CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C -- As the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season begins, destructive weather exercises are underway across Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. Conducted annually, the exercises test emergency response procedures and enhance preparedness efforts to ensure installation personnel remain ready to respond to potential hurricanes and other severe weather events.
As part of this year's exercise, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training was provided to shelter teams throughout MCAS New River to strengthen emergency response capabilities and increase flexibility during shelter operations. Participants received classroom instruction and hands-on practical application using adult, child and infant manikins, ensuring shelter personnel are prepared to respond to medical emergencies that may arise during a storm response.
This year’s exercise demonstrates the ability of installation leadership, emergency management personnel and Emergency Operations Center (EOC) staff to coordinate resources, communicate effectively and execute emergency response plans in preparation for potential severe weather events.
“Carolina Breeze 26 held at MCAS New River, is a validation of our capability to respond effectively and robustly to destructive weather in North Carolina’s Hurricane alley. We’ve been affected by hurricanes in the past, and our installation rose to the occasion. We don’t take this success for granted. Preparedness requires training and we will use this exercise to ensure MCAS New River is ready to respond to destructive weather should it strike during this upcoming hurricane season.” Captain Sebastian Tamblyn, shelter officer in and charge and communications officer, MCAS New River
The exercise also reinforces coordination between MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, ensuring both installations can provide a unified response to protect personnel, families and mission-essential capabilities during severe weather events.
"Destructive weather exercises allow us to evaluate our plans, identify areas for improvement and ensure our personnel are prepared to respond when severe weather threatens the installation,” said Tim Jelinek, deputy operations officer and senior watch officer, Marine Corps Installations East–MCB Camp Lejeune. “The more we train now, the more effectively we can protect our Marines, sailors, civilian workforce and families during hurricane season."
Emergency Preparation
Photo by Cpl. Daniela Chicas Torres
Cots are staged inside the destructive weather shelter at the Wallace Creek Fitness Center as part of the Carolina Breeze Destructive Weather Exercise, at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, June 10, 2026. MCB Camp Lejeune held the Carolina Breeze DWX to test the base’s emergency response capabilities in order to promote flexibility and readiness during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Daniela Chicas Torres)
While hurricanes cannot be prevented, destructive weather exercises help ensure installation personnel are equipped with the training, coordination and resources necessary to respond when severe weather strikes.
Personnel are encouraged to visit the below resources for information on hurricane preparations before a storm hits.
In the event of an actual hurricane, information regarding impacts to installation operations and shelter information for MCB Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River can be found on our website at: https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Hurricane/.
For imagery from the exercise, visit:
U.S. Marine Corps Pfc. Christian Reinhardt, admin clerk with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station New River and the MCAS New River Shelter Team, performs infant chest compressions during a cardiopulmonary resuscitation class at the Marine Corps Medical Home New River at MCAS New River, North Carolina, June 8, 2026. The MCAS New River Medical Team provided CPR training to the MCAS New River Shelter Team to enhance the base’s emergency response capabilities in order to promote flexibility and readiness during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Alyssa J. DeCrane)