Marine Headquarters Will Stay At Camp Lejeune | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    Washington, D.C.     Governor Pat McCrory applauded the decision by the U.S. Marines Corps to keep the Second Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters at Camp Lejeune.

    The Second Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters had been slated to merge with U.S. Marine Forces Command in Norfolk.

    "North Carolina is the most military-friendly state in the nation, and we're excited that the Second Marines Expeditionary Force headquarters will remain at Camp Lejeune," said Governor McCrory. "We've made it clear to the Commandant of the Marine Corps and the other service Chiefs that the leadership of North Carolina will do everything in its power to protect the operational integrity of its units and commands."

    Cornell Wilson, the governor's military advisor and a retired Marine Corps Major General also praised the decision.

    "Retaining a two-star command is very significant and evidence that North Carolina is more resolute than ever in fulfilling its historic role of providing our military and the nation with the support it needs to base and train the forces on the cutting edge of our defense," Wilson said.

    Approximately 50,000 Marines are assigned to the Second Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman