Marine Corps Air Station - Cherry Point, NC Challenge Coin

The Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, is one of the outstanding aviation facilities in the United States. This challenge coin salutes the exceptional contribution to America's combat air power and space exploration effort.

Cherry Point's primary World War II mission was to train both units and individual Marines for service to the Pacific theater. Cherry Point's contribution to the Korean War was to provide a steady stream of combat-ready aviators and crewmen. In the Vietnam War, Cherry Point deployed three A-6 Intruder squadrons, and again provided a constant source of replacements. In Operation Desert Storm, Cherry Point deployed three AV-8B Harrier squadrons, two A-6E Intruder squadrons, one KC-130 Hercules squadron, one EA-6B Prowler squadron, and Headquarters detachments from three Marine Groups. Cherry Point Marines and Sailors continue with strike missions and follow-on operations in Afghanistan and its surrounding regions, with Harrier, Prowler, and KC-130 squadrons.

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is one of the best all-weather jet bases in the world. Its runway system is so large that the Air Station served as an alternate emergency landing site for the space shuttle launches out of Cape Canaveral, Florida.

This handsome coin displays the distinctive MCAS Cherry Point insignia, finished with rich enamels in the Cherry Point colors. The reverse is the official US Marine Corps symbol.