Jacksonville: Proud of Its Marines!

Jacksonville is located on the east coast of North Carolina in Onslow county. It is the eleventh largest city in North Carolina with a population of about 66,000. The majority of that population is comprised of United States Marines and their families due to Jacksonville being the home of Camp LeJeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. Because of the many military families, Jacksonville averages 1.56 new homes built each day! Between Camp LeJeune and MCAS New River, there are 37,000 active duty military and 5,000 civilians employed, making them the largest employers in the Jacksonville area.

The central point of Jacksonville is Camp LeJeune. At the end of World War II, the Marine Corps was looking to build an amphibious training facility on the east coast and Jacksonville was the perfect solution to that need. There was plenty of land that was suitable for building, but there were also spots that were remote with pine forests. There were miles of beach front. Even today, the only beach in Jacksonville is on Camp LeJeune and only accessible by military and their dependents. Marines trained at Camp LeJeune have gone on to fight in the Korean, Vietnam, Desert Storm and current war. Each year, thousands of Marines arrive in Camp LeJeune to train. It generates $2 billions dollars in commerce through payrolls and contracts each year. Many young Marines come to Camp LeJeune right after boot camp for advanced training.

North Carolina has a great history in education and Jacksonville is no exception. Within its county boundaries, there are six colleges and universities for residents to attend. Onslow County is also a great place for bird watchers. Over three hundred different species of birds pass through there each year. Because of its growing population, Jacksonville has many shopping venues and continues to add more each year. Each summer, Jacksonville hosts Downtown Alive featuring local bands, food, fun and more!

MCAS New River, while not as old as Camp LeJeune, has just as distinguished a place in the Marine Corps. Since 1954, MCAS New River has been the major operating location for Marine helicopters on the East Coast. Look up in the sky on any given day and you will surely see one of the Marine Corps newest helicopters flying over. The V-22 Osprey is flown in and out of MCAS New River while under evaluation.

In 2008, Jacksonville will become the home of the Marine Corps Museum of the Carolinas. This $16 million dollar facility will honor the memories of both Marines and sailors who have spent time at one of the many bases in North or South Carolina.

Because of its military ties, Jacksonville is a very patriotic town. It is the home of the oldest continuously operating United Service Organization (USO). The Jacksonville USO opened in 1941 and is currently located along the shores of the New River.

Jacksonville residents wishing to take road trips are close to many major cities. Wilmington North Carolina is a mere 35 miles away. Raleigh North Carolina is a two hour drive. Virginia Beach is a four hour drive and Washington D.C, our nation's capital, is a mere six hours away.

Jacksonville is town with a great history and a bright future!