Military

WELCOME FROM THE AIR STATION COMMANDER 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the City of Havelock and to Marine Corps Air
Station Cherry Point, located in the heart of coastal North Carolina. Eastern North
Carolina is a wonderful place for our Marines and Sailors to serve their country
and live. The region provides ample training areas so that our Marines and Sailors
remain America's Expeditionary Force in Readiness - prepared to respond to any
crisis. Moreover, it gives us a chance to live in a beautiful area alongside friendly
and patriotic neighbors.
 

MCAS Cherry Point is home to the 2d Marine Aircraft Wing, the Cherry Point
NavalHealth Clinic, as well as the Fleet Readiness Center East, the largest
industrial employer east of I-95. Altogether, Cherry Point has a work force of more
than 15,000 Marines, Sailors and civilians. Marine air assets, such as the AV-8B
Harrier, EA-6B Prowler and the KC-130 Hercules are common sights over the city,
where they fly daily in training against America's enemies. The roar of their jet
and turboprop engines is known to local residents as "the Sound of Freedom."
Another common sight, especially over the nearby beaches and open coastal waters,
is the air station's orange and gray search and rescue helicopters, historically known
as "Pedro." Although the Pedro crews' primary responsibility is to support downed
military aircrew, they also respond to more than 100 calls a year to aid recreationalists,
assist the Coast Guard in helping boaters in distress, and more often providing
emergency airlift to hospitals in the region.

The people of Havelock understand the Marine Corps' mission and our need to train.
The warm support our service members and their families receive from the Havelock
community is a strong factor in our success, both in peace and in war. This feeling
of community is such that many of our Marines, Sailors and their families make
Havelock their home during their military service as well as retirement. The people
of Havelock have proven, time and again, that the Marines and Sailors of MCAS
Cherry Point are fortunate to have them as neighbors. Enjoy your stay in Havelock
and please take the opportunity to contact our Community Plans and Liaison Office at 252-466-0241 
or 2531 to assist with any questions you may have, or learn more here  about your Marine 
Corps Air Station. 

Semper Fidelis, 

Col P.J. “Zimmy” Zimmerman
Commanding Officer