The Department of Defense is exploring plans to lease portions of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton for commercial development. Navy Secretary John Phelan conducted aerial surveys of the 125,000-acre installation in late August, examining areas that could potentially be offered for commercial lease. This marks an unprecedented consideration for Camp Pendleton sale or lease opportunities at California's largest military installation.
This article breaks down what we know about these discussions, who's driving them, and how they could impact service members both at Camp Pendleton and across the military.
Senior Leadership Exploring Commercial Leasing Options
Secretary Phelan's visit to Camp Pendleton included initial conversations about making underutilized portions of the base available for commercial use. Pentagon officials told reporters that any Camp Pendleton sale or lease would focus on areas Marines rarely use for training, with multiple parcels spread across the installation.
Lt. Cmdr. Courtney Williams, Phelan's spokesperson, confirmed the discussions aim to "maximize value and taxpayer dollars while maintaining mission readiness and security." No decisions have been made yet.
Camp Pendleton spans over 125,000 acres between San Clemente and Oceanside. Less than one-quarter is currently developed. The base includes 17 miles of Southern California coastline—the largest undeveloped coastal stretch in the region—plus diverse terrain used for amphibious, mountain, and desert training.
Previous development attempts have faced strong opposition. In the mid-1990s, the California Coastal Commission rejected plans to build 128 homes for officers near Trestles Beach. In 2021, the Navy sought feedback on hosting energy, water infrastructure, and data centers on base property, though it's unclear if any projects moved forward.
Why These Conversations Are Happening Now
The Trump administration has aggressively pursued monetizing federal lands. This summer, a controversial plan to sell Bureau of Land Management property across 11 Western states was scrapped after bipartisan pushback. The administration views federal lands as "untapped assets worth trillions of dollars."
According to NBC News, funds from any Camp Pendleton sale or lease could help finance the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative—President Trump's plan to build a space-based defense shield modeled on Israel's Iron Dome.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates this system could cost between $161 billion and $542 billion, far exceeding the nearly $25 billion allocated in current legislation.
Camp Pendleton's coastal location makes it particularly valuable. Developers have long sought Southern California coastal properties, though similar battles over Bolsa Chica and Banning Ranch ultimately blocked those developments.
What Service Members Can Expect
If You're Assigned to Camp Pendleton
You'll see continued news coverage as these discussions progress. The base houses more than 42,000 active duty personnel, with 38,000 military family members living on base, and approximately 70,000 service members and civilians work there daily.
It's home to the I Marine Expeditionary Force—roughly one-quarter of the entire Marine Corps—including 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Logistics Group, and 1st Marine Division.
If approved, commercial development could affect your daily life in several ways:
- Security concerns: More civilian access points and commercial activity near training areas.
- Increased traffic: Commercial development would bring additional vehicles through and around the base.
- Cost of living changes: Development could further inflate already high Southern California housing costs.
- Training disruptions: Even with "rarely used" areas targeted, increased civilian presence could limit training flexibility.
The base's environmental significance adds complexity. Camp Pendleton protects threatened species, including the tidewater goby, coastal California gnatcatcher, arroyo toad, and Southern California steelhead. It hosts one of only two wild bison conservation herds in California and serves as a critical monarch butterfly migration stop.
If You're Stationed Elsewhere
Pay attention. If approved, any Camp Pendleton sale or lease could set a precedent for commercial development at other installations with desirable real estate. Bases near growing cities or in high-value locations might face similar proposals if this moves forward.
Oceanside Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce expressed concerns about proceeding "without collaboration with local municipalities."
The base generates over $6 billion in regional economic impact annually. Service members and families frequently shop and dine off-base, supporting local businesses.
What You Can Do Next
Stay informed through official channels. The Marine Corps and Navy haven't released specifics about which areas are under consideration, potential lease terms, or expected revenue.
Follow local news from San Diego outlets covering Camp Pendleton. Community response can influence how aggressively officials pursue any Camp Pendleton sale or lease opportunities.
Remember that no decisions have been made. These remain preliminary conversations. But the unprecedented nature of commercially developing active installation property warrants attention from the entire military community.
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