Vice President JD Vance was on base earlier for the event but was not in danger following an artillery round explosion during a live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton this past weekend.

The Camp Pendleton helicopter pilot killed in an Imperial County crash on Oct. 16 was a 35-year-old California native, the Marines said Monday. Maj. Tyler Braconi was attached to Marine Light Attack (HMLA) Helicopter Squadron 369 at Camp Pendleton.

California Highway Patrol releases report on artillery mishap that struck patrol car during Marine Corps anniversary celebration attended by Vice President JD Vance.

The U.S. Marine Corps identified the pilot killed in last week's helicopter crash in the California desert as Maj. Tyler R. Braconi, a 35-year-old California native and decorated Marine aviator based at Camp Pendleton.

The decision to close Interstate 5 due to live-fire at Camp Pendleton was made early Saturday, a California Highway Patrol official told KPBS.

CAMP PENDLETON — Ordnance fired over the 5 Freeway at Saturday’s 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton prematurely detonated, striking and damaging a California Highway Patrol vehicle that was part of Vice President JD Vance’s detail, the CHP said Sunday.

Artillery round from Camp Pendleton prematurely detonated, hitting a CHP car, during VP Vance's visit. No injuries reported; investigation underway.

Vice President JD Vance, joined by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, delivered an uplifting address to thousands of Marines and their families at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on October 18, 2025, as part of the Corps' 250th anniversary celebrations.

An artillery shell fired during a Marine Corps demonstration on Saturday detonated prematurely over California's Interstate 5, striking a California Highway Patrol vehicle with debris, authorities said.