Marine Corps Installations West

U.S. Marines with the Amphibious Combat Vehicle Transition Training Unit completed a newly developed curriculum at the Assault Amphibian School at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, June 26-July 20, 2023. The Marine Corps' newly established ACV TTU developed and implemented two recently designed courses, the Operators Certification Course and Maintainers Certification Course, ensuring Marines possess the technical knowledge, skills, and proficiency required to safely operate, maintain, and employ the ACV. The Marine Corps is taking a deliberate approach to fielding the ACV to the Fleet Marine Force to ensure our Marines understand the platform’s capabilities and can operate it safely and proficiently. ACVs are currently authorized to conduct waterborne operations in open and protected waters while surf-zone transit testing is ongoing. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Daniel Medina and Cpl. Luis Agostini)

U.S. Marines with Marine Corps Installations West, MCB Camp Pendleton, host a change of command ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House on Camp Pendleton, California, June 23, 2021. During the ceremony, U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dan Conley relinquished command of MCI-West to Brig. Gen. Jason Woodworth. Woodworth is the first Marine in history to command an MCI-West installation and then return to take command of the region. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Fatima Villatoro and Lance Cpl. Daniel Medina)

U.S. Navy Capt. Shelley Perkins relinquishes command of Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Camp Pendleton to Capt. Sharon House during a change of command ceremony at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, May 28, 2021. NHCP is committed to train, deploy and deliver quality healthcare to service members, retirees and their family members aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Juan A. Soto-Delgado and Cpl. Fatima Villatoro.)

Students with the Assault Amphibian Vehicle Commander Course, Assault Amphibian School, conduct mounted land navigation training in the Oscar Two Training Area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 22, 2020. The Vehicle Commander Course is used to train intermediate level Marines on the responsibilities of an AAV commander, with a focus on crew gunnery, direction and supervision. The AAV Commander Course 6-20 is filled completely by reserve Marines with 4th Tank Battalion, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve. In order to accommodate the schedule of the reservists, the class was condensed to ensure they received all the necessary training to effectively lead their crews. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Melissa I. Ugalde)

Military working dog and multipurpose canine handlers from multiple agencies and services participate in a subject matter expert exchange hosted by 1st Marine Raider Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 24, 2019. The purpose of the MARSOC-hosted SMEE was to bring canine handlers together from different agencies and branches to conduct maritime and land training while exchanging tactics, techniques and procedures. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West , Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Pendleton, salutes during the presentation of colors during his retirement ceremony at the Santa Margarita Ranch House, MCB Camp Pendleton, California, June 28, 2019. Killea honorably served 31 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and is set to retire August 1, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Sgt. Gabino Perez and Sgt. Emmanuel Necoechea)

Marine Corps Installations West is comprised of five Marine Corps installations throughout California and Arizona. The bases and air stations are fundamental to the combat readiness of Marine Corps operating forces and integral to the quality of life for Marines, Sailors and their families. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

Signed over to the Marine Corps from the Navy in 1997, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is the West-Coast headquarters of Marine aviation and home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with 10,000 Marines who operate and support flight operations. MCAS Miramar provides a central location between inland air-to-ground ranges, and lateral air-to-air ranges for fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

The first air facility in Yuma was constructed in 1928 for military and civilian use. On July 20, 1962, the designation was formally changed to the present, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma. MCAS Yuma continues to be the busiest Marine Corps air station in the Department of the Navy for air operations. With access to 2.8 million acres for bombing, aviation training ranges, and superb flying weather, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma supports 80 percent of the Marine Corps air-to-ground aviation training. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

In 1942, Marine Corps planners chose Barstow as a secure inland site to protect critical supplies and equipment. Re-designated in November 1978 as Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, the installation is well-positioned to support the logistics needs of the Marine Corps and departments of defense. Home to one of the largest maintenance centers in the Department of Defense, Barstow sustains half of the Marine Corps capabilities for ground maintenance and supply. With 3 million square feet of covered storage and approximately 30 million square feet of open-lot storage, Barstow is essential to the Marine Corps’ capacity to provide uninterrupted support to the operating forces. As the second largest employer in Barstow, 500 military and 2,500 civilian personnel provide in-to-in support to Marine forces west of the Mississippi to Asia. Employees work around the clock to ensure that equipment is stored, tested, maintained, and distributed to best support the warfighter. Barstow’s desert climate helps preserve facilities and equipment, and offers an ideal environment for renewable energy platforms. Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow is the first Marine Corps installation to construct and operate a wind turbine. At peak capacity, the turbine generates 1.5 megawatts of energy, enough to power 500 homes. One of the region's smaller installations, Barstow is committed to maintaining strong relations with the surrounding community. Home to the only mounted color guard, Marines participate in local and regional events throughout the year. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Daniel Yaroslaski relinquishes command of Assault Amphibian School, Training to Col. Terry Paustenbaugh at Camp Del Mar, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, March 22, 2019. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Noah Rudash)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, authorized both the Dual 300 Award and Force Fitness Unit Award in July, 2018. In order to receive the Dual 300 Award, a Marine must score 300 on both the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Combat Fitness Test (CFT), while the Force Fitness Unit Award goes to the unit with the highest, combined fitness score average. These awards give Marines with exemplary PFT and CFT scores recognition for their fitness. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Emmanuel Necoechea)

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. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by LCpl. Noah Rudash)

