JACKSONVILLE, N.C. -- More than 30 military and local government leaders from across eastern North Carolina gathered yesterday at The Landing, an all-ranks club on Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River to reinforce their shared commitment to mission readiness, community partnership and regional resilience.
Col. Gregory B. Pace, deputy commander, Marine Corps Installations East – Marine Corps Base (MCIEAST-MCB) Camp Lejeune, welcomed elected officials, community leaders and military partners, emphasizing the unique relationship between the installation and surrounding communities.
“Approximately 75 percent of our population lives off base,” Pace said. “We are not separate—we are one community, one ecosystem. This is one of the best examples I’ve seen of military communities and local governments all rowing in the same direction.”
Pace noted that current global conditions have led to an increased security posture across Department of War installations. Visitors to MCIEAST bases and stations should expect enhanced screening measures, longer wait times at entry points and a more visible security presence, including additional patrols and vehicle inspections.
He underscored the importance of strong coordination with local law enforcement agencies in maintaining security both on and off the installation.
“The partnership with our local law enforcement agencies has been outstanding,” Pace said. “We cannot do this alone.”
Pace also highlighted significant upcoming infrastructure investment across MCIEAST to include MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River.
“These are investments we’ve needed for a long time,” Pace said. “Now the challenge is executing them quickly and efficiently while delivering quality facilities for our Marines and their families.”
Projects include barracks modernization, facility replacements and other quality-of-life improvements aimed at enhancing readiness and supporting service members.
Local leaders from Onslow County and surrounding municipalities outlined ongoing initiatives to support that growth, including expansion of emergency services, water and wastewater infrastructure improvements, public safety facility construction and strategic planning efforts.
Jacksonville leaders reiterated their goal of being the best military host city in the country, emphasizing their commitment to supporting the installation and protecting the community outside the installation gates.
Officials also highlighted the continued success of Intergovernmental Support Agreements, which allow the installation and local governments to share services more efficiently. These agreements have improved response times, reduced costs and strengthened operational readiness.
Attendees also received a brief on the installation’s “Fight the Base” initiative, a long-term planning effort focused on preparing for potential threats to the homeland, including cyber-attacks, unmanned systems and infrastructure disruptions. The effort emphasizes coordination between military, law enforcement and local government partners to maintain operational continuity during crises.
State leaders in attendance reaffirmed North Carolina’s commitment to supporting its military installations, noting the importance of strong partnerships in preserving mission capability and preventing future base realignment or closure actions.
The meeting concluded with a shared sentiment from leaders across the region: the strength of Marine Corps Installations in Eastern North Carolina is directly tied to the strength of the communities that support them, and continued collaboration remains essential to mission success.
“North Carolina takes its military footprint very seriously,” said state senator Michael A. Lazzara. “It is our duty and obligation to support our service members and their families,” he said. “Not just on base, but in the communities outside the gate.”
To view photos and b-roll of the event, please visit:
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U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Wesley O. Turner, senior enlisted leader, Marine Corps Installations East-Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, speaks with elected officials and Marine Corps leaders during a community partnership meeting at The Landing on Marine Corps Air Station New River, Jacksonville, North Carolina, March 17, 2026. The meeting brought together military and local government leaders to discuss regional growth, infrastructure, and shared efforts to support the installation, surrounding communities and quality of life for service members and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Jessica J. Mazzamuto)