the Graduation Guide

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT
WELCOME TO
UNITED STATES
MARINE CORPS
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT
WESTERN RECRUITING REGION
SAN DIEGO
CALIFORNIA
Dear Marine Corps Family and Friends,
Recently, your recruit entered training in hopes of earning
the proud title of United States Marine. Graduation is the
culmination of 13 grueling weeks of effort, sweat, and
achievement. To become a Marine, a recruit has to successfully
complete multiple academic evaluations, water survival
training, physical fitness tests, rifle qualification, martial arts
qualification, the Battalion Commander’s Inspection, and, of
course, the Crucible. This is not an easy process, but Marines
are forged in an atmosphere of shared hardship and demanding
training that develops camaraderie, esprit de corps, and
standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing
stand in the way of accomplishing their assigned mission.
You should be proud of your recruit, both for what he has
accomplished to this point and for what he will accomplish in
the future.
Here at Marine Corps Community Services, we want to make
sure that your visit to MCRD San Diego for graduation is a
high quality experience that will provide you a lifetime of
memories. This brochure contains information about travel,
lodging and graduation events that will facilitate planning for
your trip to the Depot.
What these young men experience at MCRD San Diego
during recruit training changes them forever. Thank you for
your support to them throughout this process. It is with great
pleasure and pride that we welcome you to the United States
Marine Corps family, and we look forward to seeing you and
sharing the joy and celebration of graduation with you.
Marine Corps Community Services
MCRD San Diego
MCRD - SAN DIEGO
MCRD
GRADUATION
TRAVEL
1-800-755-5670
CWTSatoTravel is the official travel provider for
Family and Friends attending MCRD Graduation
Ceremonies and Events. Our dedicated Family and
Friends counselors can assist with all your travel
needs including:
• Flights
• Hotel accommodation with Exclusive
Graduation Rates
• Transfers from the airport to select hotels and
MCRD for the graduation activities
CWTSatoTravel has served military families for over
65 years. We assist the U.S. Military with over 90%
of their official travel arrangements around the world
each year, and we are proud to have been working
directly with MCRD San Diego since 1989.
The benefits of making your travel arrangements
with CWTSatoTravel:
• Exclusive savings with Delta Airlines for families
traveling to graduation*
• Save 5% off Best Available Rates at participating
hotels (see list)
• Receive exclusive MCRD Family and Friends
hotel perks and amenities
• We are the only travel office on MCRD and the
only authorized MCRD Graduation
Travel agency
• Recruits have direct access to our office on base
• Coordination of graduating Marine’s flight home
to ensure your family travels together
• A portion of sales support Marines at MCRD
• We offer a wide range of tours, cruises and
vacation packages for families, Active Duty and
Retired Military.
Office hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:15PM PT
(closed holidays)
1-800-755-5670
For more information:
visit www.cwtvacations.com/aMCRDgrad
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*Savings subject to availability. Travelers will be charged a processing
fee for airline, car and hotel reservations. A portion of fees go back to
support Marine programs at MCRD. No Defense Department or U.S.
Marine Corps Endorsement.
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LOCAL HOTEL LISTINGS
HOTEL
NAME
AIRPORT
SHUTTLE
FREE
PARKING
MCRD
SHUTTLE
All prices subject to change and availability.
*Shuttles operated on limited or scheduled times
**Resort fees additional
SHERATON
SAN DIEGO
HOTEL & MARINA
HEATED
POOL
EXCLUSIVE 2016 MCRD GRADUATION
HOTEL RATES - CALL 1-800-755-5670
TO BOOK YOUR GRADUATION TRAVEL
IN ROOM
FRIDGE
RATES
(SEASONAL)
Ask your CWTSatoTravel counselor about shuttle reservations and options if
not offered by the hotel
FREE KIDS
w/PAYING ADULT
$159
DAYS INN SAN DIEGO
HOTEL CIRCLE
NEAR SEAWORLD
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
FOR FOUR
$73 - $93
PORTO VISTA HOTEL
HOT BREAKFAST
$88 - $208
$15
HOLIDAY INN
SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE
$5
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
FOR TWO
$104 - $209
DOUBLETREE
SAN DIEGO - HOTEL CIRCLE
$10
NONE
$119 - $159
DLX CONTINENTAL
BREAKFAST
$122 - $250
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
SAN DIEGO HOTEL CIRCLE
HOT BREAKFAST
$129 - $359
COMFORT INN & SUITES
ZOO SEAWORLD AREA
HOT BREAKFAST
$87 - $204
NONE
$109 - $189
DLX HOT
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
$89 - $199
DLX CONTINENTAL
BREAKFAST
$92 - $199
HILTON GARDEN INN
OLD TOWN/SEAWORLD
NONE
$109 - $250
HOWARD JOHNSON
SAN DIEGO SEAWORLD
DLX CONTINENTAL
BREAKFAST
$72 - $189
NONE
$112 - $250
DLX HOT
BREAKFAST BUFFET
$117 - $169
NONE
$102 - $142
BREAKFAST COUPON
FOR TWO
$115 - $165
NONE
$159 - $189**
15% DISCOUNT
$72 - $229
20% CAFE DISCOUNT
$79 - $129
DLX CONTINENTAL
BREAKFAST
$75 - $199
FAIRFIELD INN &
SUITES OLD TOWN
LIMITED
DOUBLETREE
SAN DIEGO DOWNTOWN
$25
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
SAN DIEGO
SEAWORLD/BEACH AREA
LA QUINTA INN
OLD TOWN
COURTYARD
OLD TOWN
$10
LIMITED
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS
AIRPORT/OLD TOWN
FOUR POINTS SHERATON
SAN DIEGO SEAWORLD
$15
CROWNE PLAZA
SAN DIEGO
MISSION VALLEY
BY REQUESTFEE
KONA KAI
RESORT & SPA
WYNDHAM GARDEN
SAN DIEGO
NEAR SEAWORLD
$10
LIMITED
BY REQUEST FEE
BEST WESTERN
SEVEN SEAS
LA QUINTA INN &
SUITES MISSION VALLEY
4
MEAL OR RESTAURANT
SAVINGS INCLUDED
UPON REQUEST FEE
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See the
best of
MARINE FAMILIES
THE FEW. THE PROUD.
