CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 366 opened the doors of its aircraft to more than 20 middle and high school students at the Coastal Carolina Airport, July 19.



The event was part of a transportation and career exposure summer day camp sponsored by the Beaufort County Police Activities League. It included law enforcement officials from four cities and Marines from HMH-366.



“The squadron takes every opportunity we can to support the community,” said Capt. Derrick F. Breville, the assistance operations officer at HMH-366.



During their time at the airport, the youth group watched two of the squadron’s Super Stallions land on the runway before the day’s activities commenced. Once on the ground, the crews from the two aircraft lowered their ramps and welcomed the children aboard, answering questions the children had about the aircraft and the Marine Corps.



The purpose of the event was to get the children excited about aviation and different modes of transportation, said Alvin Powell, the Police Activities League event coordinator. By showing the kids what military aviation is all about, he hoped the kids would see opportunities available to them in the future if they stay in school and stay out of trouble.



“We hope that after this experience the children will take the time to do some research on the internet and get educated and informed about aviation technology,” Powell said.



Although the group’s main focus while at the airport was to interact with Marines and their aircraft, the group also toured the Tradewind Aviation Flight Training Center and the airport’s air traffic control tower.



Powell said he could tell by the excitement and enthusiasm the youth and Marines showed that the time spent at the airport was beneficial.



Before the event, many of the kids were not familiar with the Marine Corps or the military in general.



“As a veteran Marine, I hope the kids really consider going into the Marine Corps when they graduate high school,” said Powell. “They will gain exposure to things that they might not normally get to see during their lifetime.”

NEWS INFO Date Taken: 07.25.2012 Date Posted: 07.25.2012 16:51 Story ID: 92144 Location: CHERRY POINT, NC, US Web Views: 691 Downloads: 0 Podcast Hits: 0 PUBLIC DOMAIN This work, Squadron opens aircraft doors to local youth to demonstrate Marines’ passion for aviation, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.