The 5 Freeway will close for four hours today, Oct. 18, from Harbor Drive to Basilone Road, during a Camp Pendleton event that expects Vice President J.D. Vance to be in attendance.
The closure starts at 11 a.m., “due to safety concerns,” according to a CHP advisory sent out this morning. It will prevent travel between Orange and San Diego counties using the freeway. Metrolink service between the two counties had previously been canceled for the afternoon.
Camp Pendleton is hosting a training exhibition at its oceanfront range, Red Beach, along the 5 Freeway, which is scheduled to include Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Navy Secretary John C. Phelan and Gen. Eric Smith, the commandant of the Marine Corps, giving remarks.
The mock assault is being called America’s Marines 250: From Sea to Shore – A Review of Amphibious Strength, and is part of a series of celebrations for the service branch’s anniversary.
Earlier in the week, Gov. Gavin Newsom raised the possibility of the freeway needing to be closed by the event, but the Marines, which often do similar training at Red Beach, said it would not be necessary.
“All training events will occur on approved training ranges and comply with established safety protocols,” Lt. Col. Lindsay Pirek, a spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force overseeing the planning, said late Wednesday. “No public highways or transportation routes will be closed.”
The Marines also said in a press release earlier in the week that a “detailed risk assessment” had been conducted and “all air, surface and ground movements are scripted and rehearsed.”
The governor’s office press release this morning said the Marines had confirmed on Thursday for state officials “their exercise would be conducted on its training ranges, as it routinely does, but not over the freeway.”
But in an early Saturday morning press release, the governor’s office said, “Late on Friday, the state then received notice from event organizers asking for CalTrans signage to be posted along the I-5 freeway that would read: ‘Overhead fire in progress.’”
And state officials near the base saw live munitions being fired near the freeway, the governor’s office said.
So state officials said the decision was made to close the freeway from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., based on the recommendation of traffic safety experts at the California Highway Patrol. The CHP advisory this morning said the decision was due to the event at the base “involving live ammunition being discharged by the federal government over the freeway.”
Reached Saturday morning, Capt. Gregory Dreibelbis a spokesperson for the I Marine Expeditionary Force, said in an emailed response, “Today’s historic amphibious capabilities demonstration will include M777 Howitzers firing 155mm high explosive rounds from west of I-5 into designated ranges east of the interstate with all safety precautions in place. The Marine Corps did not request the closure of the I-5. We appreciate the public’s patience as Marines and sailors conduct realistic training, showcasing the strength and unity of the Navy-Marine Corps team and ensuring we remain ready to defend the homeland and our nation’s interests abroad.”
A spokesperson with Marine Corps Installations – West said Saturday the M777 will be “firing into designated ranges with all safety precautions in place.
“Simulated explosives and visual effects were used to enhance training value and audience understanding,” he added. “Safety remains our top priority. All ordnance and pyrotechnics were use under strict safety controls with emergency support on site.”
Newsom said in a Saturday morning statement, “The president is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous. Using our military to intimidate people you disagree with isn’t strength — it’s reckless, it’s disrespectful, and it’s beneath the office he holds. Law and order? This is chaos and confusion.”
The White House could not be immediately reached for comment. An automatic response noted there may be delays because of the government shutdown.
The base exercise comes amid the federal government shutdown that is now on its 18th day.
Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49), whose congressional district spans southern Orange County and northern San Diego County, called the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary a milestone moment to celebrate their service and sacrifice, but said the freeway closure it necessitated to ensure public safety would cause significant disruptions.
“We can and should celebrate the Marine Corps in a manner consistent with those values — one that honors their proud legacy without compromising safety or community wellbeing,” he said in a statement. “The best way to pay tribute to our Marines is to give them the modern facilities, resources, and support they need to remain the world’s finest fighting force.”
CHP urged travelers to check http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for real-time traffic information and directed drivers heading to San Diego to use the 15 Freeway.
Originally Published: October 18, 2025 at 7:57 AM PDT