NWS Earle

• Establishment During World War II: Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Earle was commissioned on December 13, 1943, to provide safe ammunition storage and loading facilities for the U.S. Navy during the height of World War II. • Unique Ammunition Pier: The station features a 2.9-mile-long pier complex that stretches into Sandy Hook Bay, making it one of the longest "finger piers" in the world and ideal for safely loading and unloading munitions away from population centers. • Named After a Hero: NWS Earle is named in honor of Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, the Navy’s Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance during World War I, who was a key figure in advancing naval ammunition technologies. • Split Locations: The base is divided into two major sections: the Mainside (in Colts Neck, NJ) for storage and administration, and the Waterfront Area (in Leonardo, NJ) for shipping and pier operations, connected by a 15-mile military road and rail line. • Support for Major Conflicts: NWS Earle has supported every major U.S. military conflict since WWII, including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, by supplying ammunition and ordnance to the fleet. • Environmental Stewardship: The station sits on over 11,000 acres which include wetlands and forests, and the base is actively involved in conservation efforts and habitat protection for local wildlife. • Role in Operation Desert Storm: During Operation Desert Storm, NWS Earle was a critical hub, shipping millions of pounds of munitions to support U.S. naval operations in the Persian Gulf. • Security and Safety Innovations: The design of NWS Earle, with its isolated storage bunkers and remote pier, was considered a model of safety, minimizing the risk to civilians in case of accidents or explosions. • Civilian Partnerships: The base partners with local communities for emergency preparedness, environmental programs, and even recreational events, fostering strong military-civilian relationships in Monmouth County, NJ. • Notable Visitors: Over the years, NWS Earle has hosted distinguished guests, including high-ranking military officials and government leaders, recognizing the station’s critical role in national defense logistics.