I-5 Freeway shut Down for Marine Artillery Exercise Sparks Political Clash
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.- A large-scale artillery exercise conducted by the U.S.Marines at Camp Pendleton on Friday forced the complete closure of Interstate 5,a major transportation artery in Southern California,igniting a political dispute involving California Governor Gavin Newsom and the White House. The closure, impacting tens of thousands of commuters, stemmed from a scheduled live-fire exhibition involving M777 howitzer cannons firing west to east of the freeway, beginning at approximately 1:30 p.m.local time.
The Marines conduct artillery exercises nearly every week, utilizing systems ranging from High Mobility Air Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to M777 howitzers, according to Capt. dreibelbis.Live-fire training occurs regularly at both the battery and small-unit levels,with large-scale exercises taking place twice annually at the regimental level. The M777 howitzer has been in use by the Marines since 2005 and has seen combat deployment, including operations in Syria.
“This amphibious demonstration is what Marines and Sailors train for every day,” Capt. Dreibelbis stated. “Weeks of purposeful planning and rehearsals ensured success at every phase of execution, underscoring the Navy-Marine Corps team’s ability to safely conduct complex amphibious operations.”
However, the freeway shutdown drew swift criticism from California Rep. Mike Levin, a Democrat representing the district encompassing Camp Pendleton. In a post on social media, Levin asserted that public safety and the Marine Corps’ reputation were “far more important than the political agendas of J.D. Vance or Pete Hegseth,” advocating for a balance between honoring the military and ensuring community wellbeing.
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, a Republican representing Camp Pendleton and surrounding areas, also voiced concerns on social media, criticizing the situation as indicative of a lack of accountability and planning. “No accountability, no planning – just finger-pointing while everyday people sit in traffic, miss work, and watch their plans fall apart,” Desmond stated.
The incident has quickly become entangled in broader political tensions, with initial reports suggesting a connection to a dispute between Governor Newsom and the White House regarding military readiness and resource allocation. Further details are emerging as the situation develops.
