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Marines

MCB Camp Pendleton

MCB Pendleton Seal

Oceanside, California

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

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A CAL FIRE UH-1H draws water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

A CAL FIRE UH-1H draws water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey lowers it's bambi bucket to collect lake water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neill on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey lowers it's bambi bucket to collect lake water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neill on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey drops water on simulated fire area during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey drops water on simulated fire area during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez

An MV-22 Osprey drops water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

An MV-22 Osprey drops water during the 2017 Wildland Firefighting Exercise (WLFFEX) at Lake O'Neil on Camp Pendleton, Calif., May 4, 2017. The WLFFEX is an annual training event to exercise the firefighting efforts by aviation and ground assests from Marine Corps Installations - West, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, Third Marine Air Wing, Navy Region South West, Third Fleet, CAL FIRE, and San Diego County Sheriff's Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez)

Photo by Cpl. Brandon Martinez

U. S. Marine Corps Capt. Geoffrey Irving, legal assistant attorney, and his wife, Anna Chou, practice their Marine Corps Martial Arts techniques during J. Wayne Day on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2017. J. Wayne Day is an event hespouses or loved ones have a chance to participate in multiple activities such as the Marine Corps Martial Arts, Pistol Range and the Fire Crash and Rescue followed by various demonstrations and displays. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

U. S. Marine Corps Capt. Geoffrey Irving, legal assistant attorney, and his wife, Anna Chou, practice their Marine Corps Martial Arts techniques during J. Wayne Day on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 28, 2017. J. Wayne Day is an event hespouses or loved ones have a chance to participate in multiple activities such as the Marine Corps Martial Arts, Pistol Range and the Fire Crash and Rescue followed by various demonstrations and displays. (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y Galvan

Mr. Jerry L. Cole, Substance Abuse Program Specialist, speaks about his career thus far his 40 years of hard work with the Marine Corps and the Substance Abuse Counciling Program on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 26, 2017. Throughout his career as a Marine his main focus was his Marines and their welfare, and trying to be the best Marine he could be in order to set the example others would strive to emulate. Early in his career, he built bombs and chemical weapons in the ordnance community; he then spent five years on the drill field advancing from junior drill instructor to a battalion sergeant major at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. When he retired from the Marine Corps in 2006 he didn’t take any time off. Instead of putting on the uniform he wore for so many years, he put on a collared shirt and khakis; and instead of the squared away Marines he worked with before, it was with the Marines who have gotten themselves in situations and need guidance and help. “I stepped out of that uniform, but I get to work with CO’s, XO’s, Sergeants Major, and most importantly, the junior Marines,” said Cole. “It’s pretty cool. I get the opportunity to right what I believe are wrongs. I plan to do at least five more years here. I’m retirement eligible here now, but I want to work until I’m 62 as long as I can keep up. I really enjoy what I do. If I get to the point that I don’t enjoy what I do anymore or I don’t see it benefitting anyone, then I’ve surpassed my usefulness. If I get that feeling, then I’ll know it’s time to hang it up and put the retirement papers in." (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Mr. Jerry L. Cole, Substance Abuse Program Specialist, speaks about his career thus far his 40 years of hard work with the Marine Corps and the Substance Abuse Counciling Program on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 26, 2017. Throughout his career as a Marine his main focus was his Marines and their welfare, and trying to be the best Marine he could be in order to set the example others would strive to emulate. Early in his career, he built bombs and chemical weapons in the ordnance community; he then spent five years on the drill field advancing from junior drill instructor to a battalion sergeant major at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. When he retired from the Marine Corps in 2006 he didn’t take any time off. Instead of putting on the uniform he wore for so many years, he put on a collared shirt and khakis; and instead of the squared away Marines he worked with before, it was with the Marines who have gotten themselves in situations and need guidance and help. “I stepped out of that uniform, but I get to work with CO’s, XO’s, Sergeants Major, and most importantly, the junior Marines,” said Cole. “It’s pretty cool. I get the opportunity to right what I believe are wrongs. I plan to do at least five more years here. I’m retirement eligible here now, but I want to work until I’m 62 as long as I can keep up. I really enjoy what I do. If I get to the point that I don’t enjoy what I do anymore or I don’t see it benefitting anyone, then I’ve surpassed my usefulness. If I get that feeling, then I’ll know it’s time to hang it up and put the retirement papers in." (U. S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y Galvan

