Update On Shelter-In-Place At Naval Weapons Station Earle

COLTS NECK, NJ — A shelter-in-place order has been lifted at Naval Weapons Station Earle after a suspicious item led to a controlled detonation on Friday, the base said in an online statement.

At 10:30 a.m. on Friday, a Navy Facilities Command employee reported a suspicious item in the wood line behind Building C-11 on the mainside area of the installation, officials said.

Emergency responders quickly established a perimeter, and the commanding officer then issued a shelter-in-place order for personnel in buildings C-2, C-9, C-10, C-12, C-15, C-29 and C-49 out of an abundance of caution.

After the object was discovered, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobil Unit 12, Detachment Earle, responded to assess the item.

Using X-ray equipment, the EOD technicians determined that the item was inert but contained an active fuse. A decision was then made to safely detonate the item in place.

At 3:25 p.m., the item was safely detonated. Following the detonation, the shelter-in-place order was lifted and an evacuation order was issued for the buildings in close proximity to the item's location.

“The quick thinking and vigilance of our Navy Facilities Command employee made all the difference today,” said Capt. Kent D. Smith, commanding officer of Naval Weapons Station Earle.

“Their decision to report the suspicious item is exactly why we emphasize, ‘If you see something, say something,'" Smith continued. "I’m grateful to our emergency responders and the Sailors of EODMU-12 Detachment Earle for their rapid and professional response.”

The command thanked all Sailors, civilian employees, and residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident. The base also extended its thanks to the broader community for their concern and the many expressions of support received online.

For additional information, you can contact the Naval Weapons Station Earle Public Affairs Office at 732-866-2171 or at earle_pao@us.navy.mil.

To see the base's post about the incident, you can click here.

Naval Weapons Station Earle is located at 201 NJ-34, Colts Neck.