Large scale artillery exercise underway at Camp Lejeune

CAMP LEJEUNE, NC (WWAY) — A live exercise is underway at Camp Lejeune and will last until the end of the month.

It’s called Bold Alligator 17 and features the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and other coalition forces. The training is happening aboard base and at sea.

According to a news release, the exercise will prove the Navy and Marine Corp team tactical level training for amphibious operations.

The training will incorporate amphibious, carrier strike group, air wing, and expeditionary mine countermeasure operations to provide a rigorous training environment for the combined forces.

“The Bold Alligator exercise series advances how integrated naval forces operate with our allies and partners,” said Adm. Phil Davidson, commander, USFF. “Improving Navy-Marine Corps amphibious core competencies with coalition, allied and partner nations is a necessary investment in the current and future readiness of our forces.”

A training scenario features an amphibious forcible entry against an opposing military force.  This is the live training that was taking place Tuesday night when a loud boom rocked the Cape Fear region. A Public Affairs spokesperson says this is likely what caused the boom.

The live artillery exercise should continue until October 30.