Mr. President, I rise today in support of the ``Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Protection Act,'' which I introduced today with Senator Padilla. This bill would protect the historic Marine Corps…
Mr. President, I rise today in support of the ``Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego Protection Act,'' which I introduced today with Senator Padilla.
This bill would protect the historic Marine Corps recruit training base in San Diego and ensure that Marines have a world-class training facility on the West Coast.
The base became operational in 1921 and began its mission of training and ``the making of Marines'' in 1923. On January 1, 1948, Marine Corps Base, San Diego was officially renamed Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego.
As needed, the base has increased the number of new Marine recruits that it trains to ensure our readiness during periods of conflict.
For example, the Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego augmented troop training during the Korean War and expanded training during the Vietnam War. In recent decades, the base has prepared Marines to fight in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The installation's unique Spanish colonial design by Bertram Goodhue adds to its historical richness. Twentyfive of the Depot's original buildings have been deemed worthy of preservation for their historical significance and are part of the National Register of Historic Places.
In May, the San Diego Depot celebrated its historic graduation of its
first gender-integrated class of new Marines, well in advance of the requirement in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 for Marines to conduct integrated gender recruit training by 2028.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego accomplished that mission this year, demonstrating the can-do spirit that has animated the base since its establishment.
Our bill would prohibit the closure of the historic Marine Corps Recruit Depot located in San Diego. It would protect regional jobs and tourist revenue generated by the installation.
The bill would also eliminate the need for costly new military construction if the training mission were relocated, and prevent the disruption of families and training.
Lastly, the bill would guarantee the annual basic training for Marine recruits at the place where their fellow Marines have trained for a century. On the 100th anniversary of the installation, we must continue this critical mission in San Diego and preserve its history.
It is imperative to maintain facilities that train and prepare our Armed Forces to meet the challenges of tomorrow. The protection of the Depot preserves an important legacy of the Marine Corps. The installation also offers a strategic location to position forces in the West.
I hope my colleagues will join me in support of this bill. Thank you Mr. President. I yield the floor.
