Military Bases in North Carolina

North Carolina’s Military Powerhouse

For U.S. military members and families on PCS or TDY to North Carolina, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, and Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Havelock are premier installations, representing Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps excellence. These bases anchor North Carolina’s robust military presence, supporting training, special operations, and aviation. This guide to military bases in North Carolina offers insights into their roles, historical significance, economic impact, and community support, ensuring a rewarding assignment in the Tar Heel State.

Historical Foundations

North Carolina’s military heritage spans over a century. Fort Bragg, established in 1918 as Camp Bragg, began as an artillery training ground and became a permanent Army post in 1922, named for WWII paratrooper Roland L. Bragg in 2025 after a brief period as Fort Liberty. Camp Lejeune, founded in 1941, was named for Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Marine Corps Commandant, and grew into a major expeditionary training hub. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, activated in 1942, honors Navy Lt. Seymour A. Johnson, a Goldsboro native killed in a 1941 crash. Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, commissioned in 1942, supported WWII aviation training and remains a key Marine aviation center. These bases have shaped North Carolina’s defense legacy.

Economic Impact

North Carolina’s bases contribute over $17 billion annually, employing more than 150,000 personnel. Fort Bragg, with 52,000 military and 14,000 civilian personnel, generates $7 billion in Fayetteville and Cumberland County. Camp Lejeune, hosting 137,000 personnel and families across 156,000 acres, adds $3 billion to Jacksonville’s economy. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base employs 6,400, contributing $1 billion to Goldsboro. MCAS Cherry Point sustains 13,000 personnel and $2 billion in Havelock. Families access 3,000 housing units, DoDDS schools (e.g., Lejeune’s Delalio Elementary, Dayton’s public schools), and TRICARE clinics. MWR programs, like 2025 Fort Bragg air shows and Cherry Point’s coastal festivals, enrich community life.

Key Military Facilities

• Seymour Johnson Air Force Base (Goldsboro): Home to the 4th Fighter Wing, training F-15E Strike Eagle pilots and the 916th Air Refueling Wing with KC-135R Stratotankers, supporting 6,400 personnel.

• Fort Bragg (Fayetteville): Hosts the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, and U.S. Army Special Operations Command, with 52,000 personnel across 251 square miles.

• Camp Lejeune (Jacksonville): Headquarters for II Marine Expeditionary Force, training 137,000 personnel for expeditionary warfare across 156,000 acres.

• Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (Havelock): Supports the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing with F-35B Lightning IIs and F/A-18 Hornets, hosting 13,000 personnel on 13,164 acres.

• Pope Army Airfield (Fort Bragg): Operated by the 43rd Air Mobility Operations Group, providing airlift for airborne operations with 1,500 personnel.

• Marine Corps Air Station New River (Jacksonville): Home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Group with MV-22 Ospreys, supporting 7,000 personnel.

Strategic Importance

North Carolina’s bases are vital to U.S. and NATO operations. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base’s 4th Fighter Wing conducts 4,000 F-15E sorties annually, ensuring air superiority, while the 916th Air Refueling Wing supports global refueling. Fort Bragg’s 82nd Airborne Division and XVIII Airborne Corps execute 10,000 parachute jumps yearly, enabling rapid global deployment. Camp Lejeune’s II Marine Expeditionary Force trains 40,000 Marines for expeditionary missions, with 2025 exercises enhancing NATO interoperability. MCAS Cherry Point’s 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing operates 100 aircraft, including F-35Bs integrated in 2024, providing 25% of Marine aviation firepower. Pope Army Airfield supports 1,500 airlift missions, and MCAS New River’s MV-22 Ospreys ensure rapid response. These bases maintain readiness despite historical water contamination issues at Camp Lejeune, now resolved.

Notable Distinctions

Fort Bragg, spanning 251 square miles, is the Army’s largest base by population, hosting 52,000 troops and the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center. Camp Lejeune, at 156,000 acres, is the Marine Corps’ largest East Coast base, with 14 miles of beach for amphibious training. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is the only Air Force base named for a Navy officer, training elite F-15E pilots. MCAS Cherry Point is a premier all-weather jet base, integrating F-35Bs. The bases offer 3,000 housing units, DoDDS schools, and MWR events like Lejeune’s 2025 BaseFEST, fostering vibrant communities in North Carolina’s diverse landscapes.

U.S. service members on PCS to North Carolina or TDY in North Carolina will find dynamic missions and supportive communities at Seymour Johnson, Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune, and MCAS Cherry Point. From Fayetteville’s historic trails to Jacksonville’s Crystal Coast, North Carolina’s bases provide robust support, quality education, and rich cultural experiences for military families.