Camp
Pendleton is located in North San Diego County, in Southern
California. The base is adjacent to the City of Oceanside, a
military town, by the Main Gate in the South. The City of
Fallbrook borders our base to the East, right outside the
Fallbrook Naval Weapons Station Gate. The City of San Clemente
borders our base at the most northern part, the San Onofre
area. The size of Camp Pendleton is comparable to the size of
the State of Rhode Island. The cost of living is high in San
Diego County. The mild climate and beautiful scenery attract a
lot of new residents and tourists to our area each year.
Camp 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.
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.The base operator's phone number
is 760-725-4111.
History
On March 10, 1942, the Department of the Navy 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, with a peacetime strength of
12,500. The Corps has broadened its 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, humanitarian efforts in
Somalia and Haiti, and the war on terrorism worldwide.
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.
Major commands are Marine Corps Base, 1st Marine Expeditionary
Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group,
elements of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and many tenant
units (Marine Corps Air Station, ACU-5, Naval Hospital, the
Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Acitivity (MCTSSA),
Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, and a Reserve Support Unit).
Population Served
Pendleton has a population of approximately 37,000 active duty
Marines and Sailors, with approximately 27% of family members
living on base and 73% living off base.
Base
Transportation
Currently, there is no base transportation on this
installation.
Sponsorship
The Sponsorship Program is a very helpful tool for inbound
members. To request a sponsor at your new duty station,
approach your unit Sponsorship Coordinator who will send a
message with all your pertinent information to your new
command and the gaining activity will assign a sponsor. You
may also discuss sponsorship issues with your Relocation
Specialist. Your sponsor will get in touch with you by letter,
phone or e-mail and answer your questions and will meet you
and greet you and show you around at your new duty station. A
sponsor's assistance can make all the difference in helping
newcomers settle in as quickly as possible.
All personnel are required to report to the Joint Reception
Center (JRC), Building 130132, in service "A" uniform. The
duty desk is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and the phone
number is 760-725-6662. The JRC personnel will direct you to
your new command. To forward your mail, you may go to your
local post office and for a small fee ($32 for six months)
establish a post office box at the Oceanside Post Office.
Temporary Quarters
All personnel checking into Camp Pendleton are advised to make
reservations for Temporary Lodging with the Ward Lodging
facility (hostess house) or Billeting (Transient Quarters) up
to 1 year in advance. There are large numbers of personnel
incoming to and outgoing from Camp Pendleton. Single service
members are assigned barracks by their new command. The summer
months are extremely busy for PCS moves.
Pets are not allowed in temporary housing. Camp Pendleton Base
Housing Office has refferals for pet lodging.
Relocation Assistance
Marine & Family Services' Relocation Assistance Program is
located in Bldg 13150. Relocation Assistance provides Welcome
Aboard Packages, maps and numerous other resources, plus Loan
Closet items to those who are relocating to Camp Pendleton.
The Welcome Aboard Orientation is held from 8:00 am - 10:00 am
on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Joint Reception
Center (JRC), Building 130132. Spouses are highly encouraged
to attend. Seminars are provided monthly on sponsorship and
PCS moves. Please call toll free 1-800-253-1624, or
760-725-5704/3802 for more information.
Critical Installation Information
San Diego County is a high cost area with the high cost of
housing being at the top of the list. Do come financially
prepared! Bring enough money to cover expenses such as food,
rent deposits, and temporary lodging, whether it is on base or
off base, and for which you will be reimbursed when you settle
your travel claim with Disbursing. For money related issues,
you can make an appointment with the Financial Budgeting
Specialists at Marine & Family Services or see a budget
counselor at the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society (NMRS). |
Camp
Pendleton Marine Corps Base
