This graphic was posted to Facebook by MCCS Lejeune-New River, accompanied by a warning to Marines to avoid swimming at MCAS New River Marina’s designated swimming area. (MCCS Lejeune-New River)
RALEIGH, N.C. (Tribune News Service) — Marines train to face some of the world’s toughest challenges, but they’ve been told to steer clear of alligators at one of their North Carolina bases.
“The designated swimming area at [MCAS] New River Marina is temporarily closed effective immediately due to alligator activity in the area,” MCCS Lejeune-New River announced in an Aug. 21 Facebook post.
It also said that swimming and water activities are prohibited until further notice, but the marina remains open for boating.
Alligators are native to that area, and the station didn’t provide details of what prompted sudden concerns. The predators can reach 13 feet, weigh up to 500 pounds, and are protected by state law, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission says.
Thousands of watery acres along the N.C. coast are used by the Marines for housing and training exercises, including Camp Lejeune and Air Station Cherry Point.
As a result, Marines in the area have become accustomed to sharing space with alligators in unusual ways, including a 2022 instance of Marines being ordered to stop feeding a befriended alligator living beside their barracks.
In July, two “Water Support Technicians” stationed at Camp Lejeune went so far as to stand neck deep in murky water when taking their oath of enlistment, Marine Corps Times reports. The pond was alligator turf, but none interrupted the ceremony. Eighteen fellow Marines joined them in the water, video shows.
The decision to close the marina temporarily prompted jokes on social media, including some who noted Marines aren’t afraid of alligators.
“$5 says it’ll be in the barracks on a leash by the end of the day,” Saul Marquez posted on the air station’s Facebook page.
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