Marine Corps Installations West

Service members and their families enjoy the festivities at the USO Holidays event at the USO aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Dec. 9, 2019. The Camp Pendleton USO provided a life-sized gingerbread village, cookie decorating and a hot cocoa bar for installation service members and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Capt. David Mancilla)

Mother's Day is a national holiday that is celebrated by honoring mothers around the United States. Anna Jarvis, the "mother" of Mother's Day, first celebrated the holiday in 1908 when she held a memorial for her mother at St. Andrews Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis' campaign to make Mother's Day an official holiday succeeded in 1914 when Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother's Day a national holiday. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Regional firefighters began refreshing Camp Pendleton's 164 miles of firebreaks designed to control fires on the installation year-round. The fire breaks, created and maintained with bull dozers and road graders are essential to mitigating property damage and loss of life on and off base. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas)

Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton hosts the Warrior Games on Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach, April 20, 2018. The Warrior Games consist of a tire flipping race, capture the flag, tug of war, and a grappling tournament. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.) 00:00-00:34 Sgt. Benjamin Rodriguez, Station Captain, Aircraft Rescue & Firefighting 00:34-01:24 Lt. Col. Gregory Rivaldi, CO, Headquarters Squadron 01:24-02:04 Master Sgt. Lorena Duffel, Ordnance Chief, Station Weapons Ordnance

Toilet paper doesn't change itself, Marines. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas and Pfc. Drake Nickels)

Due to its geographical location, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is susceptible to a number of natural disasters to include flooding, earthquakes, tsunamis, and wildfires. Take the following steps to ensure you're ready in the case of emergency conditions on base: Stay Informed, make a plan and build a kit. For more information on upcoming events as well as wildfire and emergency planning, visit www.pendleton.marines.mil, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. (Marine Corps video by Cpl. Andre Heath)

Golf Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion (MCT), School of Infantry–West, graduated on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 3, 2018 after 29 days of training. Golf Co. is the first integrated male/female MCT company on the West Coast. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Dylan Chagnon)

The Camp Pendleton Historical Society conducted a dedication ceremony for an 1890 Conestoga wagon at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 2, 2018. The wagon, donated by CPHS and crafted by retired U. S. Army Lt.Col. Andy Brochu, master wheelwright, replaces one presented to the commanding general of Camp Pendleton in 1987 by the Padre Juniper Serra Riders in appreciation for preserving the western heritage of the rancho. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Andre Heath)

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, each day in the United States, approximately nine people are killed and more than 1000 are injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver. In recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month we encourage you to stay focused on the road when behind the wheel of a vehicle. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Pfc. Kerstin Roberts)

April is Stress Awareness Month, know your Marines and be aware of your surroundings. Not all signs of stress are visible, Marines don't always show when they're feeling overwhelmed. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Stuart DiPaolo, Maintenance Chief, 1st Marine Raider Support Bn., was severely injured on Camp Pendleton during an ATV training exercise on Oct. 5, 2015. Despite the odds after every bone in his face being crushed, SSgt. DiPaolo has continued making strides in his recovery and will return to active duty to complete the Career Course before medically retiring. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas)

The first Hybrid Logistics Symposium was conducted from Feb. 26- March 1, 2018. More than 100 Marines and Sailors, enlisted and officer, along with civilian Marines, joined students from the University of Southern California, San Diego to discuss concepts and equipment that will support the Marine Corps’ logistical community in achieving success into the year 2025 and beyond. Hybrid Logistics incorporates proven logistic tactics with groundbreaking methods of supporting the Marines in combat. The tactics consist of five areas – additive manufacturing, unmanned logistics systems, smart logistics, expeditionary energy, and expeditionary medicine. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. Noah Rudash)

According to superstition, if a groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2nd and sees a shadow due to clear weather, it will retreat back to its den indicating six more weeks of winter. Groundhog Day is a tradition celebrated in the United States and Canada. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

On November 3, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill marking every 3rd Monday in January, Martin Luther King, Jr., day. Dr. King lead a nonviolent Civil Rights Movement in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He worked tirelessly to achieve legal equality for African-Americans in the United States until his assassination in April of 1968. Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his courageous acts during the Civil Rights Movement (Marine Corps video by LCpl Megan Roses) Source:https://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/laureates/1964/king-bio.html

