A controlled detonation was carried out Friday afternoon at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County after an unexploded ordnance was discovered on the base, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order.
According to a statement from the base, the device was found in Building C-11, triggering immediate safety protocols. Multiple buildings were placed under a shelter-in-place order as the Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team responded to the scene.
The device was safely detonated on-site, with base officials warning personnel in advance to expect loud sounds lasting between 15 and 30 minutes.
Following the detonation, the shelter-in-place order was lifted. However, an evacuation was recommended for certain buildings to ensure safe disposal of any remaining materials associated with the ordnance.
Naval Weapons Station Earle declined to release further details about the device or the circumstances of its discovery. No injuries were reported. The incident remains under investigation.