More than 200 worldwide companies showcased a broad range of new technology at the 14th Marine West Exposition held at the South Mesa Staff Noncommissioned Club, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Feb. 4 to 5.

The Marine West Exposition introduced new weapons, support equipment, ground-and air-navigation systems, unmanned vehicles and many other types of equipment.

The exposition attracted more than 3,000 service members and civilians and was sponsored by the Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Systems Command and MCB Camp Pendleton.

A day before the exposition, Michael Kessler, national executive director, Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, hosted a golf tournament on Camp Pendleton. Twenty six major partners from the exposition and retired service members gathered at the golf tournament, including the famous “TV Gunny” R. Lee Ermey.

This is the first time we have had the golf tournament on the West Coast, said Kessler.

“We just get together and have fun here,” he said.

More than 100 Marine Corps League members attended the opening ceremony along with the service members and civilians.

“It’s wonderful to be here with the growing evolution of technology,” said Stephen G. Olmstead, president, Marine Youth Foundation, in his speech during the opening ceremony.

“The hospitality here is unmatched, thanks to the troops and Marine Corps leaders.”

James R. Laskey, national commandant, Marine Corps League, was also at the event.

“It’s a great experience to be back on Pendleton, I am proud of the troops that raise the bar for everyone,” said Laskey.

The new Joint Light Tactical Vehicle from General Tactical Vehicles was among the vehicles showcased. A plan is in the works to replace the humvee that has been around since the 1980s, with the JLTV.

The JLTV can be equipped with a remote weapon station, which is operated by a joystick. With this new technology, service members can have more protection by staying in the vehicle and observing everything from a built-in camera on the weapon station. 

The key feature of this system, unlike others that were at the exposition, is the stabilizer that keeps the weapon on target when the vehicle is moving through rough terrain, said John Carlsson, sales manager, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace.

“I came to see the counter improvised explosive device technology and breaching devices,” said Maj. Christopher R. Lucas, executive officer, 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division.

In the future, he would like to see more mine detection equipment at the exposition, Lucas said.