Mission
The mission of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is to support the various Marine Corps commands, a major Navy command and a Coast Guard command as well as the Marine Corps Base (MCB) itself. Camp Lejeune owns all the real estate, operates entry level and career level formal schools, and provides support and training for tenant commands. Camp Lejeune with its various satellite camps, housing, training areas and New River Air Station is the largest concentration of marines and sailors in the world. From the young man or woman reporting aboard for their first assignment to the seasoned veteran, and from the dense foliage of woodland cover to sandy beaches and ocean front training area, Camp Lejeune is truly the "Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness".
History
Camp Lejeune had its beginnings in the early 1940's, when a selection board decided on the New River area of North Carolina as the most ideal location for a new Marine training base. The new facility met all the requirements for an east coast division training center, especially with its location near the two deep water ports of Morehead City and Wilmington. Construction for the new camp and for its aviation counterpart, nearby Cherry Point, began in 1941. In December 1942, the installation was named in honor of the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune. Included on the installation are more than 450 miles of roads, 6,946 buildings and facilities to support a population of approximately 137,526 marines, sailors, retirees, their families, and civilian employees. For more information, visit the Camp Lejeune homepage at www.lejeune.marines.mil.
Population
- Active Duty 38,778
- Family Members 38,769
- Civilian 3,349
- Retirees and Family Members 18,719
Area Population
Onslow County: 170,355
Jacksonville: 72,723
Housing values have changed to an average of $215,000
- Median Rental price $998
- Unemployment: 3.3%
204,576in Onslow County, NC.
72,723in Jacksonville, NC
Location
Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is located in Onslow County in southeastern North Carolina. Camp Lejeune and the City of Jacksonville are adjacent to the New River flowing to the Onslow Beach area. Camp Lejeune occupies about 153,439 acres with 14 miles of beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
The main entrance is just east of Jacksonville, off Highway 24. The visitors center is located at the Wilson gate. The truck entrance is further to the east at the Piney Green gate, and there are additional entrances to the east and south using Highway 24 to the southwest and Highway 172 in Hubert and Sneads Ferry, respectively. Newer training areas are accessible on Highway 17 south.
Jacksonville is a military town, with a growing interest in tourism, and has been traditionally a lower cost of living area. Lower property values offer real estate investment opportunities to many military members. However, property values are on the rise, primarily nearbeaches and waterways. The base operator's phone number is 910-451-1113 or DSN 312-751-1113.
Directions
Directions from Airport
Albert Ellis Airport Richlands, North Carolina 910-324-3001 Open: 24-Hour Recorded Information.Albert Ellis Airport, Richlands, NC, is located approximately 25 miles from Camp Lejeune. From Airport Road turn right onto Catherine Lake Road to Hwy 24. Follow Camp Lejeune signs to the Wilson Bay Gate and Main Gate. Taxi fare will be approximately $40.00 to $45.00. Check the taxi meter and ensure it reads: "Time Off" and the $2.50 drop fee shows. You should only be charged for mileage.
When making flight arrangements inquire about flying into New Bern or Wilmington, NC as an alternative to Albert Ellis Airport.
Directions if Driving from the North
Coming to Camp Lejeune from the north on I-95, fifteen miles south of Smithfield take I-40 East, at Magnolia take US903 East for approximately 8 miles to Kenansville, turn Right onto State Hwy 24 East to Jacksonville. Follow Camp Lejeune signs to the Wilson Bay and/orMain Gates.
Directions if Driving from the South
Coming to Camp Lejeune from the south on I-95 exit at Magnolia, US903 right, then righton State Hwy 24 East to Jacksonville. Follow Camp Lejeune signs to the Wilson Bay and/orMain Gates.
Traveling by Train
Amtrak is not available in this area.
At the Gate
Upon arrival attheWilson Baygate proceedto the Welcome Center located on theLeft (buildingTT-13) to obtain a visitor pass. Directions to the Joint Reception Center (buildings 59 and 60) from the main gate: straight on Holcomb Blvd, throughfive stop lights and right on Molly Pitcher, the Center will be on the left. The local Reception Center includes Base welcome aboard briefs, TRICARE, ID Card Center, and IPAC Check-In/Out.
Contact Information
910-451-1113, DSN 312-751-1113. There is no longer a base operator; an automated recording refers callers to a website for a complete listing of phone numbers:https://www.lejeune.marines.mil. Scroll toward the bottom of the home page to Resources section and the Phone Directory. You may also reach out to your MCCS IR&R Program Manager Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., at 910-451-4101
