The largest of all United States Marine Corps amphibious training bases, this former Rancho provides unique insight into the native chaparral (coastal desert) landscape that urban Southern California was built upon. Camp Pendleton's motto boasts of "Preserving California's Precious Resources" as it is home to endangered species and contains many historical landmarks.

Originally named by the Portola Expedition (the famous Portuguese explorer) "Santa Margarita y Las Flores," the base was dedicated in 1942 in the name of Major General Joseph H. Pendleton, famous for his vision of Southern California coastal lands as ideal Marine Corps training grounds. The 125,000+ acre site's ownership history reflects dramatically the history of California and the nation.

The Base is home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Logistics Group and many tenant units, including Marine Corps Installation-West, 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion, Wounded Warriors Battalion-West, Marine Corps Air Station at Munn Field, Marine Aircraft Group 39, the Navy's Assault Craft Unit 5, and a Naval Hospital.
 

Visit the base website at http://www.pendleton.usmc.mil