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, presents an award to Alexander Abriol, facilities operation specialist, for serving 30 years with the installation and for his significant accomplishments at Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Headquarters on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 25, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Killea, commanding general, Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, presents an award to Alexander Abriol, facilities operation specialist, for serving 30 years with the installation and for his significant accomplishments at Marine Corps Installations West, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton Headquarters on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 25, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Betzabeth Y Galvan

U.S. Marine Air Group 39 and 16 Alumni present an award during a ceremony to honor Marine Aviators from across the Marine Air Ground Task Force at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 21, 2017. As the oldest Marine Corps air facility on the west coast, and the birthplace to a host of Air-Ground integration innovations, the Air Station will celebrate alongside Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s 75th Anniversary. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kierkegaard)

U.S. Marine Air Group 39 and 16 Alumni present an award during a ceremony to honor Marine Aviators from across the Marine Air Ground Task Force at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 21, 2017. As the oldest Marine Corps air facility on the west coast, and the birthplace to a host of Air-Ground integration innovations, the Air Station will celebrate alongside Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s 75th Anniversary. (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kierkegaard)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Kierkegaard

Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)

Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”. (US Marine Corps Photo by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Chagnon

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Chagnon

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Chagnon

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Maj. Jason Schneider, Commanding Officer for H&S Co., H&S Bn., MCI West - MCB Camp Pendleton, paces through an aisle whilst giving a brief on the Marine Corps Policy on social media April 13, 2017. Briefs like these are conducted to ensure that Marines stay up to date on all of the current Marine Corps Policies and regulations. (U. S. Marine Corps Photo by LCpl. Dylan Chagnon) levels adjusted and image cropped to highlight the subject.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Chagnon

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Jacobs, procurement clerk, second from right, explains to the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team how he records information in the system at 1st Medical Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during a fiscal year 17 audit on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 6, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Jacobs, procurement clerk, second from right, explains to the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team how he records information in the system at 1st Medical Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during a fiscal year 17 audit on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 6, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan

U. S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Richard Cichowski, systems analyst, performs an audit on the finances of every Marine Corps office to ensure that all systems are up to date at the Disbursing Office on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

U. S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Richard Cichowski, systems analyst, performs an audit on the finances of every Marine Corps office to ensure that all systems are up to date at the Disbursing Office on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 4, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Jacobs, procurement clerk, right, explains to the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team how he records information in the system at 1st Medical Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during a fiscal year 17 audit on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 6, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Christian Jacobs, procurement clerk, right, explains to the Marine Corps Administrative Analysis Team how he records information in the system at 1st Medical Logistics Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group, during a fiscal year 17 audit on Camp Pendleton, Calif., April 6, 2017. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Y. Galvan

Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”.

Camp Pendleton’s terrain is covered in yellow after heavy precipitation across California triggered a wildflower “superbloom”.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Desiree D King

The Facilities Maintenance Department, or FMD, on Camp Pendleton, handles a wide range of problems on base dealing with utilities such as electricity, carpentry, and plumbing. FMD is a 24-hour work-force that takes care of the daily maintenance and operations of the base.

The Facilities Maintenance Department, or FMD, on Camp Pendleton, handles a wide range of problems on base dealing with utilities such as electricity, carpentry, and plumbing. FMD is a 24-hour work-force that takes care of the daily maintenance and operations of the base.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Dylan Overbay

Some 75 years ago, at the beginning of U.S. participation in World War II, Oceanside was alive with activity as the federal government was converting Rancho Santa Margarita's bean fields into the nation's largest military base - Marine Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton

Some 75 years ago, at the beginning of U.S. participation in World War II, Oceanside was alive with activity as the federal government was converting Rancho Santa Margarita's bean fields into the nation's largest military base - Marine Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton

Photo by Tom Morrow

For the past 75 years, the name "Pendleton" has become legendary because of the nation's largest military base hugging the northern limits of Oceanside. Truth be known, most people haven't a clue as to who "Pendleton" was. He was Marine Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, - a man who was born before the Civil War, lived through World War I and died as World War II raged.

For the past 75 years, the name "Pendleton" has become legendary because of the nation's largest military base hugging the northern limits of Oceanside. Truth be known, most people haven't a clue as to who "Pendleton" was. He was Marine Maj. Gen. Joseph H. Pendleton, - a man who was born before the Civil War, lived through World War I and died as World War II raged.

Photo by Tom Morrow