Military to Conduct Artillery Exercise Over California Highway

Plans for a live artillery exercise over a section of Interstate 5 in Southern California have sparked controversy, leading to the closure of a 17-mile (27 kilometers) stretch of the highway. This decision came in response to safety concerns raised by California Governor Gavin Newsom. The military showcase is part of Vice President JD Vance‘s visit to Camp Pendleton on March 16, 2024, to celebrate the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary.

Governor Newsom criticized the decision to conduct live firings over a busy highway, stating, “The President is putting his ego over responsibility with this disregard for public safety. Firing live rounds over a busy highway isn’t just wrong — it’s dangerous.” His comments reflect deep concerns regarding potential risks to motorists traveling along the vital corridor connecting San Diego and Los Angeles.

Despite the governor’s objections, Vice President Vance and officials from the U.S. Marine Corps have asserted that the exercise poses no safety hazards and that traffic disruption on Interstate 5 is unnecessary. The exercise is designed to showcase military capabilities, including amphibious vehicles and aircraft, with a beach landing demonstration planned as part of the event.

Initially, California’s state officials considered closing the freeway earlier in the week. However, the U.S. Marines indicated that the artillery exercise would take place in designated training areas and adhere to established safety protocols. Following practice firings over the highway on Friday evening, the state’s transportation officials ultimately decided to implement the closure from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time on Saturday.

According to Matt Rocco, spokesperson for the California Department of Transportation, “This is all because of the White House-directed military event, that for the safety of the public, we need to shut down the freeway since they’re sending live ordinances over the freeway.” The closure is expected to result in delays for approximately 80,000 travelers and could add up to two hours to commute times between the two cities. The interstate is a critical route, handling $94 million in freight daily.

In a statement issued to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Vice President Vance, William Martin, argued that Governor Newsom is misrepresenting the safety risks involved. He described the exercise as routine training necessary to maintain the effectiveness of the armed forces. “If Gavin Newsom wants to oppose the training exercises that ensure our Armed Forces are the deadliest and most lethal fighting force in the world, then he can go right ahead,” Martin stated.

Additionally, passenger rail services operating alongside Interstate 5 have been canceled for the afternoon, further impacting travel for those who rely on alternative transportation. As the military event approaches, officials continue to navigate the balance between showcasing national defense capabilities and ensuring public safety.

The Associated Press has reached out for further comments from both Vice President Vance’s office and the U.S. Marine Corps regarding this situation. As the day unfolds, the implications of this military exercise on public safety and transportation continue to be closely monitored.