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Marines

MCB Camp Pendleton

MCB Pendleton Seal

Oceanside, California

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

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Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens greets staff members of the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Emergency Department with “fist bumps” during a hospital tour July 18. This is the second visit to the command since Stevens became MCPON, but the first time since the new four-story, 500,000 square-foot hospital opened in Dec. 2013. Stevens mainly talked to the junior sailors; asking them about their careers and plans for the future. While here, he visited the galley, emergency department, physical/occupational therapy clinic, simulation laboratory and the multi-service in-patient ward.

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens greets staff members of the Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton Emergency Department with “fist bumps” during a hospital tour July 18. This is the second visit to the command since Stevens became MCPON, but the first time since the new four-story, 500,000 square-foot hospital opened in Dec. 2013. Stevens mainly talked to the junior sailors; asking them about their careers and plans for the future. While here, he visited the galley, emergency department, physical/occupational therapy clinic, simulation laboratory and the multi-service in-patient ward.

Photo by Douglas W. Allen

Abigail, 4, leads horse Apollo to the corral area to brush and saddle him before riding at Stepp Stables here July 2. Abigail has been taking lessons at Stepp Stables for approximately 7 months.

Stepp offers boarding, trail rides, private and group lessons. For more information visit http://www.mccscp.com/stables/

Abigail, 4, leads horse Apollo to the corral area to brush and saddle him before riding at Stepp Stables here July 2. Abigail has been taking lessons at Stepp Stables for approximately 7 months. Stepp offers boarding, trail rides, private and group lessons. For more information visit http://www.mccscp.com/stables/

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Staff Sgt. Marcus Jenkins and son Aiden, 3, run out of the water ahead of a wave while at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4.

The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Staff Sgt. Marcus Jenkins and son Aiden, 3, run out of the water ahead of a wave while at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4. The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Briana Biggerstaff and son Breyden, 6 months, walk out toward the water while at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4.

The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Briana Biggerstaff and son Breyden, 6 months, walk out toward the water while at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4. The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Seven-year-olds Luis, Jayden and Jaylxon spin inside a floating intertude at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4.

The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Seven-year-olds Luis, Jayden and Jaylxon spin inside a floating intertude at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4. The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Jacob, 13 throws the football to Dakota Miller while Navy Airman Akira Burgess tries to intercept the ball during a football game at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4.

The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways.

Burgess is an aviation ordnance technician on Naval Base Coronado, Calif.

Jacob, 13 throws the football to Dakota Miller while Navy Airman Akira Burgess tries to intercept the ball during a football game at the Beach Bash at Del Mar Beach here July 4. The Beach Bash is an on-base event open to service members, dependents and guests and features live bands, kids’ activities, a tribute to heroes video, a fireworks show and give-aways. Burgess is an aviation ordnance technician on Naval Base Coronado, Calif.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Elizabeth Smith weeps as she listens to her son, Daniel Caruso, share his warm feelings about his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“He’s been a wonderful son and I’ve been very proud of him,” said Smith. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Elizabeth Smith weeps as she listens to her son, Daniel Caruso, share his warm feelings about his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “He’s been a wonderful son and I’ve been very proud of him,” said Smith. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Daniel Caruso, retired Marine aviator, weeps while sharing a story and his warm feelings regarding his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“My earliest childhood memory was that flag draped casket, and I remember my mother holding me and crying,” said Caruso, as he displays his father’s Silver Star Medal which was pinned on Daniel during a ceremony when he was 4 months old. “I don’t remember a thing before that, and if he were here today I would tell my father that ‘I wish I could have had you in mine and mom’s [lives], but you found a higher calling and I’m proud of you.’”

Daniel Caruso, retired Marine aviator, weeps while sharing a story and his warm feelings regarding his father, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, with a congregation of more than 100 Marines, sailors and civilian friends and family during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “My earliest childhood memory was that flag draped casket, and I remember my mother holding me and crying,” said Caruso, as he displays his father’s Silver Star Medal which was pinned on Daniel during a ceremony when he was 4 months old. “I don’t remember a thing before that, and if he were here today I would tell my father that ‘I wish I could have had you in mine and mom’s [lives], but you found a higher calling and I’m proud of you.’”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

John R. Caruso reminisces about life and service of his brother, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.
“I remember receiving the telegram and watching my father turn pale as he read it,” said Matthew as his eyes welled with tears. “I was on the burial detail, escorting him home, and a woman who was on the train stopped and said to me ‘Did you know the Marine that was killed?’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am. He was my brother.’”

