SECNAV visits Cherry Point

[USMC5831]

SecNav visits NADEP, Cherry Point in sweep of Carolinas
Submitted by: MCAS Cherry Point
Story Identification #:200481681441
Story by Pfc. James D. Hamel



Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C. (Aug. 11, 2004) -- The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, and Walter Jones, North Carolina’s 3rd District Representative, visited Cherry Point in a tour of North Carolina Marine bases, Aug. 11.

England came to Cherry Point to tour facilities aboard the air station key to operational success, and to award outstanding Marines for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The first stop on the secretary’s trip was the Havelock Tourist Center where the honored guests were treated to lunch by the Alliance for Cherry Point’s Tomorrow (ACT).

Speaking before the alliance, Maj. Gen. Thomas L. Moore, commander of the 2nd MAW, and Brig. Gen. Charles S. Patton, commander of MCABE, and other guests, England jested that though attempts have been made to change his title to Secretary of the Navy and Marine Corps, Marines would rather it be Secretary of the Marine Corps and Navy.

Secretary England went on to compare the current War on Terrorism to the Cold War against Communism, because it would be long and require strong national character and will to overcome.

After speaking to the press, where England insisted that his visit’s purpose was not to evaluate, but to reward outstanding military members, the official party left the tourist center and headed for the Naval Aviation Depot.

After a briefing with NADEP’s senior personnel, England went on a tour of the facility and talked to employees about various work projects.

Finally, the Secretary of the Navy made way to Marine Air Support Squadron 1 for an awards ceremony that would include presentations for a purple heart and a Navy and Marine Corp Commendation Medal with a combat “V” device, for valor.

After the awards were given, England met with family of the awardees before addressing the Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 and MASS-1.

Again comparing the War on Terror to America’s wars of the past, the Secretary compared warriors of this generation to the “greatest generation” of World War II.

“I think when people look back on this generation, they will call it a great generation,” he said.

The secretary then prepared for departure, but not before offering appreciation to those fighting today’s war.

“Thank you,” he said. “Thank you for defending our country and preserving liberty for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

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Photos included with story:The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy talks with Naval Air Depot, Cherry Point commander Col. John Gumbel. The Secretary of the Navy was in North Carolina to tour Marine bases and award outstanding Marines Photo by: Pfc. James D. Hamel
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy walks with Gordon Joh of of Naval Air Depot, Cherry Point during a tour of NADEP. The Secretary of the Navy was in North Carolina to tour Marine bases and award outstanding Marines. Photo by: Pfc. James D. Hamel
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, is greeted by Lt. Col. Jay E. Johnson, commanding officer of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271, as the Secretary arrives for an awards ceremony. The Secretary of the Navy was in North Carolina to tour Marine bases and award outstanding Marines. Photo by: Pfc. James D. Hamel
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, and Congressman Walter Jones give a press conference after a luncheon at the Havelock, NC visitors center. The Secretary of the Navy was in North Carolina to tour Marine bases and award outstanding Marines. Photo by: Pfc. James D. Hamel
The Honorable Gordon R. England, Secretary of the Navy, awards the Purple Heart to Cpl. Adam Youngman of Marine Air Support Squandron 1. The Secretary of the Navy was in North Carolina to tour Marine bases and award outstanding Marines. Photo by: Pfc. James D. Hamel