The Marine Corps Recruit Depot - San Diego

When I returned from Vietnam in 1969, my next duty station was Electricians Mate 'A' School at the Naval Training Center in the Point Loma section of San Diego. The Naval Training Center closed in 1997. Many of the buildings on the site were designated 'historic' by the city of San Diego, a decision I appreciate having been a fan of the architecture since my first day there. Those buildings on the 361-acre site have been repurposed and now operate in a variety of functions as 'Liberty Station.'

The nearby Marine Corps Recruit Depot also has a long history in a town the Chamber of Commerce has justifiably called 'America's Finest City' for years. About 15 years ago, my wife Cathy and I had a family member graduating from MCRD, which was a great reason for us to make our first visit to that base. 

California Congressman William Kettner was the initial driving force behind both the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Naval Training Center. Additionally, Colonel Joseph Pendelton, eventually a General and the namesake of Camp Pendelton, was instrumental in MCRD becoming a reality. Ground was broken for MCRD and its initial construction on March 2, 1919. The buildings feature a Mission/Spanish Revival architectural style that was also utilized at the now 'Liberty Station.' The architect, Bertram Goodhue, had used that style for the buildings at the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. MCRD is adjacent to the San Diego International Airport and is listed in the United States Register of Historic Places. The site consists of 388 acres; 367 of them are reclaimed tidal lands. During World War II, the focus of activity, training was a priority over other activities. The base was formally commissioned in 1921. Two years later, it became the Marine Corps Recruit Training Center for the Western United States. On January 1, 1948, it was officially named Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. After World War II, the recruit detachment continued to be the primary tenant. The base is the home of the 4th, 6th, and 10th Marine Regiments, the 2nd Marine Division, and the Fleet Marine Force. The primary focus continues to be training and 'Making Marines.'

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More than 21,000 recruits, in this case, males that live west of the Mississippi River, are trained every year. Their training is a 13-week process covering weapons training, close-order drills, personal hygiene and cleanliness, and Marine Corps history. Qualifications to be a part of the graduating class include rifle marksmanship, combat-oriented swimming, and successful completion of 'The Crucible'; a 54 hour simulated combat exercise. 

The Command increased from 3 to 8 battalions to accommodate troop requirements for the Korean War. In excess of 700 Quonset Huts accommodated the new recruits. Named for the always reliable structures the Seabees first built at the Davisville Naval Base near Quonset Point, Rhode Island, 'Quonset' in the language of the Native American Narragansett people who once lived there means 'Bounty.' Those involved in the design and construction named them Quonset Huts. Some of those Huts are still standing and currently in use, a testament to their durability. The Vietnam War brought about the next phase of expansion on the base. With an overflow of new troops, a 100 tent cantonment (temporary housing for troops) was erected. Also new was a chow hall, 5 new recruit barracks, a Regional Dental and Medical Clinic, and a bowling alley. The 1970s saw an upswing in recruiting efforts, and the Depot evolved into the Western Recruiting Center. Currently, the base has 25 buildings. Of those, 13 have been named for famous Marines.

As history has shown, at one point in 2005, the possibility of closure of the base was under consideration. It was not on the 'Base Realignment and Closure' list. There were, however, a number of assorted groups in Washington that wanted it taken into consideration. The Marine Corps established a strong resistance. They noted the status of the Parade Deck as a memorial to veterans of World War II. Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. The cost of closing the base and relocating to Parris Island were also aspects of their opposition to the closure. Gordon England was the acting Deputy Secretary of Defense. It pointed out a closure would create a 'Single point of failure' given the number of hurricanes that strike the area around Parris Island. England also noted the cost of demolition in San Diego, and the required new construction in Parris Island would create a 100-year payback. Bottom line, after 'Marine Corps Recruit Depot,' you can still see the name 'San Diego.' Another branch of the military, the United States Coast Guard, is on board at MCRD. Their Pacific Area Tactical Law Enforcement Team and Maritime Safety and Security team are on site.

The world of film and television has made a few MCRD visits. From the days of black and white film, 'Tell It to The Marines' starring Lon Cheney, William Haines, and Eleanor Broadman was filmed there. It was the most box-office success Chaney had throughout his career. The 1926 silent film was the biggest moneymaker of the 1926/27 season.

The Technical Consultant for the film was General Smedley D. Butler, Commander of the base. Cheney established a friendship with him that lasted for the rest of Cheney's life. Those of you who remember 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' may know the Marines marching footage on the Parade Deck is part of the opening montage. It was a spin-off of 'The Andy Griffith Show' and starred former Mayberry gas station attendant Jim Nabors. Aaron Ruben and Sheldon Leonard produced the show. Some Vietnam War era training can be seen in 'Tribes,' a 1970 ABC Television film starring Darren McGavin. It was broadcast on November 10, 1970, the Marine's 195th birthday.