Marine Corps Installations West

Camp Pendleton hosts San Diego County's first sea lion return of the year at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., January 31, 2025, highlighting a collaborative effort between the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team and the Camp Pendleton Environmental Security Department. This partnership successfully facilitated the safe return of two female sea lions, an adult and pup, to the ocean. The base's flat, sandy areas provide an ideal environment for sea lion releases, while restricted access to the training beaches helps minimize human interference, ensuring a smooth transition for the sea lions to their natural habitat. Camp Pendleton is home to 19 species of federally listed endangered plants and animals, offering a vital biome along the most pristine and ecologically intact stretch of coastline between San Diego and Los Angeles. (U.S. Marine Corps video by 1st. Lt. Jorin M. Hollenbeak) [This video contains music from USMC enterprise licensed assets from Adobe Stock: (Dark Outlands composed by River Foxcroft/Epidemic Sound/stock.adobe.com)]

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton base safety and Marine Corps Community Services provide guidance on how to safely enjoy a summer at the beach. 101 Days of Summer is a campaign that informs Marines and their families on how to properly conduct general safety. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Daniel Medina and Lance Cpl. Peyton Kahle)

U.S. Marine Sgt. Roxanne Gorostieta, the administrative chief with the Command Element, I Marine Expeditionary Force, speaks about her experiences in the Marine Corps in the 21 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 28, 2020. Gorostieta uses her knowledge and experience in fitness and the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program to train and educate her Marines. Gorostieta is a native of Phoenix. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Melissa I. Ugalde)

Darron Klassen, co-founder of Torrey Pines Surf Ministry, goes surfing with veterans and active duty service members at San Onofre Beach on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 24, 2020. Surfing is used as therapy to assist in the recovery of wounded, ill and injured active duty military members and veterans. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Kerstin Roberts)

The sun sets on Del Mar Beach in 21 Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 4, 2020. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Cortez)

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton officials host a dedication ceremony for rebuilt cottages at San Onofre Beach at Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 15, 2019. The ceremony marked the completion of renovations for the last two of 13 cottages to be rebuilt at San Onofre. The updated cottages are designed to be more accessible to wounded service members or those with disabilities. (U.S Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Stephen Beard)

U.S Marines with 4th Force Reconnaissance Detachment, 4th Reconnaissance Company, 4th Marine Division, jump out of a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter during helo casting drills at Del Mar Beach, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, California, May 1, 2019. MCB Camp Pendleton’s coastal beaches are a vital piece in providing standardized training for all amphibious units’ training requirements to ensure mission readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl.Noah Rudash)

Bryce Outcault, lifeguard sergeant, Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton Lifeguard Service, shares several tips on beach safety at MCB, California, June 28, 2018. Beach safety is paramount. Drowning is one of the leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five. Now that we are in the summer season, certain steps can be taken to increase safety, and have fun. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Pfc. Stephen Beard)

U. S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, presented seven firefighters and paramedics with a lifesaving award on Camp Pendleton, Calif., Dec. 19, 2017. Chief Jeff Moore, Captain David Lewis, Engineer Tom Klein, FireFighter Justin Myers and Firefighter and Paramedics Steve Chavez, Justin Myers, Chris Braun and Lou Santos were awarded for their actions in saving Leeanne Ericson, who was attacked by a shark in April 2017. (Marine Corps Video by Sergeant Hector de Jesus)

Among the rolling hills of Camp Pendleton, there lives a lone bison. Once a member of the larger herd, she now prefers to spend her time lazing in the sun and grazing in her favorite fields. Betty, as the Marines affectionately call her, possesses a wealth of knowledge about the base and is always eager to assist a service member in need.

San Onofre beach was recently put on a 48-hour warning status due to a shark sighting in the waters off shore. Life guard chief, Vincent Lombardi, advises beach patrons to exercise caution and discusses safety precautions to ensure a safe visit . (U.S Marine Corps Video by LCpl Francisco J. Diaz Jr.)

Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Community Services hosted the 2016 Beach Bash at the Del Mar Beach, July 4. Music, recreational activities, giveaways as well as food and refreshments were available to Marines, Sailors and their families.

At A Glance: Del Mar Beach A quick look at one aspect of life on Camp Pendleton.