Vice President JD Vance arrived by helicopter at Marine Corps Base Quantico today to meet with Marines at HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron, at about 1:30 p.m. — nearly two hours later than scheduled.

Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.

“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”

He explained that his meeting with the President of the United States ran long, but he prioritized the visit to Quantico.

“I stood up and said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.’ And he said, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that. You’ve got to get out there,’” Vance told the crowd.

The Vice President brought with him a message from the Commander-in-Chief.

“He wanted me to tell you two things,” Vance said. “First of all, that he loves you. And second of all, that he’s proud of you.”

Vance, a former Marine, also shared how his service shaped his life and thanked those stationed at Quantico for their dedication and professionalism.

Quantico Town Mayor Kevin Brown attended the event and was impressed by the Vice President’s words and presence.

“Personally, as I see Vice President Vance at events across the country and abroad, you can definitely recognize the Marine in him,” said Brown. “It’s encouraging to know we have someone in the White House with that pedigree, advising the President.”

Following his remarks, Vance was expected to tour other base parts. Marines in attendance appeared pleased and honored by the Vice President’s visit, said Brown.

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Looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Check out these volunteer opportunities and get involved.

Help Seniors with Snow Removal
Volunteer Prince William is recruiting snow shovelers, ages 16 and older, to assist senior citizens with clearing sidewalks and driveways after snowstorms. Volunteers under 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian.

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Residents near Quantico Marine Corps Base (MCBQ) should be prepared for smoky conditions today as base officials conduct a controlled burn on the west side of Interstate 95. The burn, managed by MCBQ Forestry and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services, is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, February 25.

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Marine Corps Base Quantico will be closed on Monday, January 6, 2025, as severe weather has prompted the installation to declare a Code Red operating status. This closure affects all non-essential operations, and only mission-essential personnel are required to report to work. Personnel are advised to contact their chain of command for specific instructions or further guidance.

Marine Corps Base Quantico, often referred to as the “Crossroads of the Marine Corps,” spans over 55,000 acres across Prince William, Stafford, and Fauquier counties in Virginia. The base is a critical hub for Marine Corps training and education, hosting the Marine Corps University, Officer Candidates School, and the FBI Academy. Its facilities and resources serve over 28,000 active duty, reserve, civilian, and contractor personnel, making it one of the most significant military installations in the region.

Base officials are urging residents and personnel to prioritize safety during this weather event. For updates on the base’s status, personnel should stay tuned to official communication channels or consult their leadership.

Further announcements regarding the reopening of the base and any schedule changes will be made as conditions improve, according to a statement from base officials.

In the wake of recent terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas, the Commander of U.S. Northern Command has directed all military installations to implement heightened security measures immediately, according to officials at Quantico Marine Corps Base.

The new measures include:

• 100% ID checks for all individuals entering military installations.
• Random vehicle inspections at entry gates.
• Suspension of the Trusted Traveler Program, which previously allowed Department of Defense-affiliated sponsors to vouch for vehicle occupants to gain base access.

Drivers entering military installations should anticipate delays due to these heightened security procedures. These measures are intended to safeguard the bases and maintain their ability to respond to national security needs effectively.

“This is a critical step in ensuring the security and readiness of our installations,” a spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command stated. “We are committed to taking every precaution to protect the personnel, assets, and operations on our bases.”

For updated information on base access procedures, military personnel and civilians are encouraged to consult official channels.

Quantico Tightens Security

Quantico Marine Corps Base has already implemented enhanced security measures following an incident earlier this year. On May 3, 2024, two men attempted to breach the base’s main gate using a box truck. Claiming to be Amazon contractors, the men lacked proper credentials. Military police directed them to a holding area, but the driver ignored instructions, triggering roadblocks that stopped the vehicle.

One of the men was reportedly on the U.S. terrorist watch list. Both were detained and handed over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Although charges were later dismissed in federal court, the incident highlighted vulnerabilities in base security and spurred further tightening of access protocols.

The Quantico breach was among Potomac Local News’ most-read stories of 2024, with over 32,000 views. It underscored the growing challenges military installations face in maintaining security amid increasing threats.

Streamlining Access for Local Residents

Quantico is also updating its access procedures for property owners in the Town of Quantico. As of February 24, 2023, individuals who provide proof of property ownership and pass a background check can obtain a DBIDS credential valid for three years, eliminating the need for annual renewals. For questions about access procedures, residents can contact the Visitor Control Center at (703) 784-3023 or 3024.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is celebrating the holiday season with events including a holiday film series, craft activities, and visits from Santa Claus. Admission, parking, and select activities are free, with full event details available on the Museum’s website at marineheritage.org.

Press release:

The National Museum of the Marine Corps is hosting a series of festive events to celebrate this year’s holiday season. From classic holiday films to creative crafts and Santa visits, there are activities for everyone to enjoy. Admission to the Museum and parking are free, and all events are open to the public. The full list and schedule of events can be found on the Foundation’s website.

