Stories

Lance Cpl. Peter A. Booth, block NCO at Wilcox Range, demonstraits marksmanship qualification shooting, using a M16A4 Service Rifle and some of the newsest authorized optics and modular attachments for qualification. - Lance Cpl. Peter A. Booth, block NCO at Wilcox Range, demonstraits marksmanship qualification shooting, using a M16A4 Service Rifle and some of the newsest authorized optics and modular attachments for qualification.

Col. Nicholas F. Marano, Commanding Officer Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, speaks at his retirement ceremony after receiving the Legion of Merit with a gold star in lieu of second award, at 11 area parade deck, April 5. Marano received the award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton from June 2009 to April 2012. - Col. Nicholas F. Marano, Commanding Officer Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, speaks at his retirement ceremony after receiving the Legion of Merit with a gold star in lieu of second award, at 11 area parade deck, April 5. Marano received the award for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service as commanding officer, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton from June 2009 to April 2012.

Lt. Benjamin Maple (left), K-9 master, and former Cpl. Megan Leavey (right) prepare to accept Military Working Dog Rex's certificate during his retirement ceremony and adoption at Camp Pendleton's K-9 unit, April 6. Leavey, who was previously Rex's handler, had written a letter to Congress requesting to adopt Rex since he was being forced to retire due to facial paralysis. Rex served in three combat deployments and provided over 11,575 hours of military working dog support consisting of over 6,220 vehicle inspections during random anti-terrorism searches. Rex was constantly put in harms way during multiple firefights, mortar attacks and improvised explosive devices during Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Lt. Benjamin Maple (left), K-9 master, and former Cpl. Megan Leavey (right) prepare to accept Military Working Dog Rex's certificate during his retirement ceremony and adoption at Camp Pendleton's K-9 unit, April 6. Leavey, who was previously Rex's handler, had written a letter to Congress requesting to adopt Rex since he was being forced to retire due to facial paralysis. Rex served in three combat deployments and provided over 11,575 hours of military working dog support consisting of over 6,220 vehicle inspections during random anti-terrorism searches. Rex was constantly put in harms way during multiple firefights, mortar attacks and improvised explosive devices during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Boy Scouts of Camp Pendleton-based Troop 789 welcome the newly bridged scouts by helping them put on their new epaulets, neckerchiefs and slides after the bridging ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 4. In preparation to becoming Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts change from a blue uniform to a tan uniform. The bridging ceremony signifies the next step in the scout’s journey to become a young adult. - Boy Scouts of Camp Pendleton-based Troop 789 welcome the newly bridged scouts by helping them put on their new epaulets, neckerchiefs and slides after the bridging ceremony on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 4. In preparation to becoming Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts change from a blue uniform to a tan uniform. The bridging ceremony signifies the next step in the scout’s journey to become a young adult.

Children scurry in search of eggs during an Easter egg hunt at the 2012 Spring Fling Festival, April 4. The egg hunt was one of the many free activities offered to children during the season’s annual event. - Children scurry in search of eggs during an Easter egg hunt at the 2012 Spring Fling Festival, April 4. The egg hunt was one of the many free activities offered to children during the season’s annual event.

Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, commander of the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va., speaks with Lt. Col. Brian Kane, deputy director of Training Support Division, Marine Corps Base, while touring the mine resistant ambush protected armored vehicle egress trainer here, April 3. The admiral’s visit, which included a meeting with unit motorcycle safety representatives from Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, was part of a weeklong tour dedicated to emphasizing the importance of motorcycle safety within the Navy. - Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, commander of the Naval Safety Center in Norfolk, Va., speaks with Lt. Col. Brian Kane, deputy director of Training Support Division, Marine Corps Base, while touring the mine resistant ambush protected armored vehicle egress trainer here, April 3. The admiral’s visit, which included a meeting with unit motorcycle safety representatives from Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, was part of a weeklong tour dedicated to emphasizing the importance of motorcycle safety within the Navy.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ross Hrynewych, a Marine with Marine Forces Pacific, runs alongside his neighbor, Alex Lomax, during Mary Fay Pendleton School’s “Run to Afghanistan” at the school track, March 29. Along with teachers, family members, service members and countless volunteers, the students ran 7,540 miles to promote support for deployed troops and physical fitness. - Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ross Hrynewych, a Marine with Marine Forces Pacific, runs alongside his neighbor, Alex Lomax, during Mary Fay Pendleton School’s “Run to Afghanistan” at the school track, March 29. Along with teachers, family members, service members and countless volunteers, the students ran 7,540 miles to promote support for deployed troops and physical fitness.

Sgt. Jeremy P. Sears, a range coach with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, gives advice to a Marine during an unknown distance live-fire training exercise, March 23. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion participated in training exercises to maintain combat readiness and enhance basic warrior skills. - Sgt. Jeremy P. Sears, a range coach with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, gives advice to a Marine during an unknown distance live-fire training exercise, March 23. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion participated in training exercises to maintain combat readiness and enhance basic warrior skills.

Gunnery Sgt. Derald Hampton, a representative with the Marine Security Guard Recruiting, Advertising and Screening Team, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, interviews a Marine Security Guard applicant in Las Pulgas, March 20. The Marine Security Guard Program has been in place since December 1948 and provides protection for U.S. citizens and U.S. Consulate premises and or facilities. - Gunnery Sgt. Derald Hampton, a representative with the Marine Security Guard Recruiting, Advertising and Screening Team, Marine Corps Embassy Security Group, interviews a Marine Security Guard applicant in Las Pulgas, March 20. The Marine Security Guard Program has been in place since December 1948 and provides protection for U.S. citizens and U.S. Consulate premises and or facilities.