A major California freeway was closed on Saturday following a U.S. Marines live-fire event. The 5 Freeway, a key route in Southern California, remained shut between Harbor Drive and Basilone Road from 11 a.m. to around 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Officials cited the closure as part of a controlled military exercise involving real ammunition.
Vice President JD Vance attended the event at Camp Pendleton in northern San Diego County, where he delivered a speech commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. Despite prior assurances that the highway would remain open, the closure disrupted traffic for approximately four hours. About 80,000 drivers traverse the route daily, connecting San Diego and Orange counties.
Vance, a Marine Corps veteran, praised the service branch’s history and legacy during his remarks. He highlighted the Marines’ role in conflicts from the Pacific to Afghanistan, stating, “From these mountains and this water, Marines have deployed to every major fight of the last century.” He also credited his military experience with shaping his career but avoided addressing the freeway closure directly.
The exercise included a demonstration of marine operations at Camp Pendleton, featuring troops simulating beach landings as part of the public display. Vance’s visit coincided with broader discussions about military priorities, though no specific details about the event’s objectives were provided.
