MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Camp Pendleton’s South Mesa Club hosted a symposium to highlight “10 million man hours” of construction across Marine Corps Installations West, Jan. 21.
Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southwest and the San Diego Contracting Opportunities Center hosted the open symposium to more than 350 guests to commemorate the accomplishment across MCI-West’s seven installations.
“This is a monumental milestone,” said Navy Capt. Keith Hamilton, Commanding Officer, NFECS. “We have made numerous tactical victories so far, and we are nearing the halfway point for this phase of construction.”
The symposium not only brought together the corporations participating in the renovation of Camp Pendleton, but it also highlighted the significant impact that these man-hours have made on the economy.
“Camp Pendleton’s employment for construction affects our economy both directly and indirectly,” said Hamilton. “It not only provides jobs for corporations, but it builds a better home for our Marines.”
Due to the upgrades on Camp Pendleton, more than 11,000 workers were employed, $1.8 billion was spent on new construction, more than $700 million in yearly salaries were paid, and 250 prime construction companies were contracted.
“Even though we have made quite an accomplishment so far, we still have a lot of work to do to reach our final goal,” said Hamilton. “We still have approximately 12-15 million man hours left before completion [of current contracts].”
Major General Anthony L. Jackson, Commanding General MCI-West, also spoke of the great sense of accomplishment that comes with the hard work contributed to modernizing the base.
“[Marines and sailors] go to war and fight for our country,” said Jackson. “They deserve what is being provided.”
Since the buildings being constructed today will be here for many years, they will be monuments for future Marines, Jackson said as he spoke of dependability and structural integrity of the construction.
The ceremony concluded with the construction companies discussing their involvement in the base’s production and future opportunities. They also were allotted the opportunity to ask questions and discuss their achievements so far.
“Today was about recognizing the unity of effort,” said Hamilton. “This is a large and constructive accomplishment, and without everyone’s help this couldn’t be possible.”