December highlights include:

Holiday Film Series

The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s annual holiday film series features three movies showing on the Medal of Honor Theater’s giant screen throughout December. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased online at ticketing.useast.veezi.com or at the theater with special snack bundles available for $5 to enjoy during the show.

 The Nightmare Before Christmas

• December 7 at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• December 8 at 1:30 p.m.

Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse

• December 14 at 11:00 a.m.
• December 17 at 1:00 p.m.
• December 22 at 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch (2018 version)

• December 14 at 3:00 p.m.
• December 15 at 1:30 p.m.

Cookies, Cocoa, and Crafts

Families are invited to visit the Museum to create holiday memories on Saturday, December 14, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Kids may enjoy free cookies, hot cocoa, and holiday-themed picture frame crafts on the Museum’s second floor, available as long as supplies last.

Santa Claus Visits

Santa Claus is paying a special visit to the Museum in his traditional red outfit on December 14 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. and in his special camo suit on December 17 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Families may take free photos with Santa and enjoy holiday-themed activities. Visitors must arrive at least one hour before the end of the event to guarantee a photo opportunity.

By Sarah Roderick Fitch

(The Center Square) – The cases against two men from Jordan accused of illegally attempting to enter Quantico Marine base have been dismissed.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed motions to dismiss charges filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on Oct. 3. A federal judge ordered that the matter be dismissed “without prejudice.”

In earlier court appearances, the Jordanians identified as Hasan Y. Hamdan and Mohammad K. Dabous were released after being charged with misdemeanors stemming from a May 3 incident for attempting to “trespass” on the headquarters of the U.S. Marine Corps, home of the FBI Training Academy and the military’s top criminal investigative agencies.

The case garnered national attention, including pleas from Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who demanded answers from President Joe Biden’s administration. The duo’s identities were finally disclosed at the end of July following exhausted efforts made by congressional leaders in addition to Youngkin.

Prior to the recent dismissal, the Department of Justice accused the pair of “unlawfully go[ing] upon a military installation for a purpose prohibited by law, to wit: knowingly and intentionally entering Marine Corps Base Quantico,” according to court documents.

During their July court appearance, Hamdan and Dabous were granted release upon condition to appear for “all future court appearances,” including immigration appearances they have “pending.” They were ordered “not further trespass on Marine Corps Base Quantico or any other military installation.”

Potomac Local News first reported the May incident. The pair claimed to be Amazon subcontractors while attempting to enter the base; the truck driver reportedly ignored commands by security officials to wait while officers tried to identify the men, who did not have identification. The driver then “hit the gas” and hit a barricade deployed to stop the truck, according to sources.

The breach has been the focus of multiple congressional investigations into similar incidents reported at various U.S. military installations, demanding answers from the federal government.

Noon update — From Virignia State Police:

At 4:05 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 16), Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash on southbound Interstate 95 at the 146 mile-marker in Stafford County. A Volvo SUV was traveling in the wrong direction on I95 when it collided head-on with a southbound Chevrolet sedan. There was one fatality and two serious injuries as a result of the crash. All southbound travel lanes were closed for approximately 5 hours for the investigation and cleanup. VDOT assisted with the roadway closure and detour.

More as we have it.

Update 11 a.m — From VDOT: 

All lanes of Interstate 95 southbound have reopened at mile marker 146 in Stafford County. An earlier vehicle crash has been cleared. The detour at exit 148 (Quantico) has been lifted.

Motorists should expect residual delays on I-95 southbound approaching the exit 148 (Quantico) area and along Route 1 southbound between Russell Road in the Quantico area and Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) in Stafford.

Original post 7:13 a.m. — A vehicle crash early this morning has closed all southbound lanes on Interstate 95 near mile marker 146, just south of exit 148 (Quantico). The crash occurred shortly before dawn, and emergency response crews swiftly closed the highway to address the incident.

Southbound traffic is being diverted at exit 148 onto Route 1 southbound, where motorists can re-enter I-95 at exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) in Stafford County. To ease congestion on the detour route, traffic signals along Route 1 have been retimed to accommodate the increased volume of vehicles. As of 5:47 a.m., delays on I-95 southbound before exit 148 were one mile.

At 6:52 a.m., officials announced that a single southbound lane would be temporarily opened to allow motorists caught between the crash site and Exit 148 to clear the area. All other traffic remains detoured.

Drivers traveling through the area should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. We will provide updates on the situation as they become available.

Transportation officials held a ribbon cutting for a newly expanded Quantico Station in Virginia with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 1, 2024. The upgraded train station serves Amtrak and Virginia Railway Express customers in the Town of Quantico, now accommodates longer trains, improves accessibility, and adds grade-separated pedestrian access for the adjacent Marine Corps Base Quantico (MCBQ).

Key enhancements include a 550-foot platform extension, a new 840-foot island platform, and three elevator towers connected by pedestrian bridges. STV designed the necessary track improvements and a 714-foot retaining wall to support a third track, minimizing disruptions to MCBQ. This project, part of a long-standing partnership between STV and VRE, reflects collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Amtrak, and CSX Transportation.

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