U.S. Marine Sgt. William Hinkle, an aerial observer with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, waves to families while dressed as Santa Claus as he flies over a neighborhood outside of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, in a UH-1Y Venom helicopter, Dec. 5, 2020. Since efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have impacted holiday plans for many living in Southern California, HMLAT-303 wanted to bring Santa Claus to families living on base and the surrounding area to spread holiday cheer. Hinkle is a native of Parachute, Colorado. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels) - U.S. Marine Sgt. William Hinkle, an aerial observer with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron 303, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, waves to families while dressed as Santa Claus as he flies over a neighborhood outside of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, in a UH-1Y Venom helicopter, Dec. 5, 2020. Since efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 have impacted holiday plans for many living in Southern California, HMLAT-303 wanted to bring Santa Claus to families living on base and the surrounding area to spread holiday cheer. Hinkle is a native of Parachute, Colorado. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Drake Nickels)

Families adopt a Marine for the Thanksgiving Holiday - U.S. Marines with Lima Company, Marine Combat Training Battalion, School of Infantry-West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with the Frackelton family in Villa Park, California, Nov. 28, 2019. Many families open up their homes for the Marines of SOI to celebrate Thanksgiving through the Home Hospitality Adopt-a-Marine Program. The Home Hospitality Adopt-a-Marine for Thanksgiving Program was created several years ago by the Armed Services Young Men’s Christian Association. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Andrew Cortez)

More than 500 spectators witnessed the fourth annual Holiday Toy Express Train bring Santa Claus and numerous holiday characters to Camp Pendleton’s Pacific Plaza, Dec.6. The characters put on a live musical performance of favorite holiday songs. - More than 500 spectators witnessed the fourth annual Holiday Toy Express Train bring Santa Claus and numerous holiday characters to Camp Pendleton’s Pacific Plaza, Dec.6. The characters put on a live musical performance of favorite holiday songs.