About this Unit
The Cherry Point Naval Infirmary, established during World War II, served as the primary medical facility for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. Opened in 1942, it provided critical medical care for Navy and Marine Corps personnel, supporting both stateside operations and overseas deployments. Throughout its history, the infirmary played a vital role in treating combat casualties, training medical staff, and supporting public health initiatives on base. Over the decades, it evolved into a modern medical clinic, continuing its legacy of service to military members and their families.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: The Cherry Point Naval Infirmary was established during World War II to support the newly constructed Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, which opened in 1942.
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Strategic Location: Located in Havelock, North Carolina, the infirmary was positioned to provide rapid medical support for aviation operations along the East Coast.
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First Medical Staff: The original medical staff consisted of Navy physicians, nurses, and corpsmen, many of whom were quickly trained to handle combat-related injuries and tropical diseases.
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Role in Aviation Medicine: The infirmary played a key role in developing aviation medicine practices, treating pilots and aircrew for altitude sickness, fatigue, and other flight-related conditions.
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Support During Korean and Vietnam Wars: The infirmary expanded its services during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, treating returning wounded and supporting increased base activity.
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Integration with Local Community: The infirmary has a long history of working with nearby civilian hospitals and participating in disaster response efforts, especially during hurricanes.
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Medical Innovations: Cherry Point Naval Infirmary was among the first in the region to implement mass immunization programs and advanced triage techniques in the 1950s.
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Women in Uniform: The infirmary was a pioneer in integrating women into its medical staff, including nurses and later physicians, during a time when female service was expanding in the military.
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Humanitarian Missions: Medical teams from Cherry Point have deployed on humanitarian missions, providing aid during natural disasters in the Caribbean and Central America.
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Modernization: Today, Cherry Point’s medical facility is a state-of-the-art Naval Health Clinic, continuing its legacy of service to Marines, sailors, and their families, as well as supporting ongoing global military operations.
