Camp Pendleton and Camp Lejeune are currently the only two Marine Corps bases where MARSOC personnel are located, but soon only one will be the home for the prestigious program.

Marine Forces Special Operations Command will soon begin implementing a phased plan to consolidate all MARSOC personnel and equipment to its headquarters aboard Camp Lejeune by the end of 2022.

This initiative will relocate approximately 900 Marines, sailors, and civilian employees from 1st Marine Raider Battalion and 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion, which have been located aboard Camp Pendleton in California since MARSOC’s inception in 2006, according to a press release from Special Operations Command.

With the consolidation, areas such as Sneads Ferry and Holly Ridge are likely to see an influx with not just personnel, but their families as well.

Holly Ridge Town Manager Heather Reynolds said said renovations to the infrastructure for Holly Ridge is not directly involved with the upcoming transition of MARSOC bases, but it will benefit the town once that transition is complete.

Onslow Sheriff Hans Miller also shed light on the MARSOC transition and said the effects of the move will be felt immediately, and not just at the end of the third phase.

Because of Sneads Ferry’s geographic location, the sheriff’s office has been attempting to obtain a substation to work out of and right now a smaller office is being worked on so they can have an office in the area. Thomas said with the addition of a substation, it will provide a stronger presence in Sneads Ferry.

Miller added the feedback has been good from residents of Stump Sound and Sneads Ferry; they like the idea of law enforcement being more visible within the community.