Stories

Daniel Maulet demonstrates the capabilities of the Thales TopOwl Flight Helmet during the 45th Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium and Marine Aviation Summit at New Bern, N.C., May 17, 2016. New technology was demonstrated to give a look into the latest advances in naval aviation. The TopOwl is an advanced helmet-mounted sight and display for helicopters designed providing pilots a heightened sense of awareness. Maulet is an employee with Thales. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released) - Daniel Maulet demonstrates the capabilities of the Thales TopOwl Flight Helmet during the 45th Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium and Marine Aviation Summit at New Bern, N.C., May 17, 2016. New technology was demonstrated to give a look into the latest advances in naval aviation. The TopOwl is an advanced helmet-mounted sight and display for helicopters designed providing pilots a heightened sense of awareness. Maulet is an employee with Thales. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)

1st Lt. Jacqueline Fisher continues to work while wearing a gas mask during a mock chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense drill, during 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s portion of the II Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 15, 2016. During MEFEX 16, 2nd MAW conducted an incoming CBRN drill to ensure that the Marines knew how to react quickly and use their equipment properly. MEFEX 16 is designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II MEF’s command and control capabilities in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Fisher is an air intelligence officer with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Staff Sgt. Rebekka S. Heite/Released) - 1st Lt. Jacqueline Fisher continues to work while wearing a gas mask during a mock chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense drill, during 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s portion of the II Marine Expeditionary Force Exercise 2016 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 15, 2016. During MEFEX 16, 2nd MAW conducted an incoming CBRN drill to ensure that the Marines knew how to react quickly and use their equipment properly. MEFEX 16 is designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II MEF’s command and control capabilities in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Fisher is an air intelligence officer with Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2. (U.S. Marine Corps photo Staff Sgt. Rebekka S. Heite/Released)

Cpl. Stephen Gomes (left) receives guidance from Kevin Driscoll during a trap and skeet range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 14, 2016. Twenty Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion’s Firearms Mentorship Program utilized their marksmanship skills during the range as part of their firearms safety classes. The mentorship program promotes safe private gun ownership, builds confidence in marksmanship skills and increases Marines combat readiness by familiarizing them with other weapons. Gomes is a cyber-network operator with the battalion and Driscoll is the range safety officer with the MCAS Cherry Point Skeet Club. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released) - Cpl. Stephen Gomes (left) receives guidance from Kevin Driscoll during a trap and skeet range at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 14, 2016. Twenty Marines with 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion’s Firearms Mentorship Program utilized their marksmanship skills during the range as part of their firearms safety classes. The mentorship program promotes safe private gun ownership, builds confidence in marksmanship skills and increases Marines combat readiness by familiarizing them with other weapons. Gomes is a cyber-network operator with the battalion and Driscoll is the range safety officer with the MCAS Cherry Point Skeet Club. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)

The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Gary L. Thomas and his battle staff gather for a II Marine Expeditionary Force commanders update brief during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 15, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II MEF’s C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide combatant commanders with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allied and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released) - The 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Gary L. Thomas and his battle staff gather for a II Marine Expeditionary Force commanders update brief during MEFEX 16 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., May 15, 2016. MEFEX 16 is a command and control exercise conducted in a deployed environment designed to synchronize and bring to bear the full spectrum of II MEF’s C2 capabilities in support of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Conducting exercises of this nature ensures II MEF remains ready to provide combatant commanders with an experienced staff capable of integrating with international allied and partner nations in a combined joint task force, charged with accomplishing a wide range of military operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/Released)

A family enjoys watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at the 2016 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show – “Celebrating 75 Years” at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., May 1, 2016. This year’s air show celebrated MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 75th anniversaries and featured 40 static displays, 17 aerial performers and a concert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ Released) - A family enjoys watching the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform at the 2016 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show – “Celebrating 75 Years” at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C., May 1, 2016. This year’s air show celebrated MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 75th anniversaries and featured 40 static displays, 17 aerial performers and a concert. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mackenzie Gibson/ Released)

Marines, Sailors and civilians disassemble set-ups on the flight line following the 2016 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show -- "Celebrating 75 Years' at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. The air show celebrated MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 75th anniversaries and featured 40 static displays, 17 aerial performers and a concert. - Marines, Sailors and civilians disassemble set-ups on the flight line following the 2016 Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Air Show -- "Celebrating 75 Years' at MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. The air show celebrated MCAS Cherry Point and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing’s 75th anniversaries and featured 40 static displays, 17 aerial performers and a concert.

The surveillance of a simulated downed aircraft plays in the Emergency Operations Center during a Mass Casualty Exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 7, 2016. The exercise was designed to simulate the response if an emergency were to occur. Annually, the air station is required to have exercises to ensure protocol and safety standards are met for potential emergencies. On years the biannual air show occurs, the training revolves around scenarios specific to that kind of event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/Released) - The surveillance of a simulated downed aircraft plays in the Emergency Operations Center during a Mass Casualty Exercise on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 7, 2016. The exercise was designed to simulate the response if an emergency were to occur. Annually, the air station is required to have exercises to ensure protocol and safety standards are met for potential emergencies. On years the biannual air show occurs, the training revolves around scenarios specific to that kind of event. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jason Jimenez/Released)

Col. Chris Pappas III (right) congratulates a volunteer during a volunteer appreciation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 12, 2016. The award ceremony was held for the more than 90,000 volunteer hours collectively accomplished by members of the air station community. Senior leaders represented their units, along with DOD employees and service family volunteers as they received individual recognition for their volunteer efforts and the positive impact they have on the air station. Pappas is the Cherry Point commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released) - Col. Chris Pappas III (right) congratulates a volunteer during a volunteer appreciation ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., April 12, 2016. The award ceremony was held for the more than 90,000 volunteer hours collectively accomplished by members of the air station community. Senior leaders represented their units, along with DOD employees and service family volunteers as they received individual recognition for their volunteer efforts and the positive impact they have on the air station. Pappas is the Cherry Point commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens gives a brief to Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. The MCPON discuss current trending and important topics, including: rating changes, deployment opportunities and the importance of senior leaders effectively communicating with their subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. U. Roberts/Released) - Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens gives a brief to Marines and Sailors with 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 22, 2016. The MCPON discuss current trending and important topics, including: rating changes, deployment opportunities and the importance of senior leaders effectively communicating with their subordinates. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. U. Roberts/Released)

Lance Cpl. Xavier Tunstall participates in an obstacle course during non-lethal weapons training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 17, 2016. Twelve Marines from various units participated in the training event with the Provost Marshal‘s Office. Marines were sprayed in the face with the potent substance and then maneuvered through an obstacle course simulating non-compliant threats. The training familiarized the participants with both the gear they will carry and the effects it will have on an individual being sprayed. Tunstall is an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released) - Lance Cpl. Xavier Tunstall participates in an obstacle course during non-lethal weapons training at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., March 17, 2016. Twelve Marines from various units participated in the training event with the Provost Marshal‘s Office. Marines were sprayed in the face with the potent substance and then maneuvered through an obstacle course simulating non-compliant threats. The training familiarized the participants with both the gear they will carry and the effects it will have on an individual being sprayed. Tunstall is an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/Released)