marine corps recruit depot

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION FROM ........................4-5
A/CS, MCCS
DEPOT INFORMATION ...........................6
DIRECTIONS TO MCRD ..........................7
CWT SATOTRAVEL ...............................8
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS ....................9
LOCAL HOTEL LISTINGS...................10-11
CWT SATOTRAVEL TERMS & CONDITIONS .12
PLACES OF INTEREST..........................13
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS ..............14
EVENT ITINERARY ..............................15
PLACES TO EAT .................................16
SHOPPING AT MCRD ...........................17
DEPOT COMMAND MUSEUM .............18-19
HISTORY OF THE CHALLENGE COIN .....20-21
DEPOT PARKING PASSES .................23-26
DEPOT MAP...........................back page
mccsmcrd.com | 619-725-6400
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WELCOME TO
MCRD - SAN DIEGO
United States
Marine CORPS
Marine Corps recruit depot
western recruiting Region
Dear Marine Corps Family and Friends,
I want to make you aware of a very
special program to make your visit to
San Diego for graduation ceremonies the
highest quality experience at the lowest
cost possible.
In cooperation with CWT SatoTravel, our
official travel management company, and
the San Diego Convention and Visitors
Bureau, over 50 hotels compete in a bid
process for the right to provide lodging
to our Family and Friends during their
stay in San Diego. Seventeen hotels were
selected from these 50 for this honor for
the following reasons:
‑The lowest possible rate guarantee
‑The best quality hotel including ameni‑
ties and overall facilities.
‑The closest locations to Marine Corps
Recruit Depot.
san diego, california
As you can see, we think you are very
special and know you deserve the very
best in quality and service. In addition, a
percentage of all revenues from this program go to provide morale and recreation
programs for service members and their
families stationed here at Marine Corps
Recruit Depot, San Diego. I urge you to
take advantage of this program to assure
the best possible combination of quality
and rate during your stay in San Diego.
Attached please find a list of hotels from
which to choose. We have rooms already
reserved for your graduation date.
R. D. Parker
Assistant Chief of Staff
Marine Corps Community Services
MCRD San Diego, CA
‑The inclusion of transportation to and
from MCRD and the airport.
‑ The guarantee that a room will be avail‑
able even during the high peak tourism
season.
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- Comments from Marine family members.
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DEPOT INFORMATION
• On Family Day and Graduation Day all visitor
vehicles MUST enter through Gate #5 (Washington Street, exit off I-5). Vehicle inspections and ID
checks will take place. All packages, handbags and
luggage are subjects to search prior to being admitted to the Depot.
• Shuttles from hotels and motels MUST use Gate
#5 ONLY. Shuttles will be inspected each time they
enter the Depot. Be prepared to show a photo ID
when entering the Depot and keep your photo ID
with you at all times. Hotel shuttle pick-up location is
the Depot Theater. Check with your hotel for shuttle
availability.
• Occupants of vehicles attempting to enter MCRD
must be restrained by her/his own seat belt.
• Items such as knives, guns, etc., will be confiscated
and not returned.
• Due to possible long lines at Gate #5, it is recommended that you arrive early each day at the Depot.
• Strollers and wheelchairs are not available.
• On graduation days Gate #5 opens for visitors at
6:00 am.
• Do not walk across the asphalt parade deck (Shepherd Field) at any time – please walk around the
perimeter of the deck.
• For your safety please use sidewalks – do not walk
in the street.
• Please limit pets to service animals
• Outside alcohol is not permitted on base
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Note: There may be changes in the levels of
security alert that alter scheduled events.
www.mccsmcrd.com
DIRECTIONS
TO MCRD
FROM THE NORTH–TO MCRD GATE 5
Drive south on Interstate 5. Take the Washington
Street exit (The second southbound exit after I8 exit). Once you exit, turn right onto Washington
Street and continue straight ahead to gate 5. FedEx
delivery planes will be on your left.
FROM THE SOUTH–TO MCRD GATE 5
Take I-5 North to the Washington Street exit.
Washington St. will split into both West and East.
Take Washington St. to the West (Turn left). Go
across the railroad tracks and under the freeway
overpass. Head towards the airport air control
tower. Now continue straight ahead to gate 5. FedEx
delivery planes will be on your left.
FROM THE EAST–TO MCRD GATE 5
Drive I-8 West to I-5 South. Take the Washington
Street exit (The second southbound exit after I8 exit). Once you exit, turn right onto Washington
Street and continue straight ahead to gate 5. FedEx
delivery planes will be on your left.
FROM THE WEST–TO MCRD GATE 5
From Rosecrans Street in Point Loma, take
Rosecrans Street to Lyton Street and go right. Lyton
Street will become Barnett Avenue. Continue down
Barnett Avenue to Pacific Coast Highway. Go right
onto Pacific Coast Highway. Follow Pacific Coast
Highway to Washington Street. Turn right onto
Washington Street and continue straight ahead to
gate 5. FedEx delivery planes will be on your left.
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CWT SATOTRAVEL
CWT SatoTravel offices assist young men
who become a part of the Few, the Proud.
They are your sons and you are our family.
CWT SatoTravel provides personal and professional care in arranging your flights, cars
and hotels.
