The program LEAD, which is short for leadership, was established in 1981 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious community leadership organizations in the nation. It continues to influence members in all sectors of the community and is dedicated to providing leadership by informing citizens of San Diego about entities which directly involve the community and its structure.

During the operation, LEAD was informed of how the base gives back to the surrounding communities both economically and environmentally.

“Instead of learning about the base from a book, we get to see the base first-hand and speak with its leaders,” said Catherine Darby, Quieter Home program coordinator for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “An opportunity like this is so beneficial when it comes time to make a decision involving the base.”

The tour was designed to give a mutual understanding of both LEAD and MCI-West. The visit began at the base’s South Mesa Club where Maj. Gen. Anthony L. Jackson, Commanding General MCI-West, and Deputy Commander Colonel Michael Naylor gave briefs about the base’s community.

During the brief, LEAD members explored the various elements which make MCI-West operational such as; environmental security, training measures, aviation, construction projects and I Marine Expeditionary Force operations.

“It was great to get the chance to learn what makes this base operate and how involved they are in making a positive impact on the surrounding community,” said Tinesia Conwright, housing supervisor, San Diego Housing Commission.

After the brief at the South Mesa Club, the LEAD members made their way to Red Beach, where they learned about various aspects of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. There, the members received a presentation led by Col. Michael Hudson, commanding officer and Sgt. Maj. Scott Pile, sergeant major of the 11th MEU.

“By seeing (the members) here, it really shows me how interested in the base everyone is,” said Hudson. “That type of involvement in the community is very admirable.”  

To conclude their tour of the base, LEAD members also got a glance of numerous construction projects currently evolving on base, such as the remodeling of barracks and rifle ranges.

But before leaving the base, members of the tour were able to experience life as a Marine as they chowed down on Meals Ready to Eat. Commonly known as the MRE, the individual field ration is used in combat or other field conditions where organized food facilities are not available.

As soon as the members finished their meal, it was then time for some hands-on experience as the visitors were brought to the Convoy Simulator. Each simulator building contains four humvee and two medium tactical vehicle replacement trainers that all interact in realistic, virtual Iraqi cities. Training scenarios are projected onto 360-degree screens, which display the other vehicles within the convoy in real time as they progress through the simulation.

“This was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Darby. “I’m just so glad I was able to be a part of it and really get to know what happens on the base.”