JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River will conduct a Force Protection Exercise, March 11-12, that includes a temporary closure of the Douglass Gate from 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, through 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 12. This routine security exercise supports the Department of War’s (DoW) enduring commitment to ensuring the safety and security of personnel, families and neighboring communities.
The purpose of a force protection exercise is to prepare personnel to respond to threats in accordance with DoW force protection guidance. Elevated force protection conditions are implemented when there are indicators suggesting hostile activity is likely or has occurred. While these are only drills, they are essential for installation warfighting readiness and lethality.
During this period, installation personnel and community members may experience:
- Increased traffic at the Curtis Gate and along NC Highway 17
- Increased security measures and possible delays when entering the installation
- Use of loudspeakers or mass notification systems
- Temporary traffic pattern changes along installation roads
- The presence of emergency vehicles and personnel conducting training activities
These activities are not in response to any specific threat. They are planned and are essential to keeping installations and surrounding communities secure. While these exercises may cause brief disruptions, the public’s patience and understanding are appreciated. Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility, and keeping our communities informed is part of that commitment.
For updates during the exercise, please monitor the installation advisory page for the latest traffic and gate closure notices:
https://www.newriver.marines.mil/News/Installation-Advisories/
Please contact Marine Corps Installations East-MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River Communication Strategy and Operations at 910-451-5655 or cljn_globe_web@usmc.mil with any questions.