Monmouth County, N.J., Aug 16, 2012 - The official opening of the new main gate to improve security at Naval Weapons Station Earle included Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04, Robbinsville), who helped secure funding for the gate, as keynote speaker.

    “I want to thank Captain Fuzz Harrison and Lt. Commander J.J. Dunne- and each and every one of you- for performing your mission with efficiency and excellence,” Smith said. “The ability to safely receive, store, and re-ship America’s diverse arsenal ensures that the United States retains the capacity to defend freedom and project power in a prudent way in an increasingly dangerous world. From Afghanistan to Iraq to South Korea to Somalia to Iran and the ever emerging threat from China, you are an important part of the team that seeks to first deter aggression – and if necessary—win wars.”

    Capt. Harrison credited Smith for helping acquire the funding for the $8.4 million improvements.

  “We owe a debt of thanks to Congressman Smith, our guest today, for pushing the issue and getting the project authorized and approved,” said Harrison. “You see the results of the project before you today.”

    Smith said the new security gate’s upgrades make Earle a safer place for both the community and personnel, and lightheartedly noted the abundance of deer, some of which could be seen in plain view from the ribbon-cutting event.

    “The new gate and upgrades provide important force protection enhancement– your welfare and wellbeing come first—and provides the means to detect, interdict, and nullify any attempt to breach Earle. And mitigating any breach applies to everyone… except for the deer,” he quipped.

    Construction included gate access realignment, reinforced fencing along the highway; new security fencing surrounding the guardhouse area and removal of existing guardhouse and parking areas. Work also included site lighting, solar panels, raised medians, a vehicle inspection shelter, barriers, sidewalks and parking spaces.

    Previously, the main gate at Earle used portable barriers to direct traffic into a vehicle inspection area and slow down incoming traffic. A lack of adequate space hampered flow of traffic, and during rush hour vehicles entering the base often backed-up onto Route 34 causing safety concerns.

    Also at the event were Monmouth County Freeholder Lillian Burry of Colts Neck, Colts Neck Committeeman Russell Macnow and other guests.