Vice President Vance Set to Witness Amphibious Landing Drills at Camp Pendleton This Saturday
Vice President JD Vance will visit Camp Pendleton this Saturday to witness an amphibious landing demonstration. This event marks the 250th anniversary of the Navy and the Marines. While the Navy reached this milestone on Monday, the Marines will celebrate on November 10.
Event Highlights and Notable Attendees
The demonstration at Camp Pendleton involves several high-profile guests. Key figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and Marine Commandant Gen. Eric M. Smith are expected to deliver remarks. However, it is not confirmed whether they will attend in person.
Vice President Vance’s Unique Connection
Vice President Vance, overseeing the program, holds the distinction of being the first Marine veteran to serve as vice president. His ties to San Diego are personal, as his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, was raised in the area. Her parents, Lakshmi and Krish, are both prominent figures in academia at local universities.
Historical Significance of Camp Pendleton
Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine base on the West Coast, is integral to military operations. It hosts naval forces from San Diego, which boasts the largest Navy presence on this coast. The base is renowned for its role in historic amphibious assaults, a hallmark of Marine operations.
- The Marines exemplify a rapid-response force accustomed to deploying from the sea.
- Famous for coastal landings, they played a crucial role in the 1950 Inchon Landing during the Korean War.
Upcoming Amphibious Exercise
The specific naval ships participating in the upcoming exercise remain undisclosed. However, likely participants include elements of the USS Boxer amphibious ready group, currently in its training phase.
The demonstration coincides with a canceled air and sea show once planned by the Trump administration for San Diego Bay. This event was set to feature performances by the Blue Angels and numerous local warships. The cancellation occurred without a stated reason approximately one month before the current exercise.
Originally Published: October 14, 2025, at 4:12 PM PDT
