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.

This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or create a FREE account today. Make the smart choice for staying informed about your community. Thank you!

As the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) heads into 2025, its proposed budget reflects its challenges and opportunities in a post-COVID world. The budget discussed at the October 18, 2024, Operations Board meeting outlines plans to support ridership recovery, maintain reliable service, and position VRE for future growth as a regional rail provider.

VRE, like many public transit systems, saw a significant decline in ridership during the pandemic. However, the 2025 budget aims to address passengers’ slow but steady recovery by investing in enhanced service offerings and critical infrastructure projects. These efforts are intended to transform VRE from a commuter-focused system to a broader regional transportation network.

Ridership Recovery Post-COVID

Ridership recovery has been gradual, with VRE reporting an 8% year-over-year passenger increase as of October 2024. The Fredericksburg and Manassas lines have both seen this growth, though levels remain below pre-pandemic numbers. The shift in work patterns, with many commuters embracing hybrid or remote work models, has altered the demand for peak-hour train services.

In September 2024, the VRE saw an average daily ridership of 6,662 passengers, increasing from 6,031 in August 2024 to 6,316 in September 2023. This reflects a positive trend in ridership recovery post-COVID, with the total monthly ridership for September 2024 reaching 133,247 passengers, up from 126,328 during the previous month.

The system saw 20,000 riders per day before COVID-19.

“We’re seeing some recovery in ridership, but not the big step increases we had hoped for,” said Rich Dalton, VRE’s CEO, during the meeting. “Instead, it’s been a gradual climb, and we need to adapt to this new normal.”

In response, VRE’s 2025 budget will focus on maintaining existing services while expanding into new markets, including off-peak and reverse-commute services. This move is part of VRE’s long-term strategy to attract new riders beyond traditional commuters, particularly those traveling for leisure or reverse commutes into Northern Virginia.

Expanding Service, Supporting Infrastructure

A key component of VRE’s strategy for ridership recovery and growth is service expansion. The 2025 budget proposes investments in improving infrastructure to support these new service offerings. Projects such as the Long Bridge expansion, the addition of a fourth track at key locations, and upgrades at several stations, including Quantico, are designed to increase capacity and improve service reliability.

“We’re not just looking to return to pre-COVID ridership levels,” Dalton explained. “We’re looking to expand and serve new communities, ensuring VRE becomes a key part of the regional transportation network.”

These infrastructure improvements, including track upgrades and station enhancements, will be critical in supporting VRE’s push to offer more flexible services. For example, the Quantico station upgrades, set to be completed in November 2024, are part of a broader effort to modernize key stations and improve passenger experience.

Budgeting for Growth

To fund these initiatives, VRE is using a mix of federal pandemic relief funds and local contributions. However, these funds are set to run out by fiscal year 2028, adding pressure on VRE to secure new funding sources. The proposed budget includes approximately $30 to $40 million in pandemic relief funds for the next few years. Still, as these resources are exhausted, VRE will need additional support from state and local jurisdictions.

The Operations Board discussed the need to continue advocating for state and federal funding through programs like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and finding creative solutions to meet future funding needs. VRE is also participating in discussions as part of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation’s ongoing study (SJ 28) to explore sustainable funding solutions for the state’s transit systems.

“We can’t rely on local jurisdictions alone to cover the gap once the relief funds run out,” said Mark Schofield, VRE’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’re actively engaging in conversations at the state level to ensure that transit funding solutions are identified and implemented in time to avoid service cuts.”

Looking Forward

As VRE continues to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the 2025 budget reflects the system’s dual priorities: stabilizing operations and preparing for future growth. While ridership remains below pre-pandemic levels, VRE’s focus on expanding services, improving infrastructure, and securing long-term funding will be critical to ensuring its success in the years to come.

The 2025 budget proposal will be refined in the coming months before final approval by the Operations Board, with ongoing adjustments made to address both ridership trends and funding opportunities. As Northern Virginia continues to grow, VRE is positioning itself as an essential part of the region’s future transportation landscape, ready to adapt to changing demands and serve a broader range of passengers.

VRE provides commuter rail service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to Alexandria, Crystal City and downtown Washington, D.C., along the Interstate 66 and I-95 corridors.

In November 2024, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of significant improvements to the Quantico Station, a key hub on the Fredericksburg Line. This project marks a major milestone for the region’s rail infrastructure, promising enhanced service and increased convenience for commuters and travelers alike.

During the October 18, 2024, VRE Operations Board meeting, it was announced that invitations have been sent out for the event, with all necessary travel details, including train schedules, provided to ensure smooth participation. The excitement surrounding the completion of these upgrades was evident, with board members and VRE staff expressing their enthusiasm for what the improvements will mean for the station and the surrounding community.

“I’m very excited about the upcoming ribbon-cutting at Quantico. This project has been in the works for quite some time, and we’re thrilled to see it finally come to fruition,” said Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey, who sits on the VRE Operations Board.

The Quantico Station improvements are part of a broader effort to modernize the VRE system, ensuring it keeps pace with the growing demand for public transportation in Northern Virginia. These upgrades include enhancements to the station’s facilities, making them more accessible and efficient for commuters, and improvements to the track infrastructure to support better service and reliability.

Quantico plays a crucial role in the VRE network, serving military personnel from Marine Corps Base Quantico as well as residents in surrounding communities. With the station’s upgraded facilities, VRE hopes to provide a smoother, more comfortable experience for the thousands of passengers who rely on the Fredericksburg Line.

The improvements come as part of a larger project that includes the Arkendale to Powell’s Creek third track, a $1.2 billion initiative in Stafford County to expand capacity along the corridor. The Quantico upgrades are essential to this project, with VRE board members emphasizing the significance of these efforts, particularly in terms of improving service reliability and reducing delays.

“The Quantico station has faced numerous challenges over the years, especially with the growing demand for rail service and the complexities of the surrounding infrastructure,” said Micheal McLaughlin, a VRE board member. “This ribbon-cutting marks not only the completion of these much-needed improvements but also a milestone in VRE’s ongoing commitment to serving this community.”

The National Museum of the Marine Corps unveiled two new galleries to the public on Sunday, commemorating the exhibits with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The galleries feature hundreds of artifacts from all major United States Marine Corps operations from 1976 to 2021, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. As the 250th anniversary of the Corps approaches, this new exhibit will showcase the most recent 50 years.

It took 13 years of work by the museum staff and contributors to collect all of the artifacts for the exhibits. Many displays include uniforms of Marines and a comprehensive view of life in the Corps in combat and humanitarian missions.

“Each of the artifacts tell part of the Marine Corps story,” Keil Gentry, Director of the NMMC and retired Marine Corps Colonel said. “You will see the dress blues of 1st Lt. William Sommerhof who, along with 240 other Americans, was killed in the Beirut bombing on Oct. 23, 1983. Keep in mind, many of the dress blues you see in these new galleries represent a Marine killed in action.”

The new exhibits will also feature the integration of women and reservists in the Corps, advancements in military medicine and the role of unmanned vehicles in modern combat. There are also many interactive elements in the exhibit. There is a life-sized recreation of an Iraqi street scene, allowing veterans and visitors to directly engage with Corps experiences.

“They’re not just displays; they’re a powerful representation of the very best our Nation has to offer, of selfless service and sacrifice,” keynote speaker Lt. Gen. Benjamin Watson said.