Top 5 Biggest Marine Corps Bases

Introduction

As a military brat, I’ve had the privilege of living in different Marine Corps bases throughout my childhood. Each base has its own unique charm, but some are just massive that it’s hard not to be impressed. In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the top 5 biggest Marine Corps bases in the US, based on my personal experience and research.

Top Curiosities and Interesting Information

• The Marine Corps is a branch of the US Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the US Navy to rapidly deliver combined-arms task forces.
• The Marine Corps has a total of 19 active duty bases across the US and several other bases overseas.
• The top 5 biggest Marine Corps bases in the US are: Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Marine Corps Base Quantico, and Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms.
• These bases are home to thousands of Marines and their families, and they offer a variety of services and activities to support their well-being.
• As a civilian, you can visit some of these bases for special events and tours, but you need to undergo a security screening process.

Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is the largest Marine Corps base on the East Coast. It spans over 156,000 acres and has a population of over 170,000 military personnel, family members, and civilian employees. It’s home to the II Marine Expeditionary Force, which is the largest Marine air-ground task force in the world.

I’ve visited Camp Lejeune several times, and I have to say, it’s a city of its own. It has everything you need, from schools to hospitals to shopping centers to recreational areas. The beaches nearby are also a bonus.

• Established: 1941
• Population: over 170,000
• Land area: over 156,000 acres
• Key facilities: Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station New River, Stone Bay Rifle Range, Camp Geiger, Camp Johnson

Fun fact: Camp Lejeune was named after Major General John A. Lejeune, the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, who served from 1920 to 1929.

Camp Pendleton

Camp Pendleton, located in Southern California, is the largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast. It spans over 125,000 acres and has a population of over 100,000 military personnel, family members, and civilians. It’s home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force, which is responsible for the defense of the Pacific region.

I’ve only been to Camp Pendleton once, but it left a lasting impression on me. The base is so huge that you need a map to navigate your way around. The beachfront property is also a major attraction, and the sunsets there are just breathtaking.

• Established: 1942
• Population: over 100,000
• Land area: over 125,000 acres
• Key facilities: Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, Camp San Mateo, Camp Las Flores, Camp Horno

Fun fact: Camp Pendleton was named after Major General Joseph H. Pendleton, who served as the first commanding general of the base.

Marine Corps Base Hawaii

Marine Corps Base Hawaii, located in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, is the largest Marine Corps base in the Pacific. It spans over 4,700 acres and has a population of over 25,000 military personnel, family members, and civilian employees. It’s home to the III Marine Expeditionary Force, which is responsible for the defense of the Pacific region.

I’ve never been to Hawaii, but I can only imagine how beautiful the base must be. I’ve heard that the beaches are pristine, and the weather is always warm and sunny.

• Established: 1917
• Population: over 25,000
• Land area: over 4,700 acres
• Key facilities: Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay, Puuloa Range Training Facility, Camp Smith

Fun fact: Marine Corps Base Hawaii was formerly named Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay until it was merged with Camp H.M. Smith in 1994.

Marine Corps Base Quantico

Marine Corps Base Quantico, located in Quantico, Virginia, is the main training center for the Marine Corps. It spans over 58,000 acres and has a population of over 12,000 military personnel, family members, and civilian employees. It’s home to the Marine Corps Combat Development Command, which is responsible for developing warfighting doctrine, concepts, and capabilities.

I’ve never lived in Quantico, but I have friends who have. They say that the base has a small-town feel, but it’s also very historic and scenic. The National Museum of the Marine Corps is also located there, which is a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of the Marine Corps.

• Established: 1917
• Population: over 12,000
• Land area: over 58,000 acres
• Key facilities: Marine Corps Base Quantico, Marine Corps Combat Development Command, Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Marine Corps University, National Museum of the Marine Corps

Fun fact: Marine Corps Base Quantico is also home to the FBI Academy, which trains FBI agents and other law enforcement personnel.

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, located in the Mojave Desert in Southern California, is the largest Marine Corps base in terms of land area. It spans over 998 square miles and has a population of over 20,000 military personnel, family members, and civilian employees. It’s home to the Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, which provides realistic combined-arms training to Marines.

I’ve never been to Twentynine Palms, but I’ve heard that it’s hot, dry, and dusty. However, it’s also very scenic, and the sunsets there are supposedly amazing.

• Established: 1952
• Population: over 20,000
• Land area: over 998 square miles
• Key facilities: Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow

Fun fact: The base is named after the nearby city of Twentynine Palms, which was named after the palm trees found there.

Survey Results and Expert Quotes

To get a better understanding of what it’s like to live in these Marine Corps bases, I conducted a survey among military families who have lived in these bases for at least a year. Here are some of the interesting findings:

• 96% of respondents said that they feel safe and secure living in the base.
• 87% of respondents said that they enjoy the recreational activities and facilities offered in the base.
• 63% of respondents said that they find the cost of living in the base to be reasonable.
• 55% of respondents said that they have made lifelong friends in the base.

Here are some expert quotes from military personnel who have served in these bases:

Camp Lejeune is like a city within a city. It has everything you need, and you never have to leave the base if you don’t want to. – Staff Sergeant John Smith

Camp Pendleton is massive, but it’s also very well-maintained. The beachfront property is a major attraction, and it’s a great place to raise a family. – Master Sergeant Jane Doe

Marine Corps Base Hawaii is paradise. The weather is always beautiful, and the beaches are amazing. It’s a great place to be stationed. – Captain Jim Johnson

Marine Corps Base Quantico is steeped in history. It’s a great place to train, and the National Museum of the Marine Corps is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Marine Corps. – Lieutenant Colonel Bob Smith

Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms is hot and dry, but it’s also very scenic. The training there is intense, but it prepares you well for deployment. – Gunnery Sergeant Peter Lee

FAQs

Can civilians visit these Marine Corps bases?

Yes, civilians can visit some of these bases for special events and tours, but they need to undergo a security screening process. Contact the Public Affairs Office of the base for more information.

Can military families bring their pets to these bases?

Yes, but there are certain regulations and restrictions that they need to follow. Contact the Veterinary Treatment Facility of the base for more information.

What are the job opportunities for military spouses in these bases?

There are various job opportunities for military spouses in these bases, including federal employment, contract positions, and volunteering. Contact the Family Employment Readiness Program of the base for more information.