May 1, 2026 –
United States Fleet Forces Command has prepared a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to home base and operate E-130J Phoenix II (Phoenix II) aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Department of Defense NEPA Implementing Procedures.
The purpose of this notice is to advise you of the release of the draft EA and request comments during the public comment period.
The home basing of Phoenix II aircraft at MCAS Cherry Point would support the Department of the Navy’s national defense requirements under 10 U.S.C section 8062 by expanding capacity for the strategically important mission.
The Proposed Action includes home basing Phoenix II aircraft at MCAS Cherry Point, construction of necessary facilities to support the aircraft, and the stationing of approximately 1,000 personnel and their family members.
Interested parties may view a paper copy of the draft EA at the New Bern-Craven County Public Library: 400 Johnston St, New Bern, North Carolina 28560; Havelock-Craven County Public Library: 301 Cunningham Blvd, Havelock, North Carolina 28532; Carteret County Public Library-Newport Branch: 210 Howard Blvd, Newport, North Carolina 28570; or Morehead City Public Library: 202 S 8th St, Morehead City, North Carolina 28557. A digital copy is available at: https://www.nepa.navy.mil/E130JAtlantic.
All comments must be postmarked or received online no later than 31 May 2026 to be considered in preparation of the final EA. Written comments may be submitted online via the project website or mailed to: E-130J Aircraft Home Basing EA Project Manager, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Atlantic, Attn: EV21JB, 6506 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23508.
For additional information regarding the EA and media queries, please contact Mr. Ted Brown, Installations and Environmental Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Fleet Forces Command by phone (757) 836-4427 or by email at theodore.c.brown4.civ@us.navy.mil.