
their maneuvering abilities. “Everything moves a lot quicker compared to a situation where we are in the higher altitudes away from (the ground),” said Kozak. “Making faster decisions means we rely on our other crew
“In order for the squadron to train pilots, the maintenance crews have to keep these planes flying so the pilots can complete their sorties and transition into the fleet,” said Corey. The squadron’s maintenance department is made up of 10 individual sections. The individual sections include airframe mechanics and avionics and ordnance technicians, whose daily tasks range from inspecting aircraft functions to repairing aircraft systems, according to Corey. The Marines responsible for maintaining the squadron’s aircraft work as efficiently and carefully as possible to repair and maintain the aircraft. After
repairs are made, collateral duty inspectors log and monitor all changes or updates conducted on the aircraft in order to ensure quality control, according to Corey. Although the process can be time consuming, it is essential for both the maintenance Marines and the student pilots, said Corey. “This job requires our Marines to be flexible and patient,” said Corey. “We depend on every maintenance crew member to ensure these aircraft are ready for flight.” Lance Cpl. Erika L. Minnix, an airSee VMAT203 page A7
Master Sgt. Mark J. Francis and his family received the Havelock Military Family of the Quarter Award during a ceremony at El Cerro Grande Mexican Bar and Grill in Havelock April 22. The Havelock Military Affairs Committee, local sponsors and fellow military members attended the ceremony to express their appreciation for the Francis family and their service to local schools and organizations. “We are very humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Mark. “We are usually behind the scenes doing things for people that are being honored, so this was very much unexpected.” As supporters of the Havelock High School band program and extracurricular activities, Mark and his wife, Colleen Francis, oversee approximately 200 students. The couple acts as chaperons and assist with equipment and help prepare uniforms for the students’ performances. The family also volunteers their time with the Havelock High School swim team and volleyball team. In addition, they provide guidance and assistance to transitioning active duty service members. As citizens of the community, the Francis family feels it is their responsibility to make sure they give back to their community. “Together everybody achieves more,” said Mark. “As communal human beings, it is in our nature to give back.” Besides being a father of three, a husband and active volunteer, Mark is also an intelligence analyst with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2. As a leader of Marines, he takes pride in encouraging his Marines to volunteer within the community by both setting the example and providing them with volunteer opportunities. “I provide as much opportunity as I can for my Marines to volunteer, and I make it very easy for them to contribute to the community,” said Mark. “It’s important that we set the example and we show them that See VOLUNTEER page A7
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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