Vice President JD Vance rang in the Marine Corps’ 250th at Camp Pendleton, praising fellow Marines after an assault demo and pledging they are ready to fight and win.

Marines from Camp Pendleton gathered at the beach on Camp Pendleton with Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in Oceanside, CA. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Vice President JD Vance is coming to Camp Pendleton on Saturday for the event. That’s led to planned freeway closures near the base.

Vance is scheduled to deliver a speech to the troops, months after President Trump and Vance marked the 250th anniversary of the Army during a military parade in Washington, DC — complete

Vice President JD Vance marked the US semiquincentennial with a powerful military demonstration at Camp Pendleton, showcasing Marine strength amid a g

"Because of the event and closure, drivers should expect delays on Interstate 5 and other state routes throughout Southern California before, during, and after the event," the press release says.

Vice President JD Vance is delivering a speech at the U.S. Marines 250th anniversary ceremony on Saturday at Camp Pendleton, California. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith are also at the event, titled, "America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore — A Review of Amphibious Strength."

Vice President JD Vance’s trip to a military base in California illustrated rising tensions between the federal government and Democratic leaders.

A plan to fire live artillery shells over a major Southern California highway as part of a military showcase attended by Vice President JD Vance has drawn strong objections from Gov. Gavin Newsom