A piece of shrapnel from a Marine Corps live-fire demonstration struck a California Highway Patrol vehicle during the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebration at Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025. Vice President JD Vance, the first Marine to serve as vice president, attended the event and delivered a speech honoring the Corps. No injuries were reported, but the incident prompted criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.
The U.S. Marine Corps marked its 250th anniversary on October 18, 2025, with a ceremony at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. The event featured an amphibious assault demonstration on Red Beach, where helicopters and amphibious vehicles simulated a beach charge, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
Speeches highlighted the Corps' history since its authorization by the Continental Congress in 1775 at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith described the demonstration as 'the sound and look of freedom,' calling the Corps America's '911 force.' He warned, 'The next fight is coming. Marines will be ready. Ready to fight. Ready to win.' Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized unity over diversity, stating, 'Your strength is in your unity of purpose. It's in your shared mission. It's in your oath to the Constitution.'
Vance, addressing the crowd as the first Marine vice president, praised the display and shared personal anecdotes from his service, including a boot camp story and jokes about the 'E-4 Mafia.' He promised, 'We will do everything possible to make sure enlisted Marines get paid,' amid a government shutdown. Vance closed with, 'Every single person here bleeds Marine Corps green. Keep kicking a--. Keep taking names. Semper Fidelis, Marines. Happy 250th birthday. God bless you.'
During the live-fire training over Interstate 5, where CHP officers stopped traffic, explosive ordnance detonated prematurely, sending metal shrapnel that struck a CHP vehicle. No injuries occurred, and the Marines canceled further firing after notification. CHP Border Division Chief Tony Coronado, a Marine veteran, called it 'an unusual and concerning situation,' adding, 'It is highly uncommon for any live-fire or explosive training activity to occur over an active freeway.' The CHP filed an internal report recommending an after-action review on coordination.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the event on X, saying President Donald Trump and Vance 'put lives at risk to put on a show' and urged, 'If you want to honor our troops, open the government and pay them.'