Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is gearing up for boat and explosive ordnance training in nearby waterways starting Saturday, June 13, with drills scheduled through June 18. Neighbors in Havelock, Arapahoe and other communities along the Neuse River should expect intermittent loud detonations that could continue as late as midnight on some nights. The exercises, involving Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams and specialized boat units, are part of routine readiness work but will be highly audible for waterfront residents and recreational boaters.
What the military will be doing
Local reporting says MCAS Cherry Point’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal units will be conducting detonations while special boat teams operate in and around the air station’s bordering waterways. According to Coastal Review, the operations are slated to run through June 18 and may continue into the late evening on various days.
Where you'll hear the blasts
The News & Observer points out that Cherry Point's river access sits opposite the YMCA’s Camp Seafarer and Minnesott Beach at Arapahoe, putting popular swimming and camping spots squarely within earshot. The News & Observer reports residents can expect "occasional loud explosions," language that mirrors prior public advisories posted by the station. See an example of those advisories on MCAS Cherry Point's site for past notices and contact details: MCAS Cherry Point public advisory.
Who to contact
Coastal Review includes contact information for MCAS Cherry Point’s communications office, 252-466-4241 and [email protected], for anyone with questions about the exercises. The outlet notes that this is the same reach-out guidance the base has used in earlier public notices.
Why it matters for boaters and swimmers
Training areas and live-fire exercises can create safety risks and long-term hazards in and near ranges, so recreational users should treat training zones with caution. For context, WWAY reported that Camp Lejeune continues to keep Browns Island off-limits because of unexploded ordnance and live-fire activity, a reminder that even inviting-looking shorelines and islands can be affected by military training.
The News & Observer says reporters reached out to MCAS Cherry Point and Marine Corps Installations East for more details and were awaiting a reply. In the meantime, anyone planning to be on the Neuse River or at nearby beaches between June 13 and June 18 should assume there will be unusual boat activity and intermittent loud blasts, and take appropriate precautions.
