Troop Showcase Causes Traffic Concerns in California
A planned military demonstration at Camp Pendleton, featuring live artillery fire, has sparked debate in California. The event, intended to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary and attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will showcase military vehicles and aircraft.
Governor Gavin Newsom has raised concerns about public safety, leading to the closure of a 17-mile stretch of Interstate 5, a major highway between San Diego and Los Angeles. Newsom stated that the closure was necessary because firing live rounds near a busy highway is dangerous.
However, Vice President Vance and Marine officials at Camp Pendleton maintain that the artillery exercise is safe and that there is no need to disrupt traffic. They emphasize that the event will occur on approved training ranges and adhere to established safety protocols.
State transportation officials initially hesitated to close the freeway, but ultimately decided to do so after practice firings and a request for “Overhead fire in progress” signage. The California Highway Patrol confirmed that the highway closure would be in effect for several hours on Saturday, causing potential delays for travelers.
According to a spokesperson for Vice President Vance, Governor Newsom is misrepresenting the safety risks involved. The spokesperson emphasized that these training exercises are routine and essential for ensuring the readiness of our armed forces.
