The Pentagon is contemplating leasing portions of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California to generate revenue for President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system, according to sources familiar with the matter. This initiative comes as the Defense Department seeks innovative funding solutions amid ongoing budget constraints.
Camp Pendleton covers over 125,000 acres, with less than 25% developed, including the largest undeveloped coastal area in Southern California. Marines utilize this diverse terrain for essential training exercises, including amphibious landings and combat readiness drills. The Pentagon’s preliminary survey suggests that only areas rarely accessed by Marines would be considered for commercial leasing.
The specifics regarding the number of acres or the duration of potential leases remain unclear. Officials indicated that multiple smaller parcels might be leased instead of a single large tract, focusing on lands that do not interfere with military operations.
This decision reflects broader financial pressures within the military budget, as the Pentagon explores various avenues to fund critical projects. Similar situations have arisen in recent years, with the military adapting to fiscal realities while maintaining operational readiness. As previously reported, the implications of these financial strategies could extend beyond Camp Pendleton, influencing defense funding and resource allocation nationwide.
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