Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEB Little Creek-Fort Story) is a United States Navy installation located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It comprises two distinct yet integrated military facilities: Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and Fort Story. The base serves as a major training and operational hub for naval special warfare, expeditionary warfare, and joint operations, playing a critical role in national defense.
History
The history of JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is rooted in the need for coastal defense and amphibious warfare capabilities. Fort Story’s origins date back to 1903, established as part of the Endicott Board’s program for fortifying America’s coastlines. Initially designed to defend the Chesapeake Bay and Norfolk Naval Shipyard, its early construction focused on heavy artillery emplacements. Over the years, Fort Story evolved, participating in training exercises and serving as a vital component of the nation’s coastal defense system. [1]
Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek was commissioned in 1968, responding to the growing need for a dedicated facility to support amphibious operations and special warfare training. The base was strategically located to provide access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, offering ideal conditions for conducting realistic training exercises. Little Creek quickly became a primary training center for Navy SEALs and other special operations forces. In 2009, Little Creek and Fort Story were formally consolidated into Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, streamlining command and control and enhancing operational efficiency. This consolidation allowed for a more integrated approach to training and deployment, better preparing forces for the complex challenges of modern warfare. [2]
Geography
JEB Little Creek-Fort Story occupies a significant land area along the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. The base’s geography is diverse, encompassing both beachfront property and inland training areas. Fort Story is positioned on Cape Henry, offering direct access to the Atlantic Ocean, while Little Creek is situated on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. This dual coastal access provides unique opportunities for conducting a wide range of training exercises, including amphibious landings, maritime interdiction operations, and special warfare drills.
The terrain within the base varies considerably, including sandy beaches, wooded areas, and marshlands. This diverse landscape allows for realistic training scenarios that simulate a variety of operational environments. The base also includes extensive training facilities, such as mock urban environments, live-fire ranges, and specialized training areas for underwater operations. The strategic location and varied terrain make JEB Little Creek-Fort Story an ideal location for preparing forces for deployment to diverse global locations. [3]
Economy
JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is a major economic driver for the city of Virginia Beach and the surrounding region. The base provides direct employment for both military personnel and civilian employees, contributing significantly to the local workforce. Beyond direct employment, the base generates substantial economic activity through contracts with local businesses for goods and services, including construction, maintenance, and logistics support.
The presence of the base also supports a thriving ecosystem of businesses that cater to the needs of military personnel and their families. These businesses include housing, retail, and entertainment establishments, all of which benefit from the base’s economic impact. Furthermore, the base attracts a skilled workforce to the area, contributing to the region’s overall economic competitiveness. The economic contributions of JEB Little Creek-Fort Story are vital to the financial health and stability of Virginia Beach. [4]
Attractions
While JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is primarily a military installation, certain areas are accessible to the public and offer historical and recreational opportunities. Fort Story, in particular, features the First Landing State Park, commemorating the site where English colonists first landed in 1607. The park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and access to the Chesapeake Bay beach. Visitors can explore the historical remnants of the fort’s coastal defense system, including gun batteries and observation towers.
Cape Henry Lighthouse, located within Fort Story, is another popular attraction. The original lighthouse, built in 1792, is the fourth oldest surviving lighthouse in the United States. Although no longer actively used for navigation, the lighthouse stands as a historical landmark and offers panoramic views of the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Public access to the base is restricted, and visitors should check with the base’s public affairs office for information on tours and events. [5]
Getting There
Access to JEB Little Creek-Fort Story is controlled, and visitors typically require a valid Department of Defense identification card or a pre-approved visitor pass. The base is located off Interstate 64 in Virginia Beach, with primary access points from Shore Drive and First Landing Road. Public transportation options to the base are limited, and most visitors arrive by private vehicle.
For those traveling by air, Norfolk International Airport (ORF) is the closest major airport, approximately a 30-minute drive from the base. Rental car services are available at the airport, providing a convenient way to reach the base. Detailed directions and visitor access information can be obtained from the base’s official website or public affairs office. It is important to note that security measures are strictly enforced at the base, and visitors should be prepared for vehicle inspections and identification checks. [6]