DoD reports more than 250,000 COVID-19 cases DoD COVID-19 fatality rate is 0.12% The U.S. military’s overarching objective is clear: defeat the enemy. For the past 12 months, COVID-19 has been an enemy. On March 12, 2020, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune recorded its first case of the virus when a dependent tested positive while three Marines were self quarantining after returning from overseas. Within a matter of days, schools on base closed and the base hospital set up two screening sites and a phone line to help curtail community spread. One year later, the fight continues against COVID-19. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Julian D. Alford, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations East - MCB Camp Lejeune, says the base’s commitment to readiness, training, health and safety has not waivered over the past year.