Newsom’s office has received, but not confirmed, reports that live ordnance will be fired from offshore vessels during the event commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.
The event is titled “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength” and will feature Vice President JD Vance.
Newsom’s office said it has received little information about the event or safety plans.
Camp Pendleton advised nearby residents that there would be live-fire training with high-explosive munitions through Sunday, which will result in some roads on the base being closed.
Plans to host that show in San Diego have been called off, the paper reported.
Gov. Concerned about a White House-directed plan to use live ordnance during a military anniversary celebration off the coast of Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, where Navy ships are anticipated to fire over the freeway onto the base, Gavin Newsom’s office is considering whether to close portions of Interstate 5 starting Friday.
Live ordnance will be fired from offshore vessels during the event honoring the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, according to reports that Newsom’s office has received but has not verified. The event will be called “Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength” and will be hosted by Vice President JD Vance.
The event and safety plans have not been well-communicated to Newsom’s office. The military display comes as the state is set to host No Kings marches and rallies on Saturday, which are anticipated to attract sizable crowds, protests against Trump, and what detractors claim is excessive government involvement.
Newsom wrote on the social media platform X on Wednesday, “Donald Trump and JD Vance believe that shutting down the I-5 to fire missiles from ships is how you respect the military.”.
The celebration will feature a live demonstration of amphibious assault, according to a military media advisory. Whether live ordnance will be fired over the freeway was not confirmed by the Times. Questions posed by The Times were not answered by the Marine Corps or the White House.
“This isn’t the proper way to honor our Marines, but California always honors them,” a Newsom representative said. “Instead of making grandiose gestures of power, the White House should concentrate on honoring these soldiers for their service, cutting grocery prices, and paying their military. The Trump Administration as a whole is in disarray, which is demonstrated by the federal government’s lack of coordination and communication regarding this incident and its overall effects on our economy and society. “.”.
From Friday to Saturday, a portion of I-5 between Orange County and San Diego County is being considered for freeway closures, which would cut off a major traffic route that sees upward of 80,000 vehicles per day. From Dana Point in the north to far past Del Mar in the south, there would probably be severe traffic jams if there was an abrupt closure.
According to spokesman Edward Barrera of the California Department of Transportation, the agency is getting ready to close a portion of Interstate 5 for the protection of California drivers, citing “potential scenarios shared with us by the federal government.”.
“Drivers should anticipate delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the event if the federal government requests a closure of the freeway,” Barrera said in a statement.
According to an event media release, 15,000 Marines, sailors, veterans, and their families are anticipated to attend the event on Saturday, which will be attended by Vance, the first Marine veteran to hold the position of vice president. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is anticipated to make remarks in addition to Vance.
Some of the base’s roads will be closed through Sunday due to live-fire training using high-explosive munitions, Camp Pendleton informed the local population.
According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, the Trump administration had previously planned a significant celebration for the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marines next month, which would have included an air and sea show with the Blue Angels and parading warships, in which President Trump would have been present. According to the paper, the show’s San Diego hosting plans have been canceled.
