Stories

Lt. Gen. John M. Davis, right, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, joins senior leaders across the aviation community on stage during a winging ceremony at New Bern, N.C., May 19, 2016. Naval aviators received the prestigious honor of receiving an iconic emblem, depicting the culmination of years of training, perseverance and sacrifice. Pilots and crewmen receive wings once they complete their respective training requirements and are then designated to join the fleet as an operational Marine Corps asset. The winging ceremony took place during the 45th Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium and Marine Corps Aviation Summit. ( U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released) - Lt. Gen. John M. Davis, right, Deputy Commandant for Aviation, joins senior leaders across the aviation community on stage during a winging ceremony at New Bern, N.C., May 19, 2016. Naval aviators received the prestigious honor of receiving an iconic emblem, depicting the culmination of years of training, perseverance and sacrifice. Pilots and crewmen receive wings once they complete their respective training requirements and are then designated to join the fleet as an operational Marine Corps asset. The winging ceremony took place during the 45th Annual Marine Corps Aviation Association Symposium and Marine Corps Aviation Summit. ( U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. N.W. Huertas/ Released)

Cpl. Brian J. Koons plays a tuba during the Salute to the Troops event in Garner, N.C., May 22, 2016. Comprised of more than 40 Marines, the 2nd MAW band strives to share the Marine Corps’ traditions, values and esprit de corps with the local community. The band also supports local military units and squadrons by performing for change of command ceremonies, retirements, and other military events. Koons is a Tuba player with the 2nd MAW Band. - Cpl. Brian J. Koons plays a tuba during the Salute to the Troops event in Garner, N.C., May 22, 2016. Comprised of more than 40 Marines, the 2nd MAW band strives to share the Marine Corps’ traditions, values and esprit de corps with the local community. The band also supports local military units and squadrons by performing for change of command ceremonies, retirements, and other military events. Koons is a Tuba player with the 2nd MAW Band.

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.