On January 1, 2018, The Adult Use of Marijuana Act took effect in California. The act legalized the possession and use of marijuana in the state, but it does not justify service members violating federal law. Marines and Department of Defense employees are prohibited from smoking or possessing marijuana, and anyone bringing the drug aboard Camp Pendleton may face debarment, or removal from base housing. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Cyberstalking is the use of electronic communications to persistently harass a person or group of people. One in six women and one in 19 men in the United States have experienced stalking during their lifetime. For help contact the Camp Pendleton Provost Marshal’s Office at 760-725-3888. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Camp Pendleton Assistant Fire Chief Jeff Cunfliffe-Owen, and CAL FIRE firefighter, Bryan Carter, discuss the air support provided during the Lilac Fire. The Lilac Fire got as close as one mile away from base and is currently 90% contained. Camp Pendleton is coordinating with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to support firefighting efforts against the Lilac Fire in northern San Diego County. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Headquarters and Support Battalion hosted a 242 mile run and cake cutting ceremony in celebration of the Marine Corps' 242nd birthday. Marines from each company took turns running two miles in teams until they reached 242. The event provided a safe and motivational way to celebrate the Marine corps' birthday. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

How have you been training? The Marines of Alpha Co., 1st Law Enforcement Battalion conduct firing drills to get comfortable on the M249 SAW, M240B, and M2 weapon systems. The training was conducted to prepare for their upcoming deployment with the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit next June. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Prescription pain drugs are the 2nd most commonly abused category of drugs in the United States. You can help reduce the misuse of prescription drugs by properly disposing of them in the prescription drug drop box at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Francisco Diaz and LCpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

November 17th is National Take a Hike Day. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

Kelli May, Regional School Liaison, talks about a recent update to legislation to expand enrollment policies on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Sept. 22, 2017. Military families with orders to California or Arizona are now able to enroll in school, pre-register in courses, and apply for special programs at the same time as their peers, prior to arriving to the state. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion held their Annual Field Meet at Camp Pendleton’s Paige Fieldhouse, August 11, 2017. The field meet was organized to build camaraderie and cohesion within the battalion.

U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion host J. Wayne Day on Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2017. J. Wayne Day is an event that gives spouses, friends and families of Marines a chance to participate in multiple Marine Corps activities such as Marine Corps Martial Arts, Rifle Live Fire and Fire Crash and Rescue drills followed by various demonstrations and displays. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Julio E. Meza, sergeant major of Marine Corps Installations West – Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, and his wife Mrs. Maggie Meza discuss the importance of the School Liaison Program. The School Liaison Program’s mission is to coordinate community resources in an effort to reduce the impact of the mobile lifestyle of military school-aged children. (U.S. Marine Video by MCIW-MCB Camp Pendleton Combat Camera/Released)

United States Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command (MARSOC) K-9 handlers demonstrate their capabilities on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 30, 2016. Part of the "How We Support the Warfighter" Web Series. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl Francisco Diaz)

U.S. Marine LtCol. David M. Moreau relinquishes command of 1st Marine Raider Support Battalion to LtCol. Richard M. Martin, at the 41 Area parade deck, Camp Pendleton, Calif., on June 20th, 2016. A Change of Command Ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one Commanding Officer to another. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Cpl. Karla J. Lara/MCIWEST-MCB CamPen Combat Camera/Released)

U.S. Marine Col. Christopher J. Williams relinquishes command of School of Infantry-West to LtCol Lance A. Jackola at the SOI-West parade deck, Camp Pendleton, Calif. June 16th, 2016. A Change of Command Ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one Commanding Officer to another.(U.S Marine Corps Imagery by Lance Cpl Cody R. Woods, MCIWEST-MCB Combat Camera Camp Pendleton/ Released)

Students and Staff of Fallbrook High School discuss the importance of the School Liason Program at Fallbrook, Calif., on 22 March, 2016. The school liaison program’s mission is to coordinate community resources in effort to reduce the impact of the surrounding mobile lifestyle of military school-aged children. (U.S. Marine Corps motion media by Cpl. Karla J. Lara, MCIWEST-MCB CamPen Combat Camera/Released)

