By Marine Corps Installations Command Communication Strategy and Operations Staff
WASHINGTON – Marine Corps installations continue to prepare for the expected landfall of Hurricane Dorian this week along the east coast.
Dorian’s landfall is expected to impact the following Marine Corps installations: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, MCAS New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The hurricane has passed Marine Corps Support Facility Blount Island and MCAS Beaufort.
“Our installations, our Marines, Sailors, and their families stand ready to deal with crises at home and abroad - Hurricane Dorian is no exception. Marines take care of each other, and I will continue to utilize every available resource to make sure that happens,” said Marine Corps Installations Command Commander Maj. Gen. Edward Banta in his message posted on MCICOM’s Facebook page on Sept. 2.
MCICOM Regional Commanding General and MCB Lejeune Base Commander Maj. Gen. Dale Alford authorized a 96-hour liberty period for all non-essential military personnel assigned to MCB Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River and MCAS Cherry Point installations starting Sept. 4 and ending Sept. 9. This will allow service members and their families an extra measure of safety when seeking locations outside of the path of the storm.
Shelters are scheduled to open today on MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River to DOD cardholders only.
Evacuation orders will be terminated Sept. 5 for non-essential DOD personnel at MCAS Beaufort by base commander Col. Timothy Miller. Evacuation orders were terminated Sept. 4 for affected active duty and government employees at MCSF Blount Island by Col. Michael Livingston. Personnel at these locations will be returning to for normal operations after a thorough damage and safety assessment has been conducted.
Approximately 6,000 recruits from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island are planned to return Sept. 6 after being evacuated to Marine Corps Logistic Base Albany Tuesday. MCRD Parris Island does not fall under the direct command of MCICOM, but under Marine Corps Training and Education Command.
Damage assessments of each installation will be conducted when an installation enters the recovery phase of the natural disaster.
“To our Marines and Sailors stationed at [our installations], you and your families are our most valuable assets. Your safety is our top priority. Please continue to stay informed and safe,” added Maj. Gen. Banta in his message Monday.
It is advised for personnel and families to visit the following websites for up-to-date information respective to the following installations:
MCB Camp Lejeune
- Official website: https://www.lejeune.marines.mil
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/camp.lejeune
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/camp_lejeune
MCAS Cherry Point
- Official website: https://www.cherrypoint.marines.mil
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCASCherryPoint
MCAS New River
- Official website: https://www.facebook.com/mcasnewriver
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCASNewRiver
MCAS Beaufort
- Official website: https://www.beaufort.marines.mil
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCASBeaufort/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MCASBeaufortSC
MCSF Blount Island
- Official website: https://www.bic.marines.mil
In addition, it is also advised to visit the Ready Marine Corps website at https://www.ready.marines.mil, follow on Twitter (@readymarinecorps) and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ReadyUSMC/. Ready Marine Corps provides information, tools and resources that instill emergency preparedness for all hazards as a fundamental principle of survival throughout the Marine Corps community.
For coverage of the Marine Corps’ overall response to Hurricane Dorian, please contact: ontherecord@usmc.mil