Where is Camp Lejeune?
Introduction to Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is a United States Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina. It was established in 1941 and named in honor of Lieutenant General John Archer Lejeune, who served as the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps. The base covers approximately 246 square miles and has a population of over 170,000 people, including active duty personnel, their families, and civilian employees. Camp Lejeune is one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the world and is home to several major commands and units, including II Marine Expeditionary Force, Marine Corps Special Operations Command, and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
Location of Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County, North Carolina, along the southeastern coast of the United States. The base is approximately 130 miles east of Raleigh, the capital city of North Carolina, and about 50 miles northeast of Wilmington, North Carolina. The base is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, with the New River and the Intracoastal Waterway bordering the installation to the east and west, respectively. The base is accessible via several major highways, including U.S. Route 17 and North Carolina Highway 24.
History of Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune was established in 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II. The base was built to provide a training facility for the rapidly expanding Marine Corps, which needed to prepare troops for combat in the Pacific theater. During World War II, Camp Lejeune trained over 200,000 Marines, and in the decades since, the base has continued to serve as a crucial training and deployment site for the Marine Corps. Camp Lejeune has also played a role in several significant military operations, including the Persian Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, and the Iraq War. The base has been home to many famous Marines over the years, including General Alexander Vandergrift, the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in World War II, and General James Mattis, who later served as Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump.
Significance of Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune is one of the largest Marine Corps installations in the world and plays a critical role in the training and preparation of Marines for combat. The base is home to several major commands and units, including the II Marine Expeditionary Force, which is responsible for providing Marine Corps forces to the Unified Combatant Commands around the world. Camp Lejeune is also home to Marine Corps Special Operations Command, which trains and deploys special operations forces in support of national security objectives. In addition to its military significance, Camp Lejeune is also an important part of the local community, providing employment opportunities and supporting local businesses. The base contributes billions of dollars to the economy of eastern North Carolina each year, and its personnel are actively involved in community service projects and outreach programs.
Conclusion: Camp Lejeune’s Impact and Importance
Camp Lejeune is a crucial component of the United States Marine Corps and plays a vital role in the defense of the country. The base has a long and storied history, having trained and deployed Marines for conflicts ranging from World War II to the present day. Camp Lejeune is also a significant part of the local community, providing jobs, economic support, and community outreach programs. The base’s impact extends far beyond eastern North Carolina, with Marines and their families serving around the world in defense of American interests. Camp Lejeune’s importance to the Marine Corps and the nation as a whole cannot be overstated, and the base will continue to play a critical role in the years to come.
