Kyle Pade led the formation of Cherry Point Marines and passed the torch to Travis Bowman to lead into the opening ceremonies. Other Marine volunteers from various units of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit worked alongside Craven County officials to administer games or were partnered with the Special Olympians to support them through competition. Brendan Burks, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Commanding Office.Ī formation of about 40 “motivated” Marines of MCAS Cherry Point Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron delivered the torch to the Havelock High School field. “It was a great opportunity to give back to the community that takes care of us and to cheer on the athletes as they competed,” said Col. “The turnout of volunteers showed they really want to be a part of it all and to support the Special Olympians.”Ĭoordination among MCAS Cherry Point officials, Havelock High School and the Craven County Special Olympics Committee resulted in a great success for some of eastern North Carolina’s Special Olympians.
James Robertson, MCAS Cherry Point senior enlisted leader. “It was a great opportunity for service members from the base to get involved with the community,” said Sgt. (May 18, 2023) - About 200 Marines assigned to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point enthusiastically volunteered to support the Craven County Special Olympics Spring Games that were held at Havelock High School, May 18, 2023. We train for it with the people we currently have.MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. “We don’t train for the next war with the people we think we’ll have. “We shouldn’t wait to train for anything,” said Phillips. With members operating around the globe, staying ready and proficient is paramount, says Phillips. “Whether we’re in deep snow or in the desert, our training will allow us to be sustainable, long term.” “We can train in high desert and in the mountains, in every element,” said Nelson. With this familiarization training, we’re enabling our members to be 100% a weapons system while they’re downrange.”īetween Idaho’s varied terrain and world-class military training ranges, exercising units can maintain proficiency and emulate combat scenarios in many environments. “When the aircraft are down for maintenance, we have to be ready for combat. “Our job is inherently multi-capable,” said Phillips. Matt Phillips, the exercise coordinator and TACP assigned to the 124th ASOS. Air Force emphasizes multi-capable Airmen, degrading combat effectiveness isn’t an option, says Tech. Maintaining proficiency in all things combat-related allows us to fully support our host units.”Īs the U.S. “More likely, we’re getting sent individually or in pairs to support another ground combatant force. Justin Clark, a JTAC program coordinator assigned to the 124th ASOS. “Typically, we’re not deploying as a whole squadron of operators,” said Master Sgt. Once familiar with the weapons, they focused on battlefield maneuverability, maintenance and recovery with vehicles, including storm search and rescue tactical vehicles, MRZR light tactical vehicles and motorcycles. Anything we can do to improve lethality within any particular function of a unit is a win for everybody.”ĪSOS members trained with the M240B machine gun and the MK19 grenade machine gun. When they’re not, we cannot be deadweight. “When the jets are in the area, we’re talking to them. “The fight doesn’t stop when the planes go away,” said Nelson. Luke Nelson, a TACP with the 124th ASOS, said this training focused on combative maneuvers to improve battlefield effectiveness. JTAC training focuses on proficiency with various weapon systems, vehicles and battle tactics.Ĭapt. The next step in a TACP member’s training is becoming joint terminal air controller certified. TACP members coordinate air support to defend allied forces. SAYLOR CREEK RANGE, Idaho - Special warfare tactical air control party Airmen with the 124th Fighter Wing’s Air Support Operations Squadron conducted combat proficiency training May 8-12 at Saylor Creek Air Force Range.
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