CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Effective July 8, the Triangle Outpost (TOP) Gate’s afternoon operating hours will increase by 30 minutes, starting at 3 p.m. to accommodate early departures from the installation. Once in effect, the operating hours will be weekdays 5:30 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. The gate remains closed on weekends and holiday liberty periods.
Since March 12, the TOP Gate, located along NC-172 near Lyman Road on MCB Camp Lejeune and Bear Creek Road in Hubert, had been operating on reduced hours due to significantly low traffic volume at that entry point and to enable the base to reallocate security personnel to support other security and law enforcement requirements.
Following the decision to reduce hours, the base commander ordered a 90-day assessment to determine if any adjustments needed to be made and see how the measure would improve the installation’s security posture.
“This was not a decision we took lightly,” said Col. Ralph J. Rizzo, Jr., commander, Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. “But the assessment confirmed this was the right thing to do. The residual benefits to our overall security have been significant.”
Base Deputy Provost Marshal Maj. Robert H. Schulz, Jr., cited several noteworthy improvements from the reallocation of law enforcement personnel.
“The reduced hours have enabled us to respond more rapidly and efficiently to emergency calls, increase patrols in the housing areas, and provide tighter security around our waterfront areas.”
“Ultimately, the improvements to installation security have directly contributed to our operating forces being able to train safely and effectively in order to project combat power worldwide,” said Rizzo.
As a reminder, personnel should proceed to the Piney Green Gate or Holcomb Gate when the TOP Gate is closed.
Commuters who use NC-172 to bypass NC-17 when traveling between Hubert and Sneads Ferry during off-peak hours are advised to use the Piney Green Gate to make the connection to NC-172/Sneads Ferry Road.