The 5 Freeway will close today, October 18, 2023, for a four-hour period from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. due to a military training exercise at Camp Pendleton. This closure will affect travel between Orange and San Diego counties. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) announced the closure after it was determined that live munitions would be fired during the event, prompting safety concerns.
The training event, titled “America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore – A Review of Amphibious Strength,” is part of the celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. Vice President J.D. Vance, along with other high-ranking officials such as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John C. Phelan, and General Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, are scheduled to deliver remarks during the exhibition at the Red Beach range.
Initially, there were indications that the freeway would remain open during the exercise. Lt. Col. Lindsay Pirek, a spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, stated earlier in the week that “all training events will occur on approved training ranges and comply with established safety protocols.” However, this position changed after the governor’s office received late notice from event organizers regarding the use of live munitions, which necessitated the freeway closure.
In a press release issued on October 14, the governor’s office highlighted the need for safety signage to be posted along the I-5 freeway, warning of “overhead fire in progress.” This decision came after state officials observed live munitions being fired near the freeway, corroborating the necessity for the closure based on recommendations from traffic safety experts at the CHP.
Criticism of the military’s decision to conduct live fire exercises near a busy highway has surfaced. In a statement, Governor Gavin Newsom expressed concern, stating, “Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.” He added that the use of military exercises in this manner challenges public safety and undermines responsible governance.
The White House and the Marines have not provided immediate comments on the situation. An automatic response from the White House indicated potential delays in communication due to the ongoing government shutdown, which is now in its 18th day.
As the exercise proceeds, the closure of the 5 Freeway is expected to impact traffic significantly, with alternative routes necessary for commuters in the affected areas. The event serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in military training exercises and their implications for public safety and transportation infrastructure.