Join us for L.I.N.K.S for Families
“Marine Corps 101”
Your basic training to become a member
of the Marine Corps Family!
What every Marine Corps Family needs to know:
•Culture and Traditions
•Values
•Mission
•History
•Resources
Family Day
10:30 AM
Depot Theater
Please check mccsmcrd.com for current Family Day schedule
NEW MARINE FAMILY MEET & GREET DINNER
WEDNESDAYS 5PM-8PM
An evening hosted at the Bay View Restaurant every Wednesday
before Boot Camp Graduation. It is a chance to mingle with other
new Marine families, meet the Drill Instructors and relax on the
beautiful bay on MCRD. Local micro-brewery Stone Brewing Co.
will be featuring seasonal favorites.
Plan your Marine’s Graduation Celebration.
Discounted Pricing@ the MCRD Ticket Office.
Chef’s Seasonal Buffet:
$21.95 per person
mccsmcrd.com/ticketsandtours/
Dinner served promptly at 6pm
619-725-6343
Explore Beautiful San Diego
and its many attractions!
5pm - 6pm social hour
6pm - 8pm dinner
Deadline for reservations: Saturday prior to graduation
Reservations required online at:
www.mcrdmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com
For questions call 619-725-6388
SPECIAL GUESTS: Drill Instructors
from Recruit Training Regiment!
THURSDAY FAMILY DAY
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Breakfast Buffet, Bay View Restaurant
TIME: 6:00-9:00AM
An optional event. A beautiful dining option to relax and
plan your day. Your Marine cannot join you for breakfast:
he is still under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!
Shuttle from the Depot Theater to the Bay View Restaurant
available from 6:00AM - 4:30PM.
Welcome Orientation, Depot Theater
TIME: 8:30AM-9:00AM
Hear from your Marine’s Company Commander about
what he experienced the last 13 weeks, find out about
the different Marine Corps installations worldwide, and
witness the Naturalization Ceremony of Marines becoming
U.S. Citizens.
Drill Instructors’ Brief, Command Museum
TIME: 9:00-9:30AM
Learn about the do’s and don’ts for the day from MCRD’s
Drill Instructors.
Motivational Run, Command Museum
TIME: 9:30-10:00AM
Your first chance to see your new Marine! To get the best
photos remain in one place. The Marines will make two
passes by your location.
Marine Corps 101/LINKS for Families,
Depot Theater
TIME: 10:30-11:30AM
Join us for an overview of Marine Corps history, customs,
and courtesies as well as an in-depth look at resources and
benefits available to your Marine worldwide!
Liberty Formation, Depot Theater
TIME: 12:00-12:30PM
After this ceremony you can go over and give your Marine
a big hug!
Depot Liberty
TIME: 12:20-5:00PM
Spend the afternoon with your new Marine! Remember:
your Marine MUST stay on base. (During summer months,
Depot Liberty ends at 6:00PM)
Liberty Lunch Buffet, Bay View Restaurant
TIME: 11:00-4:00PM
Meet your Marine’s DI, Shuttle Stop Service.
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Please check mccsmcrd.com for up-to-date
Family Day schedule.
FRIDAY GRADUATION
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Breakfast Buffet, Bay View Restaurant
TIME: 6:30-9:00AM
An optional event. A beautiful dining option to relax and
plan your day. Your Marine cannot join you for breakfast:
he is still under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!
Colors Ceremony,
Commanding General’s Building
TIME: 8:00-08:30AM
An optional event beginning promptly at 0800. Witness
the raising of the flags and enjoy performances by Marine
Band San Diego and the Color Guard.
Graduation Seating,
Parade Deck Bleachers
TIME: 8:30-9:45AM
Please be in your seats no later than 9:45 AM.
