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Military Lounge Opens at Jacksonville, North Carolina (OAJ) Airport

Written by Matthew Justice on May 2, 2024
Three people are cutting the ribbon at the grand opening entrance of the lounge.

Hope For The Warriors has opened a newly remodeled military lounge at the Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ) located just outside Jacksonville, North Carolina. The Hope For The Warriors Military Lounge is located inside the terminal on the first floor, next to the baggage claim area (pre-security).

The lounge is open Monday from 12:30 to 20:00 (8 PM), Tuesday from 10:00 to 21:00 (9 PM), Wednesday-Saturday from 12:30 to 18:00 (6 PM), and Sunday from 12:30 to 17:00 (5 PM).

At OAJ, we place a high priority on delivering an exceptional experience to our guests, especially to those who serve our nation. To have an organization like the Hope For The Warriors, which was founded in Onslow County, operating a lounge that offers comfort and support to our active-duty military, veterans, and families is beyond exciting. - Mitch Sprunger - Airport Director

The lounge is operated by the staff of Hope For The Warriors, a team founded at Camp Lejeune in 2006. This non-profit is dedicated to restoring a foundation of stability, strength, and community for veterans, service members and military families. The newly renovated lounge will offer all military personnel and their families, active-duty and veterans from any branch, a private place to relax, charge their phones, have a snack, watch TV, and has a dedicated children's corner for games and fun.

Airport Information

Ellis Airport is located in Eastern North Carolina, about 45 miles WNW of the Camp Lejeune (Marine) military base and 13 miles from Jacksonville, NC. The airport has three gates and offers commercial airline service from American Airlines (AA) and Delta Air Lines (DL) to Charlotte and Atlanta, respectively.

Closing Thoughts

This airport used to have a USO lounge, but according to the USO website, they no longer offer a location at Ellis. I am very excited to see that there is an option for travelers departing from this airport, and I hope this lounge provides relaxation for military members and their families.