Interstate 5 Closure for Camp Pendleton Military Exercise Sparks Safety Concerns

A military exercise at Camp Pendleton on Saturday, October 18, 2025, involving live artillery fire over Interstate 5, prompted the temporary closure of a 17-mile stretch of the highway from Harbor Drive in Oceanside to Basilone Road near San Onofre. The closure, which lasted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., was implemented to ensure public safety during the event.

California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision to conduct live-fire exercises over a busy highway, stating, "Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn't just wrong — it's dangerous."

In response, U.S. Marine officials asserted that the exercise was conducted on approved training ranges with established safety protocols, emphasizing that such activities are routine at Camp Pendleton and do not pose a risk to motorists.

The event, attended by Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, was part of the Marine Corps' 250th anniversary celebrations. The demonstration featured amphibious vehicles and Marines performing a beach assault, showcasing the military's operational capabilities.

The California Highway Patrol managed the highway closure, advising travelers to expect significant delays and to seek alternative routes. Passenger rail services running parallel to the I-5 were also suspended during the exercise.

Despite the controversy, the exercise proceeded without reported incidents, and the highway was reopened following the event. The situation highlighted the ongoing debate between state officials and the federal government regarding the balance between military training exercises and public safety considerations.