In order to visit the Camp Pendleton Command Museum sites aboard base, submit a written request to the addresses listed below. When entering the base, be ready to show current identification, proof of insurance, proof of registration, a letter of confirmation, and to be searched at the gate.
The Marine Corps Mechanized Museum
Located in Building 2612 on Vandergrift Blvd at the base of Rattlesnake Canyon, this museum of working Marine Corps transport and battle vehicles interpret the history of Marine usage since 1942. The collection includes a large selection of Vietnam and Desert Storm era vehicles and a Vietnamese road marker from the road to Hue City. The museum is open during the week and can also be opened by special arrangement.
Click on the following link for more information about the Marine Corps Mechanized Command Museum:
http://www.themech.org/index.html
The Ranch House Complex
The complex includes the Ranch House Chapel, the oldest structure on base, the Bunkhouse Museum, dedicated in 1978 by Col James Roosevelt, and the Ranch House, built in the mid 1800s. This was the home of Pio Pico, last Mexican governor of Alta California, and succeeding owners Don Juan Forster, the O'Neills, Floods, Baumgartners and, finally, United States Marine Corps Commanding Generals. Historic artifacts at the complex document pre-history through Mission and Rancho periods, the 1942 purchase of Camp Pendleton, and reflect the WWII and the Korean War. Exhibits include early ranch equipment, photographs of President Roosevelt's historic visit, antiques donated by Anthony Quinn during the filming of "Guadalcanal Diary" in 1943 and early Base history including SSgt Reckless and the Mounted Color Guard.
The complex is listed as the Santa Margarita Ranch House National Historic Site as well as a California State Historical Landmark. Tours are available by appointment and begin at 10 a.m. between the last week in September to the end of May.
Please email you request to:
MCBCAMPEN.History.fct@usmc.mil
Or, you may fax your tour request to: Attn: History & Museums (760) 725-5727. Tours can also be booked by calling the Hotline at (760)725-0770.
For information about base wide tours visit the Community Relations page.
Also available is
The World War II and Korea LVT Exhibit located in Building 21561 in the base's boat basin and maintained by the Assault Amphibious School Battalion. To visit the vintage amphibious tracked vehicles, related artifacts and informational displays, contact the school at 763-6081.