North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper traveled to Havelock on Tuesday to meet with state military leaders at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point about how the state can uphold its reputation as the “most military friendly state in the nation” by supporting troops and their families.
Cooper visited the sprawling Marine Corps installation, which supports about 53,000 service members, civilian contractors and their families. Joining him for the North Carolina Commanders’ Council Meeting were Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Secretary Grier Martin and Marine Corps Installation East Commander and North Carolina Commander’s Council Chair Col. Ralph J. Rizzo Jr.
Together, they highlighted North Carolina’s commitment to supporting service members and their families.
“Today’s meeting with military leaders reminds us of our deep gratitude to our service members and our commitment to support them and their families,” Cooper said. “Our active military service members dedicate their lives to our nation and often face unique challenges. We will continue doing everything we can to help address these issues so members of the military can work, learn and raise a family in North Carolina.”
Cherry Point, an economic powerhouse for the region, is in the middle of a major modernization project that will see its aviation squadrons transition from the legacy AV-8B Harrier jump jet to the F-35B Lightning II. Compared to the stick-and-rudder Harrier, the F-35B is a fly-by-wire, highly computerized fifth-generation fighter aircraft. It eventually will assume missions performed by both the Harrier and F-18 Super Hornets operated by the Marines.
The Marine Corps Aviation Plan has one squadron transitioning to the F-35B beginning next year. The plan calls for a total 16 F-35Bs within 24 months from reaching initial operational capability in 2026.
A second squadron at Cherry Point began operating six F-35Bs last year and should have its full complement of 16 aircraft by October. A third squadron is already flying the F-35B, having received its first Lighting II in May 2023 and became the first East Coast squadron flying the jet after being declared safe for flight in August of that year.
Nearly 14,000 Marines, Sailors and civilian employees earn an annual payroll of more than $1.2 billion, amounting to an annual economic impact to the state of $2 billion.
Amidst the attendant infrastructure modernization required to house and operate the new jets at the 29,000-acre base, North Carolina civilian and military officials are focused on improving life for service members and their families, Rizzo said.
During the meeting, Cooper heard a presentation on the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. The program is designed to support the military through addressing deficiencies in community infrastructure, support the training of cadets at “covered educational institutions,” and more.
“As Governor of the most military friendly state in the nation, Governor Cooper has consistently kept the welfare of our service members as a top priority,” Rizzo said.
“His staunch advocacy for service members transitioning to civilian life has been especially noteworthy through his support of programs that help these deserving veterans find quality jobs and training opportunities across the state. All of the North Carolina Commanders are grateful for the Governor’s years of dedication to our service members and their families.”
