A very long time ago, my Dad(now deceased since 1971)was stationed there! My parents lived out there for a couple of years while he was there. This was in early 50s during Korean War I believe. I was reading about Twenty-nine Palms on the web, and in the early 50s or so, Marine personnel came out from Camp Pendleton to start a Marine base there. It was an old Air-base at one time!
Apparently my Dad was there when the base was still forming. He went back to Camp Pendleton when I was 1 year old. I'd always hoped I could go back and see it one day. I've read that it is really big now!
My dad was 1st Marine Div Korean War.
He was based at the Navy Hospital here in San Diego
and Camp Pendleton.
Another 2nd Cousin, a Dr. with 1st Marines out of
Camp Pendleton was first yr in Iraq
Thanks for telling your personal connection to the military history in CA. By the way, you moved to another beautiful state, eh? IMO, Californians get addicted to natural beauty!
Coincidentally, my father died in '71 also. He worked over 30 years for Douglas Aircraft, starting during WWII, here at what is now Santa Monica Airport. My mother went to work there also during the war and that is where they met and hence created me.
I haven't been out to Camp Pendleton either, but my impression is it's the biggest military facility in SoCal. The Marines based here have had more than their share of tragedies, so this one is painful. They expect they could die in that desert "over there," but not the one here...