About this Unit
Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was established in 1943 to support the growing needs of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune during World War II. Initially known as the U.S. Naval Hospital, its mission was to provide medical care for wounded service members returning from combat. Over the decades, the facility expanded its capabilities, offering comprehensive medical, dental, and surgical services to active duty personnel, retirees, and their families. Today, the center plays a vital role in military readiness, serving as a pivotal healthcare institution for the Navy and Marine Corps community in the region.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: The Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune was originally established in 1943 to provide medical support to the rapidly expanding Marine Corps base during World War II.
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Largest Medical Facility in the Region: It is the largest military medical facility in the eastern North Carolina region, serving tens of thousands of Marines, sailors, and their families.
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Response to Beirut Bombing: The hospital played a crucial role in treating and supporting survivors and families after the 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which heavily affected Camp Lejeune-based Marines.
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Comprehensive Services: The facility offers a full spectrum of care, from primary and emergency care to specialty services, including a state-of-the-art traumatic brain injury clinic.
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Environmental Health History: Camp Lejeune’s water contamination crisis (1950s–1980s) impacted hospital operations, leading to significant studies, reforms, and ongoing support for affected veterans and families.
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Disaster Response Hub: The medical center is a key disaster response asset, having provided medical support during Hurricanes Floyd (1999), Florence (2018), and other regional emergencies.
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Research and Innovation: The center has been involved in pioneering research into combat casualty care, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and rehabilitation for wounded warriors.
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Family-Centered Care: The hospital is known for its focus on family health, including comprehensive pediatric, prenatal, and women’s health services tailored to the military community.
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Teaching Hospital: Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune serves as a teaching facility, training Navy corpsmen, nurses, and medical officers, often in collaboration with civilian institutions.
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Modern Expansion: In the 2010s, the center underwent major modernization and expansion projects, upgrading inpatient and outpatient facilities to meet the demands of 21st-century warfare and medicine.
