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~The FReeper Canteen Presents~ Road Trip: Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina 
Marine Corps Air Station New River is a United States Marine Corps helicopter base in Jacksonville, North Carolina, in the eastern part of the state. MCAS New River is the principal USMC helicopter operating location on the East Coast, and supports aircrew training in the H-53 helicopter. It is also the evaluation and prospective bed-down site for the V-22 Osprey. The Mission at MCAS New River is to support and enhance the combat readiness of the Marine Corps Aviation Combat Element and Department of Defense units while improving the quality of life for military personnel, their families, and work force assigned to the Air Station. 
Marine Corps Air Station New River is a key component in our nation’s national defense and has been since 49 parcels of land were purchased in 1941. This land was purchased from multiple families and is recorded on an official map identified as Area B. This map was approved by Brigadier General, Quartermaster, United States Marine Corps on 25 March 1941. 
In 1942, Camp Lejeune investigated an area with an existing airfield to host aircraft units in support of amphibious operations. The location was placed under the command of Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune and received its first squadron, Marine Bombing Squadron (VMB)-612, in 1943. This squadron flew an aircraft similar to the Army’s B-25 Mitchell light bomber, known as the PBJ. In April 1944, the station was initially commissioned as Marine Corps Air facility, Peterfield Point, Camp Lejeune, New River. Learn More About The History Of MCAS New River HERE!
The major commands are: Marine Corps Air Station Headquarters, Marine Aircraft Group 26 and 29, H&HS, MWSS-272. The mission of Marine Corps Air Station New River is to provide the necessary support for its tenant units; MAG-26 and 29. Both groups play a major role with their troop transport helicopter, and heavy lift capability in support of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Second Marine Division. 
Through much diversity, the 2,600-acre air station has become the premier helicopter air station with the introduction of new helicopter weapons systems, preparation for the possible receipt of the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey aircraft, claiming the only operational MV-22 Osprey simulator, and providing constant aviation support to 22nd, 24th and 26th MEUs, and Combined Arms Exercises across the nation. MCAS New River is currently home to approximately 200 aircraft, which operate off two paved runways measuring more than 5,000 feet. 
New River units experienced their first combat since Vietnam in 1983, when New River-based squadrons flew combat missions in Lebanon during the invasion of Grenada. New River Marines were also involved in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. HMM-263 was the Aviation Combat Element for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) during the O'Grady rescue mission in Bosnia, and HMM-162, ACE for the 22nd MEU (SOC), has recently assisted the American Embassies in Monrovia, Liberia, and in the Central African Republic. 
Learn More About MCAS New River HERE!!
In 1941 the Marine Corps realized that coastal Carolina was the ideal place to train for the new tactics of amphibious operations in the Pacific. Camp Lejeune and auxiliary bases throughout the Carolinas were proving grounds for future success. 
The Museum of the Marine in Jacksonville, NC will tell the story of these unique contributions since the establishment of Camp Lejeune in World War II to the accomplishments of the MV-22/Osprey and other innovations for today's battlefield. Visit The Museum Of The Marine HERE!!
FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT~Showing support and boosting the morale of our military and our allies military and the family members of the above. Honoring those who have served before.
Please remember: The Canteen is a place to honor and entertain our troops. The Canteen is family friendly. Let's have fun! We pray for your continued strength, to be strong in the face of adversity. We pray for your safety, that you will return to your families and friends soon. We pray that your hope, courage, and dignity remain unbroken, so that you may show others the way. God Bless You All ~ Today, Tomorrow and Always |
Lamh Foistenach Abu!
