Marine Barracks NWS Earle

• Strategic Location: Marine Barracks NWS Earle is located at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The base’s unique, 2,700-acre pier complex extends over 2 miles into Sandy Hook Bay, making it a vital munitions handling facility. • World War II Origins: The base was established in 1943 during World War II to supply ammunition to the Atlantic Fleet, highlighting its importance in supporting the war effort. • Primary Mission: Marines at Earle are tasked with providing security for one of the U.S. Navy’s most critical ammunition depots, safeguarding both personnel and high-value ordnance. • Named for a Hero: The installation is named after Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, former Chief of the Navy’s Bureau of Ordnance, who advocated for secure ammunition storage away from densely populated areas. • Pier Complex Marvel: The base’s pier is one of the longest in the world, able to accommodate multiple large naval vessels simultaneously for loading and unloading munitions. • Guardianship Role: The Marine Barracks detachment at NWS Earle is among the smallest permanent Marine security forces in the continental U.S., emphasizing the high trust and selectivity of the assignment. • Cold War Activities: During the Cold War, NWS Earle played a key role in ensuring the rapid armament of ships bound for Europe and other theaters, remaining on heightened alert status for decades. • Community Integration: Marines at Earle have a long history of participating in local New Jersey community events and disaster relief efforts, strengthening military-civilian relations. • Training and Readiness: The detachment conducts regular security and emergency response drills, maintaining a state of high readiness to respond to any threat or incident involving sensitive ordnance. • Unique Living Environment: Unlike many other Marine units, those stationed at Earle operate in a joint-service, rural environment, with duties that blend traditional Marine security with the specialized demands of munitions safety and handling.