www.cherrypoint.marines.mil
Vol. 72, No. 25
Another hurricane season arrives at Cherry Point
June 19, 2014
Squadrons cross-train with Boeing
LANCE CPL. UNIQUE B. ROBERTS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Hurricane season arrived quietly June 1 and will continue through November 30. Nobody knows what kind of storms will come with the season, but it is important for Cherry Point families to be aware of potential weather hazards, prepare for those hazards and know the resources available to them. During this period, inland cities such as Havelock, New Bern and James City may be subject to high winds, tornadoes, storm surges and flooding, which are all associated with hurricane and tropical storm activity. Hurricanes have the potential to cause widespread disruptions such as power outages, food and water shortages, short and long-term damage to buildings, roads and other base infrastructure, according to Etta Lucas, the installation emergency manager for Cherry Point. Harsh weather conditions have the potential of halting operations that are essential for running the air station. “The preparedness measures taken prior to landfall such as evacuating aircraft, prestaging of equipment, supplies and staff will have a direct impact on mission readiness,” said Lucas. “This will directly affect training at the ranges, air operations and normal day-to-day operations.” In 2011, the coast was visited by Hurricane Irene, a category 1 hurricane that caused substantial damage to the local Morehead City area. In 2010, Hurricane Earl, another tropical weather system, brought harsh rain and wild winds to the North Carolina area. “The last hurricane to affect Cherry Point was Hurricane Irene in 2011 and as we all know, our coast protrudes out in the Atlantic and therefore, sits directly in the path of many hurricanes that form in the Atlantic,” said Lucas. “Cherry Point experienced some power outages with downed lines and trees and some structures were damaged.” Between the years of 1851 and 2005, North Carolina has been hit by 47 hurricanes and 12 of those were category 3 and above, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. “It only takes one hurricane or tropical storm making landfall to have disastrous impacts on our communities,” said Lucas. Understanding the dangers of an approaching storm could be a fatal mistake. So it is important for families to prepare by developing a family disaster plan, gathering materials to endure the storm, knowing the location of local shelters and evacuation routes. A disaster plan is a list of procedures and actions taken before and after the time of a disastrous event which explains tasks that need to be completed. Some of the things included in the plan are how families can get to a safe place, means of communication, ways of getting back together if split apart and what to do in different situations. “Discuss your family disaster plan with all family members; make sure to include a plan for your pets, said Lucas. Personnel aboard the air station should review local and installation emergency procedures. See WEATHER page A7
2nd LAAD welcomes Placiente, bids Cobb farewell LANCE CPL. JOSHUA R. HEINS MCAS CHERRY POINT
from Boeing to act as mentors and support squadrons here and while deployed in order to effectively complete the mission. The mentors work with Marines in the Harrier squadrons in various ways. They mentor personnel in avionics, airframes, power lines, crew safety systems and supply. Boeing is the leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. Their products include commercial and military
Lt. Col. Scott Cobb relinquished his post as commanding officer of 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion to Lt. Col. Raymond Placiente during a ceremony at the battalion headquarters here, June 17. Cobb is leaving the battalion for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence in Washington, D.C., to further his professional military education as a Commandant of the Marine Corps fellow. “I’m looking forward to the new opportunity,” said Cobb. “I was lucky enough to get selected for such a top-level school and am looking forward to what the fellowship will offer.” While in command of the battalion, Cobb focused on returning 2nd LAAD returned to its combat service support excellence. “The Marines just performed miracles during my last 22 months,” said Cobb. “Especially in the headway of female integration into the battalion, the transition has been almost seamless showing the Marine Corps we are a prime example on how transparently the change can be done.” The battalion supported all three local Marine Expeditionary Units, and the Unit Deployment Program to Okinawa, Japan, under Cobb’s command. “The quality of Marines that make up this battalion is what led to its success,” said Cobb. “From privates up to majors, I was fortunate to have some great young Americans and Marines who
See BOEING page A7
See COMMAND page A7
LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS
Boeing field service representatives answer questions and assist Marines with maintenance on the wing of an AV-8B Harrier inside the Marine Attack Squadron 542 hangar. Boeing FSRs act as mentors to Marines in areas like avionics, airframes, power line, crew safety systems and supply.
LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS MCAS CHERRY POINT
Members of Marine Attack Squadron 542 and various other squadrons with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing continue to work closely with field service representatives from Boeing in an attempt to arm the Marines with a larger set of skills and a wider knowledge base. The mission of 2nd MAW is to conduct air operations in offensive air support, anti-air warfare, assault support, aerial reconnaissance, electronic warfare and control of aircraft and missiles. The Marine Corps has recruited hundreds of experts
Cherry Point hosts 3rd annual Protégé Day James Knickerbocker speaks to William Creel, left, and Theodore Gains, center, both participants of Cherry Point’s 3rd annual Protégé Day at the air station’s information technology office. Cherry Point’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office partnered with vocational rehabilitation services offices in Craven County to sponsor the Protégé Day. The purpose of the event was to give 13 individuals with disabilities the opportunity to shadow professionals in their desired career fields for a day in order to gain a better understanding of current positions aboard the air station. During the course of the day, the guests were paired with air station employees who are considered subject matter experts in their occupational fields. Knickerbocker is the installation’s information technology asset manager. LANCE CPL. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA
CNATT instructor, family honored for local community service LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS MCAS CHERRY POINT
LANCE CPL. GRACE L. WALADKEWICS
Sgt. Christopher Haley poses with his wife, Petty Officer 3rd Class Autumn Ruiz, and their newborn daughter.
Sergeant Christopher Haley and his family were honored as the Family of the Quarter during a ceremonial luncheon held by the Havelock Military Affairs Committee at the New Bern Golf and Country Club June 12. Haley and his wife, Petty Officer 3rd Class Autumn Ruiz, a master at arms with the Navy Reserves, dedicated more than 300 volunteer hours to Marines, Sailors and families within New Bern and surrounding cities. In an effort to strengthen the station and community ties, Haley has served as volunteer coach to the Creekside Elementary School’s “Girls on the Run” at the YMCA and as a mentor to nearly 20 students at Havelock Elementary School. His time at the local schools has also been spent reading during Dr. Seuss book-reading events and serving as an assistant in special needs
News Briefs
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MALS-14 Maintenance
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Band Concert
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Warrior Spirit
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Refueling Operation A4 Announcements
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classrooms. Ruiz shares her husband’s passion for assisting others in need, and distinguishing herself as a Key Volunteer at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training, always willing to help with command functions, according to Lt. Col. Jaime L. Gutierrez, commanding officer of CNATT. Ruiz also volunteers at the Coastal Women’s Shelter in New Bern assisting those affected by domestic violence. She also volunteers at the New Bern Food Bank and various local soup kitchens. While deployed, she volunteered her time to the United Arab Emirates through the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Program, providing tours and hosting events for personnel. Haley and Ruiz have managed to balance their active duty military service, off-duty college education and family life while remaining active in New Bern and throughout Craven County, according to
Gutierrez. “Sgt. Haley is so dedicated to everything he does,” said Gutierrez. “His volunteer work within the schools takes a lot of patience and a lot of caring and kindness.” Haley is currently serving as an avionics instructor, a naval instructor training course instructor, unit ground safety manager, color sergeant and assistant master training specialist coordinator. The couple shares a love for volunteering. They said that keeping the relationship between the military and the surrounding community is always a priority for them. “I have always volunteered, everywhere I’ve been,” said Haley. “We have been extremely fortunate with the command I am in now to be offered so many opportunities to volunteer. My wife and I never turn down the chance to give back.” Haley said he was surprised and See FAMILY page A7
Hundreds attend 4th annual Fly-In Story and photos page B1