Camp Pendleton, CA Installation Guide

Welcome to Southern California and Marine Corps Base Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, the site of the Corps' largest amphibious assault training facility, encompassing 17 miles of prime coastline and 125,000 acres.

As the most complete West Coast training facility, Camp Pendleton is one of the Department of Defense's busiest installations. While many military bases share one or more of Camp Pendleton's features, none can match Pendleton's broad spectrum.

The base is home of the I Marine Expeditionary Force, the 1st Marine Division, the 1st Force Service Support Group and many tenant units, including elements of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA).

Pendleton Marines are environmentally conscientious as they share the land with nearly 400 species of mammals and birds. The protection of several endangered species is considered when planning for training. Camp Pendleton is also home to about 55 bison.

A wide variety of recreational facilities and activities are available on base. Combine these with an unlimited number of local points of interest, to make your tour a pleasant and memorable one.

Use this guide to become familiar with Camp Pendleton and its surrounding areas, and help make the transition of settling into your new home and job easier.

Pendleton has a population of approximately 37,000 active duty Marines and Sailors, with 27% of family members living on base and 73% living off base.

Major Commands

Marine Corps Base, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group, Marine Corps Air Station, ACU-5, Naval Hospital, MCTSSA, Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, and a Reserve Support Unit.

Mission

Marine Corps Base has the responsibility of providing housing, training facilities and logistical support for the Fleet Marine Force elements and other units assigned here. In addition, the base conducts specialized schools and other such training as the Commandant of the Marine Corps may direct.

Population assigned-served: 116,700
DoD population Active Duty Marines: 33,700
Family Members: 45,900
Retirees: 30,000
Civilian Employees: 3,927
Reserve Components: Marine Corps, Navy and Army

Telephone Access DSN 365-XXXX 361-XXXX
Commercial (760) 725-XXXX (760) 763-XXXX
On base 725-XXXX 763-XXXX
On base Information (760) 725-4111, closed Sun & holidays
Base Duty Officer (760) 725-5617 after hours emergencies only

History

On March 10, 1942, the Navy Department announced the purchase of approximately 130,000 acres, the "Rancho Margarita y Las Flores", located between Los Angeles and San Diego. Following the purchase of the vast rancho, the new West Coast Marine Corps Base would be named Camp Joseph H. Pendleton, in honor of MGen. Joseph Henry Pendleton. Camp Pendleton was declared a "permanent" installation in October 1944 and in 1946 General Vandegrift stated that the base's future role was to be the center of all West Coast Marine activities and the home of the 1st Marine Division, the peacetime strength of which would be 12,500. The Corps broadened it's mission capabilities since the 1980's, as "amphibious" became "expeditionary", combining infantry, armor, supply and air power. Over the years, Camp Pendleton has demonstrated its successful training and effectiveness in the United States Marine Corps through WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and humanitarian efforts in Somalia and Haiti.