By: Community Magazine | October 31, 2022 | , Travel | Colts Neck , Fair Haven , Holmdel , Lincroft , Little Silver , Red Bank , Rumson , Sea Bright
FEATURED PHOTO: Commanding Officer Captain Ed Callahan
For most people driving along Route 34 or over Normandy Road, Naval Weapons Station Earle (NWSE) appears to be simply the woods on the other side of the fence.
Of course in the back of one’s mind there is always the knowledge that there is something important going on behind the scenes that keeps us safe but for so many that mystery was always in the shadows. Then in the middle 2020 Captain Ed Callahan assumed duty as Commanding Officer, and despite the challenges of the pandemic, he has been steadfast in his determination to show the importance of NWSE not just for protecting our country but also serving as an invaluable resource to our local community.
As part of those efforts, once COVID protocols would allow, Callahan created a Community Day initiative whereby select members of the local public have been invited to the base to learn about the vital work of NWSE. With the curtain being pulled back, the importance of this facility right in our backyard can finally be brought to the public eye. Community Magazine is honored to have been invited to participate in this tour last month and the experience is one that we will never forget. What is most notable is the leadership of Callahan, the historical and current importance of the base, and the quiet yet significant contributions to our local area.
It all starts with strong leadership and you would be hard pressed to find a more dynamic leader than Ed Callahan. A native of North Carolina, Callahan reported for active duty in June 1983 and completed basic training at Recruit Training Command in San Diego, California. After many postings worldwide, on different ships and submarines, Callahan assumed duties as Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station Earle on July 17, 2020.
Meeting him feels like you are meeting an old friend. One would never know that he commands nearly 2,000 sworn military members and civilians. An energetic man who clearly has a passion and devotion to his work, his enthusiasm is contagious. Callahan is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal (five awards), Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal (eight awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (three awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal along with numerous campaign and service ribbons. In addition, he earned his Enlisted Submarine Warfare and Strategic Deterrent Patrol Insignia with two silver stars. He is qualified to wear the Officer Submarine and Surface Warfare Insignias. Yet despite all of these significant commendations, perhaps the most impressive attribute of the Commanding Officer is his genuine respect and admiration for the men and women whom he leads. Callahan goes out of his way to acknowledge and honor the contributions of the individuals who work tirelessly to ensure that this vital resource continues to operate effectively. One thing anyone attending Community Day can see is Callahan’s passion and commitment to his vision of building a strong, vibrant relationship with the surrounding area.
Naval Weapons Station Earle is one of the most unique military bases in America and is the only stand-alone Naval base in New Jersey. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, the Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance during the First World War, the base was commissioned on December 13, 1943. Then named Naval Ammunition Depot (NAD) Earle was instrumental to the victory in Europe during World War II. NAD Earle loaded the majority of ammunition used by the Allies for the invasion of Normandy, an achievement for which Normandy Road is named.
The base is 11,851 acres, including 110 miles of railroad and a 2.9 mile pier, the longest such pier in the world. The base houses Navy and Marine Corps recruiters, Coast Guard, and Army personnel amounting to 794 active military, 165 reserves, 494 civilians, and 284 contractors. Currently there are 85 families and dozens of enlisted members who actually live on the quiet, park-like scenic base (as true in the rest of Monmouth County, you frequently see deer and other wildlife wandering around).
Earle supplies all of the Atlantic Carrier Strike Groups and Marine expeditionary vessels on the country’s east coast with ammunition. Ammunition is loaded into box cars which get transported to the pier. The efficiency of rail allows one box car to transport the equivalent of two and a half semi trucks in a safer manner. The supplies are housed in 181 active magazines designed to prevent detonation from spreading to other magazines or endangering the public.
Assemblywoman Victoria Flynn, who attended Community Day, commented, “As an American, I am so happy that the base is in our district and that Monmouth County proudly supports our armed forces. This base supplies ammunition and supplies to our soldiers not only from coast to coast but all over the world. As someone who lived through 9/11, I appreciate everything that NWSE does to help fight the war on terror. Further, I appreciate all the job opportunities that the base supplies to the people of Monmouth County.”
To the Assemblywoman’s comment, in addition to the invaluable security that NWSE provides to our country and world by supplying the ammunition for the entire east coast, the base provides priceless assistance right in our backyard, including jobs and much more.
The base is involved in many different environmental projects that will help improve the entire community. For instance, Earle has leased a portion of its land to allow the installation of solar panels to help produce power for the entire grid. Earle has also partnered with NY/NJ BayKeepers to restore the oyster population for the multiple benefits this vital species provides. This includes protecting the coastline against erosion, serving as speed bumps for waves during storms and adding habitat for marine life. Further, oysters are nature’s water filters; each one is able to clean up to 50 gallons of water a day. Given that severe weather events are becoming more and more common, addressing the climate crisis and sea level rise is more important now than ever and NWSE is helping to do just that.
The installation’s Fire and Emergency department is the only full-time fire department in Monmouth County and as such, it supports the volunteer departments in our communities by responding to active fires throughout the County.
NWSE has partnered with Ohmsett, the largest outdoor saltwater wave tank facility in North America. This is the only facility where full-scale oil spill response equipment testing, research, and training can be conducted in a marine environment with oil under controlled environmental conditions. With a recent emphasis on developing renewable energy sources, Ohmsett’s mission has expanded to offer a research and testing venue for wave energy conversion devices. This tank is located on the base and is helping to prevent oil spills in the future and to find the best possible ways to clean the waters after these disasters.
These are just some examples of how Earle touches our lives on a daily basis. Opening the base shows all of the invaluable contributions to our area. NWS Earle Community Plans & Liaison Officer Merissa Zuzulock said, “The Captain has opened his doors in so many ways and has interacted with the community and local and government to find ways to improve their shared community.”
When Callahan took over as Commanding Officer, he and the other officers under his leadership hoped to not only improve the base but to improve the communities and the world around them. They believe it is their duty to do everything in their power to connect with the community and build a two-way relationship that is genuine.
November is National Veteran and Military Families month. We are very lucky to have this treasure, NWSE, right in our backyard. This month, be sure to take time to thank those who have and those who continue to serve. Their incredible contributions which protect us each and every day can not be honored enough.
See this story in print!
Colts Neck – Holmdel – Lincroft Edition – view here.
Rumson – Fair Haven – Little Silver – Red Bank – Locust – Sea Bright Edition – view here.
