Is I-5 Closing For This Weekend's Military Celebration?

CAMP PENDLETON, CA — A military event celebrating the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday prompted concerns of a potential freeway closure between Orange and San Diego counties.

• Update: Freeway To Close For Military Celebration After Officials Previously Promised No Shutdown

Saturday's event, called "America's Marines 250: From Sea to Shore – A Review of Amphibious Strength," will include a live-fire amphibious capabilities demonstration at Camp Pendleton's Red Beach, according to a news release from the Marines. Top officials from the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, will join more than 15,000 Marines, sailors, veterans and their families for the occasion.

"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," the release said. "The capabilities demonstration will feature integrated Navy and Marine Corps operations across air, land and sea."

• Also see: Marines Showcase 'Amphibious Capabilities' For Marine Corps' 250th Birthday

The planned live-fire demonstration sparked concerns that a stretch of Interstate 5 would need to be shut down for the public's safety.

"Donald Trump and JD Vance think that shutting down the I-5 to shoot out missiles from ships is how you respect the military," Gov. Gavin Newsom posted on X. "Put aside your vanity parade and pay our troops instead."

Rep. Mike Levin, who represents Camp Pendleton and surrounding communities, also expressed concerns.

"As the proud representative for Camp Pendleton, I'll always honor our Marines — the best fighting force in the world," he posted on X. "But reports of multi-hour I-5 closures on Friday and Saturday raise serious concerns. We should celebrate the Marine Corps' 250th birthday with full transparency and without disrupting the community."

According to the Marines, all training events will take place on approved training ranges and comply with established safety protocols. No public highways or transportation routes will be closed.

In advance of the training event and demonstration, a detailed risk assessment was conducted at the base, officials said. All participants will be briefed, while medical, fire and emergency responders and equipment will be on site.

Following the demonstration, Marines, sailors and families will gather at Del Mar Beach for a Beach Bash to recognize military families and the community.

The demonstration will be recorded and included in a national broadcast on Nov. 9.