Press Releases

With the start of boating season, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune officials are issuing a critical reminder to the public: Browns Island and its adjacent waters remain strictly off-limits to all personnel regardless of military affiliation. 

Located between North Onslow Beach and Bear Island in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Atlantic Intercoastal Waterway, Browns Island poses a continuous and severe threat due to the presence of unexploded ordnance and ongoing live-fire training exercises.  

"The primary safety hazards around and on Browns Island are everything from 500-pound air-delivered bombs all the way down to 25- and 40-millimeter high-explosive dual-purpose munitions,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Cummings, director of Range Control, MCB Camp Lejeune. 

Community members and out of town visitors are explicitly reminded that disembarking is prohibited on any portion of the island, including the shorelines in front of posted off-limits signs. 

“Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune wants to ensure the safety of our boating public,” Cummings added. “Civilian watercraft must never beach or drop anchor on or near restricted areas that are posted with warning signs.” He also emphasized, “bottom-disturbing activities such as clamming, oystering or crabbing are prohibited. Foot traffic is also prohibited on any of the land areas on or about Browns Island at all times.” 

Safety Reminders:  

• The waters surrounding Browns Island, including creeks and tributaries, and the shoreline of Browns Island are off-limits to all personnel, including boats and passengers.  

• Anchoring, disembarking, or engaging in any bottom-disturbing activities, such as fishing with bottom-dragging nets, are strictly prohibited. 

Violations and Enforcement:  

• Military Police, in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard, maintain regular patrols of the area.  

• Trespassers can face severe penalties, including citations that may require an appearance before a federal magistrate.  

• Violators are subject to fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 

• All rules and regulations originate and comply with the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically 33 CFR 334.440. 

For additional information on the off-limits areas and safety restrictions surrounding Browns Island, please visit the official MCB Camp Lejeune website at https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Life-at-Camp-Lejeune/Notice-to-Mariners-Browns-Island-Off-Limits/.  

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U.S. Navy Sailors with range control patrol Browns Island and the surrounding waters on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, May 14, 2026. Browns Island remains strictly off-limits due to ongoing live-fire training exercises and the presence of dangerous unexploded ordnance. All personnel accessing the island must be accompanied by an explosive ordnance disposal technician due to extreme dangers associated with the high-hazard impact area. For safety reasons, anchoring, disembarking, or engaging in bottom-disturbing activities are strictly prohibited on Browns Island and the surrounding waters. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres)

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