Are you planning to go for a tour near the Camp Lejeune base? Indeed, there are a lot of interesting stories associated with this North Carolina base camp.
For example, in 2022, American activists went on a justice tour to support a lawsuit filed by Camp Lejeune veterans. Moreover, there are unique places you can visit near the camp, including memorial grounds, museums, fountains, and more.
In this blog, we will talk about amazing facts, lawsuits, and places to visit in the area.
Facts About Camp Lejeune: Can Civilians Visit?
What is the first thing you do before visiting a marine base? Well, you research the camp’s history and gain insights into base access. Do note that civilians might be denied entry without proper authorization.
However, if you gain access, then military personnel will accompany you throughout the visit. While there are multiple restricted areas, you can still enjoy the richness of this camp.
To help you out with that, we have listed all the essential facts you should know before visiting:
- Civilians can only enter Camp Lejeune military base when they get sponsorship from an active-duty member or are on official business.
- You cannot roam around Camp Lejeune without proper permits. Visitors will require a Defense Biometric Identification System or DBIDS credential. Moreover, you can acquire this at the visitor center, which is building TT-13.
- In 1941, the location was home to the “Expeditionary Forces in Readiness.” However, it soon became a 2nd Division Marine Corps base in 1942.
- Camp Lejeune has 156,000 acres of land. Here, you will find a beach stretching 11 miles and 50 tactical zones for landing. You will also find 3 training facilities and 80 live ranges.
- The surrounding community has about 170,000 active duty members, retirees, employees, and dependents.
Other than these, there is one more thing you should be aware of. It revolves around water contamination at Camp Lejeune due to negligence.
The Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Fiasco
You may have heard of the famous Camp Lejeune lawsuit. Between 1953 to 1987, a nearby water treatment plant contaminated the water supply at the base with perchloroethylene or PCE. The source was later discovered to be illegal waste disposal methods.
This affected over 1 million veterans, workers, and their families at Camp Lejeune. Due to the exposure to toxic chemicals, they started developing cancer and ALS. The veterans later realized such issues were due to hazardous chemicals in their drinking water. Hence, the victims began pursuing legal action, thus giving rise to a massive class action lawsuit.
Did you know that the Camp Lejeune water contamination settlement amounts can be between USD 10,000 to USD 500,000, depending on the extent of the injury?
According to TorHoerman Law, the Camp Lejeune settlements are expected to exceed USD 600 billion. Lawyers from various firms have spent much time scanning through evidence and backing them with medical and scientific proof. Due to this, victims and their family members can now get justice. Moreover, these lawyers are determined to fight against this corporate misconduct.
Due to their efforts, the government passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, which allows victims with medical records to file claims in federal court.
You might wonder if the water is safe now. Well, yes, the drinking water has been cleaned of toxic substances. The inhabitants and visitors can now enjoy clean and safe drinking water.
3 Things to Do Near Camp Lejeune
Did you know Camp Lejeune has won the Commander-in-Chief Award nine times in recent decades? In 2022, the Department of Defense awarded the base for Installation Excellence. This award means the camp’s defense level is exponential, as they can seamlessly accomplish missions and manage assets. Does this make you more motivated to visit the base?
However, as mentioned earlier, civilians might have a lot of restrictions inside Camp Lejeune. That is why visiting the surrounding areas of this base will be ideal.
You can visit recreational locations and find inspirational stories. Here are the top locations you can go to for your adventure near Camp Lejeune:
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The Memorial Gardens
You can visit the Lejeune Memorial Garden, which is home to the Vietnam Veterans. You will also find the 9/11 Memorial Beam here. Not only is it beautiful, but it also features multiple trails of wind.
Location: Montford Landing Road, which is a 19 minutes drive from Camp Lejeune
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Freedom Fountain
This unique fountain has 54 jets. Amongst them, 50 signify each state, 3 represent the branches of the government, and 1 large jet symbolizes freedom. Hence, the name Freedom Fountain. It is not only a great place to take photographs, but it is also a patriotic landmark.
Location: 20 minutes drive from Camp Lejeune
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The Railroad Museum
The Wilmington Museum preserves the railroading history near Camp Lejeune. You can enjoy life-sized rail engines or go for a ride on the Thomas the Tank replica. People who adore history and love trains will find this museum unique.
Location: An hour’s drive from Camp Lejeune
You can also visit Fort Macon State Park, which is a historical place having connections with World War II. Moreover, you can visit the seashore to watch wild horses or go to Topsail Island for some adventure sports.
The Bottom Line
You will require special permits to visit certain areas inside Camp Lejeune. Moreover, there are various fun facts that you should know before visiting. For example, this base is 156,000 acres and has around 170,000 residents.
As civilians, if you do not wish to create DBIDS credentials inside the camp, you can surely visit locations near it. For example, you can visit the Memorial Gardens, Railroad Museum, or Fort Macon State Park. Irrespective of the place you visit, going near Camp Lejeune will be an adventure.