Overview Marine Corps Installations West (MCIWEST)is comprised of five Marine Corps installations throughout California and Arizona. Our bases and air stations are fundamental to the combat readiness of Marine operating forces and integral to the quality of life for our Marines, Sailors, and their families. With a primary goal of consistent level of support to installations, the region maintains an outward focus on all matters that affect the collective installations to include encroachment, environmental policy and initiatives, and energy sustainability. It is the collective leveraging of the region that optimizes the installation's ability to provide uninterrupted support to the operator. MCIWEST truly embraces a paradigm of partnership within the western region. California, Arizona, and Nevada account for 67% of the Department of Defense (DOD) Military Use Airspace and ranges, and 85% of the Marine Corps' ground training areas and ranges. Additionally, 80% of the Marine Corp's real-estate resides in the western region. As Marines we value our relationships with the local community, and as a result continue to be considerate and responsible neighbors. We assist in disaster response, support local charities, volunteer in community organizations, provide habitat refuge for endangered species, and continuously seek new ways to be the best stewards of our environment. The Marines, Sailors and civilians aboard our installations are involved with community partners who work diligently to ensure that whenever possible our presence benefits our surrounding communities. Environment It is a common misconception that training Marines and maintaining sustainable habitats for endangered species, as well as preserving valuable real-estate, are mutually exclusive. Due to expanding urbanization and the suitable habitats that our training grounds provide, more than a dozen species of plants and animals have made our installations their home. Furthermore, our installations are home to dozens of historic preservation sites. Our installations take great pride in preserving Arizona and southern California's natural resources. We are committed to responsible stewardship of the environment through programs that ensure the proper balance between the operational needs of the Marine Corps and the protection and preservation of the environment for future generations.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton was established in 1942, and has served as a training facility for hundreds of thousands of Marines from World War II through the War on Terror. Camp Pendleton serves as the Marine Corps' primary amphibious training base and the home to I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and many tenant units. The coastal and mountain terrain support a variety of military training. Fleet Marine Force units use Camp Pendleton's coastline, ranges and training areas to enhance and maintain combat readiness. The Base also provides specialized schools and training as directed by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. Several schools are located on Camp Pendleton including Assault Amphibian School Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Field Medical Service School and Marine Corps University academies. Following recruit graduation, enlisted Marines receive basic infantry training here before assignment to other specialized units throughout the Corps. More than 40,000 military family members occupy base housing complexes. However, with a daytime population of 70,000 military and civilian personnel, the Marines, Sailors and their families rely on the surrounding communities for retail goods and services not available on Base. Camp Pendleton's mission is to provide exceptional support services to our tenant organizations and external units so that they may be better prepared to successfully accomplish their missions.

Created in 1978, the Camp Pendleton's Air Facility was re-designated as Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in 1985. MCAS Camp Pendleton operates a secure Class A airfield and maintains air station facilities, equipment and properties in support of the warfighting forces preparing for combat.

In use by the military since 1917, Miramar served briefly as a Marine Corps air station from 1945 to 1947 before transitioning to the Navy. Following a Base Realignment and Closure Committee recommendation in 1993, the installation was transferred back to the Corps and on Oct. 1, 1997, became a Marine Corps air station once again. Today, MCAS Miramar is the West Coast home of Marine aviation. MCAS Miramar is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, whose roughly 17,000 Marines operate the F/A-18 Hornet, KC-130J Hercules, CH-53 Super Stallion and MV-22 Osprey from the air station. MCAS Miramar is home to a number of the military's most state-of-the-art training facilities. Importantly, many of these facilities are not only used to train military personnel, but are also shared with local law enforcement personnel and personnel from other federal, county and city agencies for training. The majority of MCAS Miramar's training facilities are located aboard East Miramar, a 15,000 acre spread of hilly, chaparral desert that contains five small-arms ranges, a nuclear, biological, and chemical training facility, and an aircraft fire rescue training site. The land itself supports training in land navigation, convoy operations, and related ground training exercises. MCAS Miramar Community: MCAS Miramar hosts and supports a variety of community outreach events, from fun-runs and charity events to base tours. These events give San Diegans an opportunity to interact face-to-face with the Marines who share their community. As an award-winning, world-class air show, the Miramar Air Show is the highlight of the air station's annual schedule of activities. The thrilling, three-day event draws hundreds of thousands from around the world to witness the finest in civilian and military aviation. The show is free for all attendees, but funds raised though premium seating and corporate sponsors go to quality of life projects and programs to further morale and welfare of service members and families assigned to the air station.

In 1942, the Marine Corps planners chose Barstow as a secure inland site to protect critical supplies and equipment against possible Japanese attack. In November 1978, the Base was re-designated to its present title of Marine Corps Logistics Base to emphasize its broad logistics support mission. Barstow offers 3 million square feet of covered storage and approximately 30 million square feet of open lot storage. These facilities house half of the Marine Corps' capability for ground maintenance and supply. At Barstow, military and civilian personnel support Marine Corps forces west of the Mississippi, the Far East and Asia with logistics, maintenance and transportation. The installation ensures that equipment is stored, tested, distributed and maintained to best support the operating forces. The desert climate, with its low humidity and lack of precipitation, helps preserves facilities and equipment. Cost savings are achieved from the lack of climate control. Barstow is located close to ground, air and rail transportation nodes to allow for faster delivery to southwestern military installations.

Talks to a military reporter about preparing to allow civilians access to their houses, how it is decided that an area is ready to be reoccupied and how they are helping the local authorities.

Talks to a military reporter about the current mission of his battalion, how the progress has gone, how they are helping the local security forces and his expectations for the next few days.

Talks to a military reporter about the current mission of his battalion, the importance of the mission, the accomplishments they have made, federal and civil agencies working together and how he expects the continued fire fighting and security efforts to go.