U.S. Marines and families attend a change of command ceremony for Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Camp Pendleton at the Santa Margarita Ranch House, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Aug. 2, 2018. Col. Ian R Clark relinquished command of MCAS Camp Pendleton to Col. Richard T. Anderson after three years of serving as the commanding officer. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Pfc. Stephen Beard)

Sgt. Haley Jimenez, administrative clerk, Headquarters and Support Battalion and her team participate in the 2018 Mud Run Commanding General’s Cup Team Competition on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., June 8, 2018. The event started at Lake O’Neil and covered 10 kilometers where participants had to overcome various mud packed obstacles. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Pfc. Stephen Beard)

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)

Every year, the commandant updates his reading list with books that are intended to improve your efficiency as both a Marine and a leader, as well as your personal development. In light of National Reading Month, it is greatly encouraged that you get down to your nearest base library and pick up a book out of the professional military education section. (U.S. Marine Corps video by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon)

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)

On November 1st, 2017, Marine Corps Community Services Camp Pendleton hosted a 4v4 grappling tournament for the Commanding General's Cup. The CG's cup is a year-long program that consists of various athletic events. (U.S. Marine Corps Video by Lance Cpl. Lukas Kalinauskas.)

U.S. Marines and Sailors participated in the Annual Marine Corps Mud Run, organized by the Semper Fit Division of Marine Corps Community Services on Camp Pendleton Calif., June 09, 2017. The Mud Run is also part of the Commanding General's Cup, with profits going directly to the Semper Fit Division to benefit programs like the Single Marine Program and the fitness centers located throughout the base. (Marine Corps video by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)

Camp Pendleton hosts the United States Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment performance at the 11 Area Football Field. The Battle Color Detachment features the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon, Drum & Bugle Corps, and the Official Color Guard of the Marine Corps.

Col. Reginald Hairston, Commanding Officer of Security and Emergency Services Battalion was presented with the North San Diego County NAACP 2016 Military Advocacy Award, Oct. 1, 2016.

U.S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Smith assumes command and Sergeant Major Dallas Miller posts command of Marine Aircraft Group 41 Detachment Alpha during an Assumption of Command and Posting of Detachment Ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station, Camp Pendleton, Calif. July 21, 2016. (U.S Marine Corps Motion Media by Lance Cpl Cody R. Woods).

Brig. Gen. Edward D. Banta relinquished command of Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, to Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea during a change of command ceremony at Camp Pendleton's Ranch House, July 15, 2016.

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)

Approximately 2000 Marines and Sailors participated in the 2016 World Famous Mud Run by Lake O'Neill here, June 3. The race was part of the Commanding General's Cup and covered 6.2 miles. The race included a number of obstacles such as mud pits, jumping over walls and a slippery uphill climb.

Protect What You’ve Earned (PWYE) is a simple decision-making framework, not a program. By orienting the Marine on his or her own actions, PWYE promotes internal individual accountability. PWYE reinforces key elements and standards of our Corps’ warrior culture: discipline, leadership, teamwork, action, accountability, excellence, and esprit. PWYE lives within our Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Leaders may use PWYE as a catalyst for frank kneecap-to-kneecap dialogue with Marines, Sailors and family members about the risks and consequences of their individual actions. (This video was produced by Marine Forces Reserve and uploaded to DVIDS on Jan. 31, 2017 by Camp Pendleton Public Affairs for use in its Protect What You’ve Earned campaign.)

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.

The first air facility in Yuma was constructed in 1928 for military and civilian use. When the United States entered World War II, an air base was erected and by early 1943, Yuma Army Air Base began graduating classes of pilots. The base became one of the busiest flying schools in the nation. At the end of the war, all flight activity here ceased and the area was partially reclaimed by the desert. In 1951, the Air Force reactivated the base, which was later transferred to the Navy in 1959. On July 20, 1962, the Base's designation was changed to Marine Corps Air Station. MCAS Yuma is one of the Marine Corps' premier aviation training bases. With access to 2.8 million acres of bombing and aviation training ranges and superb flying weather, MCAS Yuma supports 80 percent of the Corps' air-to-ground aviation training. Each year, the air station hosts numerous units and aircraft from U.S. and NATO forces. The ideal weather and location along the Colorado River make Yuma and the surrounding area an oasis in the southwestern Sonoran Desert. Nestled in five square miles just southeast of Yuma, the air station is home to a number of tenant units including Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1, Marine Aircraft Group-13, Marine Wing Support Squadron-371, Marine Fighter Training Squadron-401, Marine Air Control Squadron-1, Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 and Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4 and Combat Service Support Detachment-16. The main runway has been extended to 13,300 feet, or enough concrete for 37 miles of two-lane highway. MAWTS-1 hosts the biannual Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course (WTI) aboard MCAS Yuma and is recognized as the most comprehensive graduate level aviation course of instruction in the world today. On average, over 8,000 U.S. Marines log more than 8,000 flight hours during more than 5,000 sorties each year. WTI trains aviators, infantry, artillery and armory officers in addition to their service support personnel in advanced Marine Air Ground Task Force tactics, techniques and procedures.

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.

The 37th Commandant of the Marine Corps, General Robert B. Neller address Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, 13 Area Paige Field House Parade Deck, October 5th, 2015. General Robert B. Neller shares his point of view on various Marine Corps topics as he travel to different Marine Corps Installations. (U.S Marine Corps Imagery by Lance Cpl Nicholas D. Hatheway MCIWEST-MCB Combat Camera Camp Pendleton/ Released).

MCIW-MCB Camp Pendleton Command Video.

An informational video highlighting the different aspects and capabilities of Marine Corps Installations West & Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.