Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion at Camp Pendleton hike with the Vice President JD Vance on July 11. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Sherchand)
Vice President JD Vance tested his physical abilities at Camp Pendleton recently when he went hiking with Marines from the base’s Headquarters and Support Battalion.
Vance, who served in the Marines, kept up well while encouraging the troops and reinforcing values of camaraderie and unit cohesion, base officials said. The hike, on Friday, July 11, was three miles, including climbing some hills while carrying a weighted backpack.
“It was a great experience for our Marines to meet and engage with the vice president of the United States, a former Marine,” said Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah. “It speaks to the unbreakable bond that all Marines, both past and present, share with each other. Vice President Vance imparted great insights and shared memorable personal stories with all. This was truly inspiring for our Marines, and we’re extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conduct a hike with the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Edgar Rafael)
U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conduct a hike with the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Edgar Rafael)
The Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, right, presents a challenge coin to Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah, the commanding officer of Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, after a hike at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Edgar Rafael)
U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conduct a hike with the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Edgar Rafael)
The Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, speaks to U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, before a hike at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jonathan Sherchand)
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U.S. Marines with Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, conduct a hike with the Vice President of the United States, the Honorable JD Vance, at MCB Camp Pendleton, California, July 11, 2025. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Edgar Rafael)
Later on Friday, the Vance family arrived by motorcade at the Disneyland Resort, and the family was spotted at Disneyland on Saturday morning surrounded by heavy security.
Demonstrators gathered on Harbor Boulevard near the theme park’s entrance on Friday evening and again on Saturday.
The visit to Camp Pendleton and Disneyland was part of a weekend trip to Southern California. There were no official public events planned and no fundraising events announced.
