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Marines

MCB Camp Pendleton

MCB Pendleton Seal

Oceanside, California

Official U.S. Marine Corps Website

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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

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

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

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

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

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

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos and his son Navy Ensign Daniel Ramos Jr. recall moments throughout Ramos' Marine Corps career. Ramos is pointing himself out in a photo of a firing detail he led while stationed in Cuba.

Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos and his son Navy Ensign Daniel Ramos Jr. recall moments throughout Ramos' Marine Corps career. Ramos is pointing himself out in a photo of a firing detail he led while stationed in Cuba. Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos, with his dog Top, displays the shadow box he received upon his retirement from the Marine Corps and photos from various times and places during his career.

Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. His son Daniel Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Retired Master Sgt. Daniel Ramos, with his dog Top, displays the shadow box he received upon his retirement from the Marine Corps and photos from various times and places during his career. Ramos was a combat engineer and the first member of his family to join the armed services. His son Daniel Ramos Jr. recieved his commission into the Navy May 23, 2014.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Photo courtesy of Chief Robert T. Johnson

Photo courtesy of Chief Robert T. Johnson

Photo by Chief Robert T. Johnson

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Three teams of two competed for the title of the Culinary Team of the Quarter at the 31 Area Mess Hall on Edson Range here June 11. The winners for this quarter were Team 1, Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart who work at the 33 Area Mess Hall here.

The competition is a two-day event. On the first day, 12 teams competed in a book test and a Jeopardy-style quiz. Only four teams qualified to move on to the cooking portion of the competition the following day.

The theme of the cooking competition this third quarter was barbeque, and each team was expected to make a protein dish using chicken or pork, cornbread and a salad. For the first time this quarter the competition included 45 minutes of assistance to each team from guest chef Rahm Fama.

This competition is used not only as an training tool, but also to build camaraderie among the food service community, said Donovan Brown, the Marine Corps Installations West regional executive chef.

From Left to Right: 2nd place winners Cpl. Katherine Castaneda and Lance Cpl. Stephen Van Hout, 1st place winners Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart, and 3rd place winners Sgt. Raphael Castillo and Sgt. Matthew Mata.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Three teams of two competed for the title of the Culinary Team of the Quarter at the 31 Area Mess Hall on Edson Range here June 11. The winners for this quarter were Team 1, Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart who work at the 33 Area Mess Hall here. The competition is a two-day event. On the first day, 12 teams competed in a book test and a Jeopardy-style quiz. Only four teams qualified to move on to the cooking portion of the competition the following day. The theme of the cooking competition this third quarter was barbeque, and each team was expected to make a protein dish using chicken or pork, cornbread and a salad. For the first time this quarter the competition included 45 minutes of assistance to each team from guest chef Rahm Fama. This competition is used not only as an training tool, but also to build camaraderie among the food service community, said Donovan Brown, the Marine Corps Installations West regional executive chef. From Left to Right: 2nd place winners Cpl. Katherine Castaneda and Lance Cpl. Stephen Van Hout, 1st place winners Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart, and 3rd place winners Sgt. Raphael Castillo and Sgt. Matthew Mata.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Three teams of two competed for the title of the Culinary Team of the Quarter at the 31 Area Mess Hall on Edson Range here June 11. The winners for this quarter were Team 1, Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart who work at the 33 Area Mess Hall here.

The competition is a two-day event. On the first day, 12 teams competed in a book test and a Jeopardy-style quiz. Only four teams qualified to move on to the cooking portion of the competition the following day.

The theme of the cooking competition this quarter was barbeque and each team was expected to make a protein dish using chicken or pork, cornbread and a salad. This quarter the competition included 45 minutes of assistance to each team from guest chef Rahm Fama.

This competition is used not only as an training tool, but also to build camaraderie among the food service community, said Donovan Brown, the Marine Corps Installations West Regional executive chef.

From Left to Right: Col. Jeff Arruda, Anthony Stewart, Dustin Delmar, Donovan Brown.

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - Three teams of two competed for the title of the Culinary Team of the Quarter at the 31 Area Mess Hall on Edson Range here June 11. The winners for this quarter were Team 1, Dustin Delmar and Anthony Stewart who work at the 33 Area Mess Hall here. The competition is a two-day event. On the first day, 12 teams competed in a book test and a Jeopardy-style quiz. Only four teams qualified to move on to the cooking portion of the competition the following day. The theme of the cooking competition this quarter was barbeque and each team was expected to make a protein dish using chicken or pork, cornbread and a salad. This quarter the competition included 45 minutes of assistance to each team from guest chef Rahm Fama. This competition is used not only as an training tool, but also to build camaraderie among the food service community, said Donovan Brown, the Marine Corps Installations West Regional executive chef. From Left to Right: Col. Jeff Arruda, Anthony Stewart, Dustin Delmar, Donovan Brown.

Photo by Sgt. Valerie C. Eppler

Roger Lankheet, simulation specialist, Staff Education and Training Department, briefs Surgeon General of the Navy, Vice Admiral Matthew Nathan about the ultra sound training device in the simulation center during a tour of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton June 5, 2014. The 440 square foot sim center features capabilities to provide realistic training for NHCP and area command medical staff members on adult and child mannequins.

Roger Lankheet, simulation specialist, Staff Education and Training Department, briefs Surgeon General of the Navy, Vice Admiral Matthew Nathan about the ultra sound training device in the simulation center during a tour of Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton June 5, 2014. The 440 square foot sim center features capabilities to provide realistic training for NHCP and area command medical staff members on adult and child mannequins.

Photo by Douglas Allen

Surgeon General of the Navy Vice Admiral Matthew Nathan talks to junior military and civilian hospital staff during a visit to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton June 5, 2014. Nathan told them how important their jobs were to the Marines, sailors and families of Camp Pendleton.

Surgeon General of the Navy Vice Admiral Matthew Nathan talks to junior military and civilian hospital staff during a visit to Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton June 5, 2014. Nathan told them how important their jobs were to the Marines, sailors and families of Camp Pendleton.

Photo by Douglas Allen

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Photo by Cpl. Sarah Wolff

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Photo by Cpl. Sarah Wolff

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Georges St-Pierre, mixed martial artist and UFC world champion, meets Marine volunteers and runners at the 22nd World Famous Mud Run on Camp Pendleton June 8. St-Pierre took photos and signed autographs for Mud Run racers and service members during the visit.

Photo by Cpl. Orrin G. Farmer