NC military sites raise security to prevent ‘unvetted visitors’ as US bombs Iran

Security has been heightened at multiple military facilities in North Carolina as Operation Epic Fury continues to target Iran with missiles.

North Carolina is home to Fort Bragg, Camp Lejeune Marine base, Seymour Johnson Air Force base and the Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, which counts as “one of the largest military terminals in the world.”

“Due to ongoing operations in the Middle East, the commander of U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) has directed all installations to implement heightened security measures at all entry gates until further notice,” Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point reported in a March 1 Facebook post.

“These enhanced security measures are being implemented to safeguard our service members, civilians, and families, while ensuring our continued ability to generate and project combat power at the time and place of our Nation’s choosing.”

The security measures – which include random vehicle inspections – aim to keep “unvetted visitors” from gaining access, officials said. Anyone entering military facilities in the state will be required to show a pass and identification, including passengers in vehicles, officials said.

It is unclear if North Carolina-based forces are participating in Operation Epic Fury, which is targeting Iran’s military capabilities, the U.S. Department of War says.

U.S. Central Command reported Tuesday that six U.S. service members have died in the conflict. Identities of the dead and wounded had not been released as of Tuesday, March 3.

This story was originally published March 2, 2026 at 6:01 AM.