MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- With amenities such as movie theaters, putting greens, volleyball and basketball courts, stainless steel grills and carports, these Marines may forget they are home and not at a resort.
Marines and sailors of the 11th, 13th and 15th Marine Expeditionary Units along with I Marine Headquarters Group personnel, moved into a new barracks at Camp Del Mar, Sept. 7.
The 200-room, 98,936 square-foot barracks features a host of luxuries to help the hard-working Marines decompress during their liberty hours.
“The brand new barracks are great,” said Master Sgt. Jose M. Giron, headquarters commandant, 15th MEU Command Element. “This is a real improvement in the way of life for our single Marines,” added the 18-year veteran and native of Los Angeles.
As if the new barracks isn’t enough, the 15th MEU’s Marines have ocean front views. The two-person cable-ready living spaces are also bigger, more comfortable and have individual bathrooms.
“These barracks are better than anything I’ve ever seen,” said Sgt. Shannon D. Jones, helpdesk data chief, 15th MEU. “This will really make some Marines reconsider living out in town. It’s that nice,” added the McRae, Ark. native.
According to Giron, the initiative to improve the quality of life started back in 2006 when the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps spoke with Marines about improvements they would like to see.
“I’m really looking forward to grabbing some friends and enjoying all that these barracks have to offer,” said Pfc. Brendon C. Burke Adams, data network specialist, 15th MEU. “My morale is higher and the same goes for my fellow Marines,” added the 18-year-old native of Banning, Calif.
In addition to morale being high, the unit’s leadership also is looking out for their welfare.
“We care about the welfare of our young Marines,” said Giron. “This is our way of showing them.”