Marine Corps 250th Anniversary Celebration at Camp Pendleton
The U.S. Marine Corps is gearing up to mark its 250th anniversary at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, California, with Vice President JD Vance spearheading the event.
This occasion is particularly significant as Vance is the first former Marine to hold the vice presidency. He’ll be joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, and Marine Corps Commandant General Eric M. Smith.
Over 15,000 people, including Marines, Navy sailors, veterans, and their families, are anticipated to attend. The Red Beach demonstration will showcase joint operations from Navy and Marine units, integrating land, air, and sea elements.
After the military demonstration, a Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach will feature food, live music, and family-oriented activities.
While guests are welcome to join, they must adhere to base access regulations, including possessing valid government identification and undergoing vehicle checks.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his disapproval of conducting the military demonstration without closing the adjacent freeway, labeling it unsafe. He remarked on social media that these military exercises normally occur at Camp Pendleton.
“This is an absurd show of force that could endanger Californians,” the governor criticized. “Flying live rounds over a busy highway without coordination among state, federal, and local partners is not only wrong — it’s dangerous.”
He went on to assert that using the military for political intimidation displays weakness rather than strength.
“It makes you look weak. It’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it reflects poorly on the presidency,” he added.
Newsom’s office announced on Saturday that, while the White House previously stated the freeway wouldn’t need closing, California traffic and safety experts have recommended it for public protection.
Earlier in the week, Newsom had voiced skepticism about the idea of closing the freeway.
“Donald Trump and JD Vance believe that shutting down the I-5 to fire missiles from ships is how to honor the military,” Newsom posted. “Set aside your vanity parade and focus on compensating our troops instead.”
This comment relates to the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 18th day, which has affected military paychecks. However, on the same day, President Trump signed a memorandum authorizing War Department funds to ensure military personnel could still be paid.
According to reports, there were practice rounds fired near the freeway just prior to the event, which remained open at that point.
The I-5 will be temporarily closed from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
