Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, arrived at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on Saturday afternoon to witness a grand amphibious demonstration, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
The Trump administration, since its inception in January, has been committed to reinforcing America's military might and restoring its professional and physical standards, heralding a new era for the servicemen and women who dedicate their lives to the nation.
According to the Daily Caller, the Vice President, a former Marine himself, was joined by over 15,000 Marines, sailors, and veterans, along with the Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF), to celebrate the Corps's legacy. The event was touted as the largest combined amphibious gathering in three decades.
At a training site on the base, the DCNF observed a joint simulation lasting approximately 45 minutes, demonstrating how U.S. forces could respond to an attack. Amid the thunderous roars of F-35s overhead and the sight of Navy ships from the shoreline, Marines and Navy SEALs executed their coordinated assault exercises.
The SEALs, after being dropped into the Pacific Ocean, swam ashore, followed by a fleet of LCACs (landing craft air cushions) that stormed the beach. The LCACs were reportedly carrying the Marine Corps's NMESIS, or Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System, one of the Corps's newest systems designed to target and destroy enemy ships.
The celebration of Marine tradition coincided with "No Kings" rallies in major U.S. cities, including San Diego and Los Angeles. Speculation over whether California would close the I-5 freeway near the base fueled partisan debate in the days leading up to the event. Signs along the freeway seemed to confirm closures. Furthermore, Democrat California Gov. Gavin Newsom's press office announced on Saturday that the shutdown was due to an "extreme life safety risk and distraction to drivers" caused by live ammunition used during the demonstration.
The governor's announcement came a day after he criticized the artillery display as a "profoundly absurd show of force that could put Californians directly in harm's way." However, the DCNF was informed that the Marines believed the freeway could have remained open safely.
Despite a small number of protesters outside the base later that evening, Marines turned out in full force for the demonstration and remained in high spirits for the speeches that followed.
As the full fleet of aircraft roared overhead to close the demonstration, Vance and the second lady joined Secretary of War Pete Hegseth at Del Mar Beach to deliver remarks to thousands of Marines, sailors, and their families.
Hegseth addressed the crowd, saying, "You, ladies and gentlemen, are the backbone of the United States military. You always have been, and thats why were proud to honor you today." He praised the Marines for their unique traditions and tough training, often being the first to land in the most critical battles the nation has ever faced.
Hegseth emphasized the Corps's motto, "Semper Fidelis" ("always faithful"), as a way of life. He added, "Your diversity is not your strength," but rather "your unity of purpose" in both mission and oath to the Constitution. He reminded the Marines of their distinct purpose, saying, "You kill bad guys and break things for a living. You close with and destroy the enemy for a living."
Vice President Vance followed Hegseth, receiving cheers and "hoorahs" from the crowd. He addressed the ongoing government shutdown led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who rallied Democrats to vote down a GOP-led spending bill. Vance humorously suggested that they needed to find a way to keep Marine paychecks coming, not just for the Marines, but also because "if we dont pay our enlisted Marines, every bar in Southern California is going to go out of business."
Vance praised the Marines for their boldness in action, unity in purpose, and readiness to go wherever the nation required. He reminded them of their victories in battle, saying, "the United States Marine Corps has broken the backs of empires, youve toppled tyrants, youve hanged pirates, and hunted down Americas foes across the seven seas."
Vance concluded by reminding the Marines of the significance of their calling, saying, "My fellow Marines, you have the watch now. You honor that legacy by how you carry yourself in public. You honor it by how you treat your friends and family. You honor it by how you contribute to your communities, and most importantly, you honor it and how you fight and win the nations battles."
He encouraged them to continue their excellent work, concluding with, "Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you."
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