Graduation Ceremony, Parade Deck
TIME: 10:00AM-12:00PM
Graduation marks the end of a Marine’s time in boot
camp. It is his final dismissal and the culmination of his
Recruit training. The graduation ceremony includes the
graduating Marines, their Drill Instructors and other key
training personnel.
Lunch Service, Bay View Restaurant
TIME: 11:00AM-1:30PM
Lunch menu service is provided for visitors.
The Bay View Restaurant is known for impeccable service.
Graduating Marines will receive a free meal!
PASS IN REVIEW:
YOUR MARINE
RECRUIT GRADUATION
This exclusive video forever captures the unforgettable day
your Marine experiences as one of the proudest moments of
this military career – his Marine Corps Recruit Depot Graduation.
The 2 disc set is two hours long and includes:
SHOPPING AT
MCRD EXCHANGE
MARINE MART
• Eagle, Globe, and Anchor ceremony at Camp Pendleton
• Liberty Formation and Graduation at MCRD San Diego
• Motivational Run
$35.00 DVD – Pass in Review Video ships to your home within
4-6 weeks of order. The DVD can only be ordered during your
Recruit’s graduation week or after, and not before.
Order forms are available at the Main Exchange in the USMC
memorabilia department.
Opens at 6:00 am
Prepared Food, Coffee, Beverages, Batteries, Sunscreen
THE MAIN EXCHANGE
Opens at 9:00 am
Mens/Womens/Childrens Clothing, Shoes, Accessories,
Jewelry, Cosmetics, Sunglasses.
Electronics, Luggage, Sporting Goods and Uniforms
HOME STORE
Opens at 9:00 am
Housewares, Domestics, Gourmet Food, Small Electrics
USMC LOGO STORE
Opens at 9:00 am
Wide selection of Marine Corps memorabilia including
Battalion/Company shirts and coins
GRADUATION KEEPSAKES
Browse through an array of USMC memorabilia and
personalized keepsakes from our vendors on the MCX
plaza, on Family Day and Graduation Day.
Keepsakes include battalion and company replica
guidons (flags), 3D photos, portraits, picture frames
and other unique souvenirs.
HISTORY OF THE
CHALLENGE COIN
Challenge coins are presented to service members as an
award for special achievements and to commemorate
special occasions.
The Recruit Training Regiment unit coins are some of the
most highly coveted challenge coins in the Marine Corps,
representing each Marine’s first unit in the Corps. The
coins serve as a well-earned reminder of the challenges
faced and overcome during recruit training. The coins also
serve as a brilliant memento or souvenir for proud family
members who travel to see their loved ones graduate from
boot camp.
Recruit Training Regiment Challenge Coins are available for
purchase at the Main Exchange.
ELECTRONIC MCX GIFT
CARDS FOR YOUR MARINE
Electronic gift cards are available for purchase for your
Marine at mymcx.com. The cards are delivered instantly by
email, and can be used at any Marine Corps Exchange. The
perfect gift, especially from those who are unable to attend
your Marine’s graduation!
Visit my.mcx.com
PLACES TO EAT
ON BASE
Official USMC gear
and Challenge Coins
available at
the Exchange!
THE BAY VIEW RESTAURANT
FAMILY DAY
Breakfast Buffet
6:00AM – 9:00AM
Liberty Lunch Buffet
11:00AM – 4:00PM
Meet your Marine’s DI, Shuttle Service Stop
GRADUATION DAY
Breakfast Buffet 6:30AM – 9:00AM
Lunch Service 11:00AM – 1:30PM
Bring the family to celebrate!
GRADUATING MARINES WILL RECEIVE A FREE MEAL
DOMINO’S
At the Rec Center
Family Day 10:00AM – 11:00PM
Graduation 10:00AM – 1:00AM
BULLDOG TAVERN
At the Rec Center
Family Day 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Graduation 1:00PM – 1:00AM
OUTDOOR BARBEQUE
er_usmcGear_ad.indd 1
11/25/14 10:20 AM
Family Day 12:00PM – 4:00PM
On the Exchange Plaza
Burgers, Fries, Chicken Sandwiches,
BBQ Beef or Pork Sandwiches
STARBUCKS
6:00AM – 5:00PM
Near the Exchange Plaza
Coffee, Beverages, Food
SHUTTLE SERVICE
BAY VIEW SHUTTLE SERVICE
(Family Day only)
6:00AM – 4:30PM
First Stop – Depot Theater
Second Stop – Command Museum
Third Stop – MCX Mall
Fourth Stop – Bay View Restaurant
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NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED
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MCRD SAN DIEGO
REC CENTER
H Domino’s Pizza H
H Bulldog Tavern H
H 12-Lane Bowling Center H
H Movie Theater H
H Plenty of inside seating H
H Sports on multiple TVs H
H Wi-fi available H
NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED
NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED
SeaWorld® Salutes the Men,
Women and Families
of our Armed Forces.
Visit your Information, Tickets &
Tours Office for special offers.
© 2015 SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.
NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT IMPLIED
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