Subscribe
Marines stationed at Marine Corps Air Station New River were fully represented at the 2016 Cherry Point Air Show on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Friday through Sunday.
New River units Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467, Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 302, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 provided a Marine Air-Ground Task Force demonstration and manned static displays for the 75th anniversary of Cherry Point, to show New River’s rotary wing aircraft capabilities and mission.
"We’re here to show off what we provide to the MAGTF which is primarily close air support," said 1st Lt. Brian Barnes, a Cobra pilot with Marine Light Attack Helicopter 167.
The air show allowed the public an up-close look at static displays and a chance to speak with the pilots and air crew.
"We love talking about what we’re doing and showing what we do," said Barnes. "(The public) has a right to know what we’re providing them. Coming out, seeing aircraft and what’s going on in aviation gives them the opportunity to say ‘I know what my tax dollars are going toward. While we’re sleeping and while Marines are forward deployed with these platforms, they’re in good hands.’"
To showcase the ability of rotary wing aircraft, air, ground and logistics assets from Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and New River came together for the MAGTF demonstration.
Cobras provided close air support as Ospreys, Hueys and Super Stallions dropped in ground elements. Marines fast roped from the Huey, the AH-1W Super Cobra provided aerial support with pyrotechnics and the MV-22 Osprey flew in infantrymen and the CH-53E Super Stallion dropped a Humvee for ground support.
While many of the featured aircraft at the air show were newer in model and condition, some aircraft on display originated from the Vietnam War eras, such as the Cobra and Huey.
"The Cobra and Huey are recognizable," said Barnes. "They’ve been around since the Vietnam War; these are more updated versions, but Vietnam vets will come up to these aircraft and say ‘I rode in a Huey’ or ‘there were Cobras overhead in Vietnam.’"
The historic aircraft at the show brought many generations together. Current aviation service members met with those who worked with aviation elements in the past and also inspired future generations.
"I grew up going to air shows once in a while and it’s one of the reasons I wanted to become a pilot, so to be on the other side of the air show, I think is pretty awesome," said Barnes. "Hopefully I can inspire some kid to follow in my footsteps."
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.10.2016 09:49 |
| Story ID: | 197760 |
| Location: | NC, US |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, New River Marines take to sky, featured at Cherry Point Air Show, by Cpl Mark Watola, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
LEAVE A COMMENT