Live Fire Fiasco: When Military Celebrations Go Wrong
A Big Celebration Turns into a Mess
A planned celebration for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton took a chaotic turn when a live-fire demonstration went awry. The Marines intended to fire M777 Howitzers, artillery used in conflicts like Afghanistan and Ukraine. They assured officials that the event would be safe and that no highways would be closed.
However, California officials expressed concerns about firing live rounds over Interstate 5 (I-5), which runs near the base.
Unannounced Test Run Sparks Controversy
On Friday evening, the Marines conducted a test run without informing state officials. They fired artillery rounds over I-5 while vehicles were in transit. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) even captured the live fire on video.
The next day, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a 17-mile closure of the interstate for the event. Around 15,000 people attended, including Vice President JD Vance.
Demonstration Goes Wrong
The event quickly turned problematic when an artillery round exploded midair earlier than expected, sending shrapnel that struck a California Highway Patrol (CHP) cruiser. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the incident raised serious safety concerns.
The Marines stated they were investigating the incident. The event, meant to showcase military pride, instead caused traffic gridlock and confusion.
Details on the M777 Howitzer
The M777 Howitzer is a powerful artillery weapon firing 155 mm rounds (about 6.1 inches in diameter) weighing around 100 pounds. These rounds can be used for various purposes, including explosives or precision-guided systems, with a range of 15 to 25 miles.
The Marines claimed that live-fire exercises at Camp Pendleton occur nearly every week, and they trust the system with their lives.
State Officials' Concerns and Actions
State officials were worried about the safety of firing live rounds over a busy highway. They had considered closing the freeway themselves but backed off after the Marines assured them it was safe. However, the federal government canceled Amtrak and Metrolink train service along tracks near the base.
On Friday, state officials witnessed the M777 Howitzers firing shells over I-5. The Marines called this a dress rehearsal and insisted it was a safe practice.
Signage and Safety Measures
The state received a request to place signs along I-5 reading, "Overhead fire in progress." The actual signs on Saturday stated, "Live weapons over freeway." The CHP noted that live-fire training over an active freeway is highly uncommon, expressing concerns for public and officer safety.
Freeway Closure and Criticism
On Saturday, Newsom's office announced the closure of a 17-mile stretch of I-5 during the demonstration, leading to jammed freeways and longer travel times. Newsom criticized the decision to fire live rounds over a busy highway, calling it dangerous.
The White House's Rapid Response Team criticized Newsom for closing the freeway, stating there were no public safety concerns.
Incident During the Demonstration
During the demonstration, an artillery round failed to clear the roadway and detonated midflight, striking an unoccupied CHP patrol vehicle and causing damage. No injuries were reported.
The Marines had planned to fire about 60 artillery rounds over five minutes, but the exercise was terminated after the early explosion. The Marines vowed to investigate the root cause and apply findings to future missions.