Camp Pendleton, CA

Camp Pendleton, CA 92055 | Base Operator: DSN: 365-4111, (760) 725-4111

Camp Pendleton: Overview

Marine Base Camp Pendleton is the home to several major commands, which include the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Force Service Support Group, the Marine Corps Air Station, ACU-5, Naval Hospital, MCTSSA, Naval Weapons Station Fallbrook, and a Reserve Support Unit. The mission of the installation is to maintain the readiness of the Fleet Marine Corps Force entities and other units assigned to it. This is accomplished through the ongoing training for Marines, which includes the amphibious training of the force elements that can be conducted due to the fact that the camp maintains 17 miles of coastline.

Camp Pendleton was named after Major General Joseph Henry Pendleton. General Pendleton was a huge supporter of establishing a training base for the Marine Corps on the West Coast, and his efforts led to the creation of this installation in February of 1942. In 1946, the base was established as the primary installation for the Marine Corps on the West Coast with the objective of maintaining force readiness. Very little has changes since then, and Camp Pendleton continues to carry on in this capacity.

Camp Pendleton: Education

Camp Pendleton is a great place to be stationed. Attending an online school while stationed here will allow you to go to class when you want, so you can manage your spare time. Also, if you are transferred, you don't have to delay your degree progress. Online schools allow you to keep up with your schoolwork no matter where you are. You may want to request information from a number of these schools. Start by clicking the "Find A School" button below:

Camp Pendleton: Location

Marine Base Camp Pendleton occupies about 17 miles of the coast and approximately 125,000 acres of property in North San Diego County. The installation is near the City of Oceanside, the City of Fallbrook, and the City of San Clemente. Other cities within driving distance to Camp Pendleton include Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas, San Marcos, Solana Beach, Escondido, Temecula, Poway, Dana Point Murrieta, San Juan Capistrano, Wildomar, and Laguna Niguel.

Camp Pendleton: Interesting Facts

The initial construction of Camp Pendleton took only five months to complete.
The first entity to occupy Camp Pendleton was the 9th Marine Regiment, commanded by Col. Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr.
Camp Pendleton started Basic Training for children in the 14 to 17 age group in 1954. The training regimen stresses the importance of physical fitness, discipline, and love of country and the Marine Corps. The trainees are referred to as “Devil Pups.”