NAVAL WEAPONS STATION EARLE, Colts Neck, NJ --- Starting July 28th, 2003, the U.S. Navy will enforce a new permanent Restricted Zone in and around the Naval Weapons Station Earle Pier Complex.

Security measures are foremost in our fight against Terrorism and must be taken very seriously. We must protect our Navy assets to ensure a strong National Defense. To ensure this protection,  Title 33 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 334 was amended to establish a restricted area in the vicinity of Naval Weapons Station Earle Piers and Terminal Channel, Sandy Hook Bay, New Jersey. These regulations will enable the U.S. Navy to enhance safety and security around active military vessels moored at the facility and partly restrict travel in the area. These regulations are necessary to safeguard military vessels and United States government facilities from sabotage and other subversive acts, accidents, or incidents of similar nature and are also necessary to protect the public from potentially hazardous conditions that may exist as a result of military use of the area.

At the height of the recreational boating season, it is important for all boaters, swimmers and those enjoying the shoreline be aware of the charting and jurisdiction changes surrounding the Earle pier complex. Please note that the new restricted zone extends an additional 295 yards westward of the Pier complex than the previous boundary that had been in place. For identification purposes, a new set of large, white buoys have been interspersed along the demarcation line of this new restricted zone. In the past, violators of the original Earle Security Zone were challenged by the Earle Security force, and trespassers were held accountable under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction. Under 33 CFR Part 334.102, the U.S. Navy has jurisdiction to enforce the Restricted Zone. Trespassers can be subject to fines up to $500.00 and receive a six-month imprisonment or both.

The new regulations to enforce the Earle Restricted Zone surrounding the pier complex will help to ensure safe and enjoyable use of the Sandy Hook Bay area.

Other restricted areas include the Navy road (Normandy Road) between the “Mainside” of Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, and the “Waterfront” in the Leonardo section of Middletown Township. It is maintained solely for military use and prohibited to public traffic.

The roadway is patrolled by military security personnel and its use is restricted for official Navy business and local, state, and federal official vehicles which have been approved by Commanding Officer, Naval Weapons Station, Earle. Permitted users include: U.S. Government vehicles, contractor, utility and other vehicles issued passes pursuant to station regulations; local police, fire and first aid vehicles responding to emergencies; and privately owned vehicles bearing a valid Department of Defense (DoD) decal. Drivers of the privately owned vehicles must have valid DoD identification in their possession. Use restrictions are clearly posted at each Normandy Road intersection.

Unauthorized vehicles utilizing Normandy Road will be charged in the U.S. Magistrate Court at Fort Monmouth with trespassing and subject to the following penalties: a fine up to $500.00 or imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. If any local or state driving regulations are violated while on Normandy Road, they will also be adjudicated in the U.S. Magistrate Court at Fort Monmouth.

Safeguarding the use of Normandy road and observing the restrictions on boat traffic near Earle’s piers will ensure a safe and secure environment while Naval Weapons Station Earle works to supply the Navy and support the Global War on Terrorism.