Fort Story is part of the Joint Expeditionary Base, JEB-Fort Story. It is the Army’s only training facility for logistics-over-the-shore operations to train troops on amphibious equipment and to practice the transfer of military cargo from ship to shore.
JEB-Fort Story is divided into two main jurisdictional areas. The first is used for cantonment and the second is for open operational purposes, including use for outdoor training areas. It offers unique coastal natural resource features that provide unique training opportunities to a variety of military units representing the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. On base, dunes, beaches, sand, surf, deep-water anchorage, variable tide conditions, maritime forest and open land make this location ideal for training.
Location
Fort Story is located on the lower Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean in southeast Virginia and is at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay within the city of Virginia Beach.
Address: 2600 Tarawa Court, Norfolk, VA 23521
Phone: (757) 462-8425
Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story History
On October 1, 2009, the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story was established, the first Joint Base in Hampton Roads. Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek – Fort Story is the country’s premier installation for housing and training the nation’s Expeditionary Forces. It is one command with two properties: Joint Expeditionary Base East (Fort Story) and West (Little Creek). The Joint Expeditionary Base is comprised of the former Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek and the Army Post, Fort Story. Fort Story witnessed the humble beginnings of our country at the 1607 first landing site. Little Creek began as a dynamic training ground for World War II amphibious forces. Together they comprise the crown jewel of America’s military bases.
Our mission is to provide exceptional installation customer service. In accomplishing our mission, the Joint Expeditionary Base ensures maximum combat readiness of our frontline deployed modern day warriors while ensuring the best possible quality of life for all military families and retirees.
Fort Story’s History
Fort Story became a military installation in 1914 when the Virginia General Assembly gave the land to the U.S. Government “to erect fortifications and for other military purposes.” The War Department named this land in Cape Henry Fort Story after Gen. John Patton Story, one of the most noted coast artillerymen of his day.
As World War I gained momentum in Europe, Fort Story was integrated into the Coast Defenses of Chesapeake Bay, which included Fort Monroe (Headquarters) and Fort Wool. June 9, 1925, Fort Story was designated a Harbor Defense Command. As the events of World War I entered the pages of history, Fort Story began a period of post-war inactivity which lasted until the beginning of World War II.
As World War II approached, Fort Story began extensive development. In 1941, the Headquarters of the Harbor Defense Command was moved from Fort Monroe to Fort Story. Two additional harbor defense installations were added to the network in 1941.
By September 1944, Fort Story began a transition from a heavily fortified coast artillery garrison to a convalescent hospital for returning veterans of World War II. At the time of its closing March 15, 1946, the hospital had accommodated more than 13,472 patients.
At the close of World War II, Fort Story again changed its mission. The first amphibious training at Fort Story began in 1946 with the arrival of the 458th Amphibious Truck Company and the famous Army DUKWS. Fort Story was officially transferred to the Transportation Training Command, Fort Eustis. It was designated a Transportation Corps installation for use in training amphibious and terminal units in the conduct of Logistics-Over-The-Shore operations.
Fort Story was declared a permanent installation on December 5, 1961. On July 1, 1962, it was re designated a Class I sub-installation of Fort Eustis.
Mission and Vision
The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story (JEBLCFS) Family Team contributes to maximum military readiness by providing sustained superior service. The Joint Expeditionary Base is the major east coast operating base supporting Overseas Contingency Operations. Resident commands provide front line support personnel and the training venues that hone the skills of those front line operators. JEB Little Creek-Fort Story provides support and services to 155 shore-based resident commands and 18 home ported ships. JEB consists of nearly 4,000 acres of land and more than seven-and-a-half miles of beachfront training area with 61 piers. It is the only bare-beach JLOTS (Joint Logistics Over-The-Shore) training site within the Department of Defense (DoD); is home to the only east coast Advanced Explosive Ordnance Disposal Training facility; and provides training venues for Special Warfare Teams.
Directory
Quarter Deck (JEB Little Creek – Fort Story)
(757) 462-7385
Fleet and Family Support Center Little Creek Fort Story
(757) 462-7563
Military Personnel Office
(757) 422-7754
ID CARD – Fort Story
(757) 422-7752