Naval Weapons Station Earle was commissioned in 1943 to support the greater New York area during wartime. Initially called Naval Ammunition Depot Earle, the location off of Sandy Hook Bay provided a safe place for loading, unloading, and housing ammunition away from any dense population areas.

In addition to its 2.9 mile pier, the station was also advantageously located near the rail system where most of the ammunition came in. Named for the Chief of Bureau of Ordnance during World War I, Rear Admiral Ralph Earle, the name was changed to its present Naval Weapons Station Earle in 1974. The station still provides operational services and Fleet infrastructure management.