John R. Caruso reminisces about life and service of his brother, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “I remember receiving the telegram and watching my father turn pale as he read it,” said Matthew as his eyes welled with tears. “I was on the burial detail, escorting him home, and a woman who was on the train stopped and said to me ‘Did you know the Marine that was killed?’ I said, ‘Yes, ma’am. He was my brother.’”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Elizabeth Smith joins a congregation of more than 100 Marines, Sailors and civilian friends and family in prayer during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“It’s terrific to be here this time since I missed the first one,” said Smith. Smith was unable to travel due to pregnancy during the chapel’s initial dedication. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Elizabeth Smith joins a congregation of more than 100 Marines, Sailors and civilian friends and family in prayer during the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “It’s terrific to be here this time since I missed the first one,” said Smith. Smith was unable to travel due to pregnancy during the chapel’s initial dedication. “The ceremony was stirring and it’s such an honor to be here. My husband made a tremendous sacrifice.”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Charles E. Griffin, retired Navy chaplain, shared his appreciation for the sacrifice Sgt. Matthew Caruso made while saving his uncle, Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“I firmly believe that he, Sgt. Caruso, inspired my uncle to be a more Christ-like servant of God,” said Griffin. “The reverence my family has for Sgt. Caruso is matched by the reverence you show for his memory here, and I cannot thank you enough for the invitation to join these proceedings.

Charles E. Griffin, retired Navy chaplain, shared his appreciation for the sacrifice Sgt. Matthew Caruso made while saving his uncle, Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding father Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “I firmly believe that he, Sgt. Caruso, inspired my uncle to be a more Christ-like servant of God,” said Griffin. “The reverence my family has for Sgt. Caruso is matched by the reverence you show for his memory here, and I cannot thank you enough for the invitation to join these proceedings.

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

The Caruso Chapel was rededicated to Sgt. Matthew Caruso , at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.
The chapel was dedicated to Caruso and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire during an ambush in the Korean War Dec. 6, 1950.

The Caruso Chapel was rededicated to Sgt. Matthew Caruso , at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was dedicated to Caruso and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire during an ambush in the Korean War Dec. 6, 1950.

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

John R. Caruso reminisces about his brother’s life and service after viewing a photo of him, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, located at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23.

The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950.

“There went a father, a husband, a brother, and it affected a lot of people.” John said with tears in his eyes. “He was a good brother, but [this is] something Marines do.”

John R. Caruso reminisces about his brother’s life and service after viewing a photo of him, Sgt. Matthew Caruso, at the rededication of the Caruso Chapel, located at the School of Infantry-West, here, June 23. The chapel was initially dedicated to Caruso in 1953 and he was awarded the Silver Star Medal in 1950 for shielding Connie Griffin, a chaplain then assigned to the 7th Marine Division (reinforced), from enemy fire with his body during an ambush in the Korean War, Dec. 6, 1950. “There went a father, a husband, a brother, and it affected a lot of people.” John said with tears in his eyes. “He was a good brother, but [this is] something Marines do.”

Photo by Sgt. Christopher Duncan

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton.

Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010.

For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Medal of Honor recipient Cpl. William “Kyle” Carpenter visited Marines on Camp Pendleton, June 23. Carpenter met and talked with Marines at the base theater, answering their questions and sharing his personal experience. Carpenter then met and took photos with units from across Camp Pendleton. Carpenter received the Medal of Honor during a ceremony at the White House on June 19, 2014 for his courageous actions while serving as an automatic rifleman in Helmand province, Afghanistan on Nov. 21, 2010. For more information about Cpl. Kyle Carpenter please visit http://www.marines.mil/moh/medalofhonor.aspx

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer