CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. --
The Marine Corps Air Station held its 3rd Annual Mary Munn Day here June 14.
Mary Munn Day is an event that allows military spouses to learn more about Marine Corps training, equipment, and various military occupational specialties.
Approximately 40 participants toured the air traffic control facility, operated fire hoses while donning Aircraft Rescue Firefighting suits, viewed a static display of aircraft, and learned and executed Marine Corps Martial Arts Program techniques.
“I’m always hearing stories about everything and I wanted to see it for myself,” said Aubrey Laridon, the fiancée of a Marine from the Air Station Fuels Department.
Capt. Eryn Redmon sponsored 19-year-old Cameron Harlan for the event who said he is considering enlisting the U.S. Navy because his grandfather served in the Navy for 22-years.
Harlan also said that his interest piqued with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal demonstration that afternoon.
Demitri McLean, a member of the Los Angeles Police Department Explorer Program, tried on an Aircraft Rescue Firefighting suit and said he was surprised at how heavy they are.
McLean also had an opportunity to use the fire hose, “It was like on TV, you have to kind of lean into it a little, it’s strong.”
After having lunch at the 24 Area Mess Hall, the Mary Munn Day participants were bussed out to Range 108 for a weapons event where they fired M4 service rifles, and were given a demonstration of the .50 caliber Special Application Scoped Rifle and the M39 Enhanced Marksman Rifle.
The group also received a quick class on how Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines respond to a suspected bomb or improvised explosive device.
The Explosives Ordnance Disposal demonstration consisted of controlled detonations of C4, dynamite, TNT, and detonation cord which were then followed by a massive “wall of fire” finale.