A live-fire demonstration is planned at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, Oct. 18 to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th birthday and America’s semi-quincentennial. But some Californians may be hearing more about a reported possible ramification: freeway closures.
MeidasTouch, a left-leaning news network, reported that portions of Interstate 5 would be shut down for a “Marine Corps spectacle.” But the U.S. Marines said that “no public highways or transportation routes will be closed” in a news release late Wednesday, Oct. 15, about the demonstration at Camp Pendleton.
The reporting had caught the attention of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Newsom, in a post on X, said, “Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military. PUT ASIDE YOUR VANITY PARADE AND PAY OUR TROOPS INSTEAD.”
But MeidasTouch’s report also caught the attention of William Martin, communications director to Vice President JD Vance.
“Fake news: the Marine Corps said they are NOT shutting down the I-5 highway and that the event at Camp Pendleton is a training exercise,” Martin said in a post on X that shared the news release from the Marines.
Newsom’s office did not directly confirm whether or not public highways, including I-5, will be closed to motorists, but provided the Desert Sun with the following statement on Thursday, Oct. 16.
“We’re relieved the White House backed off its plans to shut down a major interstate. Now that I-5 will stay open, we hope the Trump Administration applies that same common sense to reopening the federal government!”
The Desert Sun reached out to Caltrans Districts 11 and 12, which cover San Diego, Imperial, and Orange counties, to learn whether officials were aware of any road closures planned, including the I-5, in relation to Saturday’s demonstration.
“We were informed of potential plans, yes, and cautioned against it,” Caltrans told the Desert Sun in an e-mailed statement. “We’re glad they made the right decision.”
Representatives responsible for inquiries regarding Saturday’s demonstration did not immediately respond to the Desert Sun seeking confirmation that there are no closures planned for the I-5.
The I-5 runs north-south in California and is a major route in the state.
The I Marine Expeditionary Force, which the Marines describe as the “largest warfighting Marine Air-Ground Task Force,” is hosting a live-fire “Amphibious Capabilities Demonstration” at Red Beach at Camp Pendleton.
“The force training activities planned ensure our readiness to defend the Homeland and protect our Nation’s interests abroad against emergent and unprecedented challenges today and in the years ahead,” according to a news release from the Marines. “The capabilities demonstration will feature integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land, and sea.
“All training events will occur on approved training ranges and comport with established safety protocols.”
Representatives for Saturday’s demonstration did not immediately respond to the Desert Sun’s request for more details about the demonstration and training planned.
A celebration will be held at Del Mar Beach following the demonstration, according to the Marines.
Camp Pendleton issued a noise advisory in a post on Facebook, although it did not specify whether it was in relation to Saturday’s demonstration.
“There is live-fire training with high explosive munitions scheduled on the following dates: October 14-19, 2025 from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.”
The Marines’ demonstration coincides with demonstrations planned statewide and across the nation known as “No Kings,” which protest President Donald Trump and actions from his administration.
Where is Camp Pendleton?
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is located in San Diego County. Established in 1942, the base spans over 125,000 acres of coastal and mountainous terrain, offering a diverse environment for combat simulation and tactical training. Approximately 80,000 serve there, including 49,000 military personnel—40,000 Marines, 4,000 Navy personnel, and 5,000 civilians.
Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Is the 5-freeway being closed amid Marines celebration? Here’s what to know
Reporting by Paris Barraza, Palm Springs Desert Sun / Ventura County Star
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