EARLE NAVAL STATION

• Latitude: 40.4487
• Longitude: -74.0533
• US East Coast
• Port in US

Location: US

Earle Naval Weapons Station

Location:

• Earle Naval Weapons Station (NAVSTA Earle) is situated in Monmouth County, New Jersey, along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The station is split into two main sections: Mainside, located inland in Colts Neck, and the Waterfront Area, located in Leonardo on the Raritan Bay.

Functions:

• NAVSTA Earle is primarily responsible for the storage, handling, and distribution of conventional weapons and ammunition for the U.S. Navy and other military branches.
• It serves as a major logistic support facility, particularly for the Atlantic Fleet.

History:

• Established during World War II in 1943, it was named after Rear Admiral Ralph Earle. The station was constructed to provide a safe and secure means of loading ammunition far from populated areas.

Port and Facilities:

1. Pier Complex:

   • Earle features one of the longest finger piers in the world, extending 2.2 miles into Sandy Hook Bay.
   • The pier consists of two main sections: a fixed pier and a floating modular pier head.
   • It can accommodate multiple large naval vessels simultaneously.

2. Mooring and Berthing:

   • The mooring facilities include deep-water berths capable of handling large Navy combatants and auxiliary vessels.
   • The berths are equipped with robust fendering systems and mooring hardware to ensure secure docking.

3. Loading and Unloading:

   • Specialized equipment and infrastructure are in place to transfer munitions safely and efficiently.
   • The pier has heavy-duty cranes, conveyors, and other handling systems tailored to weapons loading.

4. Storage Areas:

   • The station includes extensive secure storage facilities for munitions and explosives.
   • Storage areas are designed with enhanced security measures and environmental controls to maintain ammunition integrity.

5. Rail and Road Access:

   • The station is connected to national rail networks, facilitating the transport of munitions and supplies.
   • Paved roads link the waterfront to the inland Mainside area and allow for the controlled movement of goods within the base.

Capabilities:

• Capable of supporting large-scale ammunition operations for multiple surface combatants.
• Equipped to handle urgent and high-volume operational needs, ensuring fleet readiness.

Security:

• High-level security protocols, including restricted access areas, surveillance systems, and armed security forces, ensure the protection of the station, personnel, and ordnance.
• Coordination with homeland security agencies for integrated defense measures.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• NAVSTA Earle adheres to stringent environmental regulations to minimize the impact on surrounding ecosystems.
• The station has well-defined safety protocols to handle hazardous materials and prevent accidents.

Support Services:

• Accommodates various support services for personnel, including housing, medical, and recreational facilities.
• Provides training and development programs for handling and logistics personnel.

NAVSTA Earle plays a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness of the U.S. Navy by providing secure, efficient, and safe ammunition handling and storage solutions. Its strategic location and specialized infrastructure make it an essential asset for the national defense logistical network.