Fort Story Virginia Beach Virginia

Fort Story, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a United States military base that has played a significant role in the country's coastal defense system for over a century. The base is situated on a 1,451-acre peninsula at the southern end of the Chesapeake Bay, where the bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. This strategic location allows for the protection of the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay and the ports of Hampton Roads, which are essential for naval and commercial shipping.

History of Fort Story

The history of Fort Story dates back to 1914, when the U.S. Army established a coastal defense installation on the site. The base was originally named Fortress Cape Henry, but it was later renamed in honor of Major General John Patten Story, a U.S. Army artillery officer who served during the War of 1812. Over the years, Fort Story has been used for a variety of military purposes, including coastal defense, anti-submarine warfare, and amphibious training.

Military Operations at Fort Story

Today, Fort Story is home to several military units, including the U.S. Army’s 7th Transportation Brigade, the 11th Transportation Battalion, and the 24th Transportation Battalion. The base also serves as a training facility for the U.S. Navy’s Special Warfare Command and the U.S. Army’s Special Forces. The base’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay makes it an ideal location for training exercises and operations related to amphibious warfare, beach assaults, and maritime special operations.

The base is also equipped with a variety of facilities and infrastructure to support military operations, including piers, docks, and warehouses. The base's First Landing State Park, which is located adjacent to the base, provides additional training areas and recreational facilities for military personnel and their families.

Environmental and Recreational Activities

Despite its military significance, Fort Story is also an important environmental and recreational area. The base is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and mammals, and it provides a habitat for several endangered species. The base’s beaches and shoreline areas are also popular recreational spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park, which is located adjacent to Fort Story, is a 2,880-acre park that offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and camping. The park is also home to a variety of historical and cultural attractions, including the Cape Henry Lighthouse, which was built in 1792 and is one of the oldest lighthouses in the United States.

The park's beaches and shoreline areas are also popular spots for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, and the park offers a variety of amenities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and showers. The park is open year-round, and it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.