Marines and War Games in Camp Pendleton Southern California

Life Near Camp Pendleton Marine Base

Marines come to Camp Pendleton from all over the United States. It is common to see the marines in local cities such as North San Diego County and South Orange County, California. Many marines are spotted in the city of San Clemente. Which is adjacent to the Camp Pendleton Marine base.

Marine Monument Statue and In Memory Wall.

San Clemente, CA Pier bowl area.

Fairly new constructed statue in memory and for tribute for those that give of themselves to serve our country.

In memory of a local marine.

Recently, I saw a controlled fire in the hills at the marine base, Camp Pendleton. I have seen many fires and smelt or seen smoke numerous times. As I was checking out the flames on the hill from a distance, I saw red. A red lit up cloud that was very low, right above a hill it seemed. I didn't realize it was the moon until I could make out the round shape. The photo came out much more red than it looked by eye. If there weren't clouds in the sky it would have been even more beautiful. 

Watch out, don't mess with the US! ;)

It is surreal to be so close to war games and hear or even feel the shaking land, rattling our homes, and the ear echoing bombs, "Kaboom ba boom", and gun fire or even see smoke or fires or flares that some how just sit in mid air. 

Could not make out the fire in photo. Camp Pendleton Marine base at night.

Marine military base helicopters often fly loudly overhead during practice flights which can be bothersome to nearby residents that do not live on Camp Pendleton's base. Why can't they fly nearby over the base, instead of also flying over cars and rooftops? This is no bueno. A couple years ago, at my family's home, I was startled to see a jet fly overhead low enough that I could make out the shapes of the missiles underneath it! Interesting to see, but definitely not good stuff. Homes nearby the marine base sometimes hear the loud gunfire, especially homes in the hills near the base. The gunfire can be rapid and so long that when I myself have heard it, I felt like my ear drums were fluttering when it lasted too long. Homes and nearby business building windows rattle, and also, cats hate it! Funny to think that over the many years of hearing it, you actually grow accustomed to it though. Like enjoying the horn of the train somehow becomes a comforting routine sound, or living near the highway, the sound of the freeway at times actually mimic the sound of the ocean waves breaking on shore. Well, this is all just part of the really, real life in the southernmost part of OC California anyway.

Camp Pendleton, CA Restricted area, hillside.

Camp Pendleton helicopters lift off

Many fires have been seen blazing the hilltops here. Usually they are controlled.

 

Close Helicopter.

 

 

 

 

Rosecrans Cemetery, San Diego, CA. Family Member and other grave sites of those that served.