Intro
Discover the 7 major North Carolina military bases, including Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson AFB. Learn about their history, mission, and impact on the states economy. Get insights into the role of NC military bases in national defense, military training, and veteran support, and explore their significance in the US armed forces.
North Carolina is home to a significant number of major military bases, playing a crucial role in the country's defense and security. These bases not only contribute to the state's economy but also provide critical support to military personnel and their families. In this article, we will explore seven major North Carolina military bases that you should know about.
The presence of these military bases in North Carolina is a testament to the state's strategic location and its long history of supporting the military. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina's diverse geography provides an ideal environment for various types of military training and operations.
As we delve into the details of each base, you will gain a deeper understanding of their unique characteristics, missions, and contributions to the country's defense. Whether you are a military enthusiast, a veteran, or simply interested in learning more about North Carolina's military presence, this article is for you.
1. Fort Bragg
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Fort Bragg is one of the largest military bases in the world. With a population of over 50,000 military personnel, civilians, and family members, it is a self-sustaining community that operates like a small city. Fort Bragg serves as the headquarters of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).
The base is also home to the 82nd Airborne Division, the 18th Airborne Corps, and the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. Fort Bragg's primary mission is to provide training and support for the Army's airborne and special operations forces.
History of Fort Bragg
Established in 1918 as Camp Bragg, the base was named after Confederate General Braxton Bragg. During World War II, the base played a significant role in training paratroopers and glider infantry units. In the 1950s and 1960s, Fort Bragg became a major hub for the U.S. Army's airborne and special operations forces.
2. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune
Located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is a major base for the United States Marine Corps. Established in 1941, the base is named after General John A. Lejeune, a prominent Marine Corps officer. Camp Lejeune serves as the headquarters of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) and the 2nd Marine Division.
The base provides training facilities for Marines in various specialties, including infantry, artillery, and logistics. Camp Lejeune is also home to the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC).
Training Facilities at Camp Lejeune
Camp Lejeune boasts an impressive array of training facilities, including the following:
- The Marine Corps Combat Service Support Schools
- The School of Infantry East
- The Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune
- The Marine Corps Air Station New River
3. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Located in Goldsboro, North Carolina, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is a major base for the United States Air Force. Established in 1942, the base is named after Lieutenant Colonel Seymour Johnson, a Goldsboro native who was killed in action during World War II.
Seymour Johnson AFB serves as the headquarters of the 4th Fighter Wing (4 FW) and the 916th Air Refueling Wing (916 ARW). The base is home to the F-15E Strike Eagle and the KC-46 Pegasus aircraft.
History of Seymour Johnson AFB
During World War II, the base played a significant role in training bomber crews and serving as a staging area for aircraft deploying to Europe. In the 1950s and 1960s, Seymour Johnson AFB became a major hub for the U.S. Air Force's fighter and bomber aircraft.
4. Pope Field
Located in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Pope Field is a United States Air Force base that serves as a training facility for the U.S. Army's airborne and special operations forces. Established in 1919, the base is named after First Lieutenant Harley Halbert Pope, a World War I aviator.
Pope Field is home to the U.S. Army's 18th Airborne Corps and the 82nd Airborne Division. The base provides training facilities for airborne operations, including parachute training and aircraft loading.
History of Pope Field
During World War II, Pope Field played a significant role in training paratroopers and glider infantry units. In the 1950s and 1960s, the base became a major hub for the U.S. Army's airborne and special operations forces.
5. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point
Located in Havelock, North Carolina, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is a major base for the United States Marine Corps. Established in 1942, the base is named after a nearby cherry tree that was used as a landmark by early aviators.
MCAS Cherry Point serves as the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW) and is home to the AV-8B Harrier II and the F-35B Lightning II aircraft.
History of MCAS Cherry Point
During World War II, the base played a significant role in training fighter pilots and serving as a staging area for aircraft deploying to the Pacific. In the 1950s and 1960s, MCAS Cherry Point became a major hub for the U.S. Marine Corps' aviation operations.
6. Naval Station Norfolk
Located in Norfolk, Virginia, but with a significant presence in North Carolina, Naval Station Norfolk is the world's largest naval base. Established in 1917, the base serves as the headquarters of the United States Fleet Forces Command (USFF) and the United States Atlantic Fleet.
Naval Station Norfolk is home to the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) aircraft carriers.
History of Naval Station Norfolk
During World War II, the base played a significant role in training sailors and serving as a staging area for ships deploying to Europe and the Pacific. In the 1950s and 1960s, Naval Station Norfolk became a major hub for the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Fleet.
7. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City is a major base for the United States Coast Guard. Established in 1938, the base serves as the headquarters of the Coast Guard's 5th District and is home to the Coast Guard's Aviation Technical Training Center.
The base provides training facilities for Coast Guard aviators and serves as a major maintenance hub for the Coast Guard's aircraft fleet.
History of Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City
During World War II, the base played a significant role in training Coast Guard aviators and serving as a staging area for aircraft deploying to Europe and the Pacific. In the 1950s and 1960s, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City became a major hub for the U.S. Coast Guard's aviation operations.
In conclusion, North Carolina's military bases play a vital role in the country's defense and security. From the mountains to the coast, these bases provide critical support to military personnel and their families. Whether you are a military enthusiast, a veteran, or simply interested in learning more about North Carolina's military presence, we hope this article has provided you with a deeper understanding of the state's significant military installations.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with us. Have you or a family member served at one of these bases? Do you have a favorite base or memory? Share your story with us in the comments below!
What is the largest military base in North Carolina?
+Fort Bragg is the largest military base in North Carolina, covering over 160,000 acres and serving as the headquarters of the United States Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) and the United States Army Forces Command (FORSCOM).
What is the primary mission of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune?
+The primary mission of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is to provide training facilities for Marines in various specialties, including infantry, artillery, and logistics. The base serves as the headquarters of the II Marine Expeditionary Force (II MEF) and the 2nd Marine Division.
What is the history of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base?
+Seymour Johnson Air Force Base was established in 1942 as a training facility for bomber crews and a staging area for aircraft deploying to Europe. During the 1950s and 1960s, the base became a major hub for the U.S. Air Force's fighter and bomber aircraft.