Please visit www.cwtsatotravel.com. Many of
your questions about planning your trip will be
answered here. Once you are ready to make
your reservations call our service line at: 1800-755-5670. Select option two to reach our
Family and Friends team. They are dedicated
to finding the best quality and value while arranging your travel to San Diego. Besides
booking your travel, you have the option of
booking your Marines flight home after graduation. If your Marine will be traveling with you
at the time, we recommend that his ticket be
purchased when you purchase yours. This will
ensure you will be on the same flight. Most of
the rates quoted require advance purchase,
are non-transferable, non-refundable and
have penalties should changes be necessary.
Round trip tickets are generally the most economical.
CWT SatoTravel offers numerous car rental
options. Rates start as low as $22.00 a day
depending on availability and season. Rent a
car and see Americas Finest City!
Military & Government Travel Solutions
Call Our Toll-Free Number For Airline, Hotel And
Car Reservations
1(800)755-5670 (select Option #2)
FAMILY AND FRIENDS PROGRAM
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Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 4:30 pm PT
Closed Weekends and Federal Holidays
www.CWTSatoTravel.com
HOTEL
ACCOMMODATIONS
Rooms for the Friends and Family program
are reserved for advance purchase.
Please secure your room reservations
no less than 2 weeks in advance, as
accommodations in San Diego are limited.
CWT SatoTravel hotel partners have
been selected based on their proximity to
MCRD, quality, and affordability. Should
it become necessary to alter your travel
plans, all hotel reservations must be
cancelled within 24 hours of scheduled
arrival to avoid room charges.
Family and Friends hotel rates are per
room for up to 4 guests – depending on
the property. Most suite hotels include a
sofa bed and most offer roll-away beds
and cribs for an additional fee.
After reviewing the Hotel Chart on the
next page you can get more details on
each hotel’s seasonal rates and rooms at
www.cwtsatotravel.com. Remember to call
us directly to make reservations.
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LOCAL HOTEL LISTINGS
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CWT SATOTRAVEL
TERMS & CONDITIONS
PLACES OF INTEREST
Payment: Payment must be made by a credit or debit card with a Visa,
MasterCard, American Express or Discover logo. CWT SatoTravel
reserves the right to cancel reservations if full payment is not received
for the service fees or airline tickets by the due date specified at the
time reservations are made. A processing Fee of $25.00 per ticket
in the same itinerary applies with a cap of $60.00 (some restrictions
apply). A $2.00 GDS “pass through” fee also applies per ticket with no
cap. Hotel or car only reservations will result in a flat $15.00 processing
fee per itinerary for bookings made earlier than two weeks before
graduation week (the fee is $20.00 per itinerary for bookings made
within two weeks of graduation week). A percentage of these fees go
back to MCRD.
Late Booking: CWT SatoTravel releases all hotel and car rental
blocks 2 weeks prior to each graduation week. It is suggested that
reservations be made several weeks prior to arrival or right after your
recruit’s telephone call home.
Revision Charges: If your recruit will not graduate as originally
scheduled, the hotels do not generally access a penalty to change
reservations if you notify CWT SatoTravel or the hotel prior to your
scheduled arrival date. Depending on the airline and fare basis you
have selected, there may be additional fees and charges to change
your airline tickets.
Documents: Most airline ticketing is electronic. To receive your
boarding pass for your flight, you need only to check in with the airline
a minimum of 90 minutes prior to your flight. You must provide them
with a government issued photo ID for all passengers 18 and older.
Please note - the name on your ID must match the name on your ticket
(no nicknames) in order to be allowed on your flight. If you are not sure
of the name on your ID (or of those traveling with you), please check
before calling. Verify your ticket type (paper or electronic) with your
travel agent at time of purchase.
Cancellation and Refunds: Service fees are non-refundable.
No refunds will be made for any unused portion of car rental or hotel
nights. Airline tickets have other restrictions and are, in most cases,
non-refundable once issued.
Rental Cars: In addition to applicable rental charges, the renter is
responsible for all taxes, and additional charges or penalties incurred, if
you decide to extend your car rental beyond the contract. The rates do
not include sales tax, gas, collision damage waiver. Certain restrictions
apply. Optional refueling charge may be available. Note: The renter
must have a valid drivers license to present at the time of checking in
regardless of who will be driving the vehicle.
Responsibility: CWT SatoTravel is a private company operating
under a written agreement with MCRD. CWT SatoTravel services are
provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status or
physical handicap.
CWT SatoTravel acts only in the capacity of an agent for the
transportation companies, whether land, sea, air, hotel, rental car, tour,
restaurant, entertainment or other travel services. CWT SatoTravel
does not own or operate such transportation and travel services and
therefore maintains no control whatsoever over the personnel, facilities,
equipment or operations of the suppliers of such services. CWT
SatoTravel shall therefore not be responsible or liable to its customers
for any claims, losses, or expenses arising out of inconvenience to the
customer, damage to his or her luggage or other personal property from
any cause and the customer waives any and all such responsibility or
liability.
OLD TOWN, san diego
A historic state park with great restaurants
and authentic old west buildings. Old Town
offers dining, shopping, tours, and more…
all in a scenic walking environment.
downtown, san diego
Downtown features several districts
including Little Italy, The Gaslamp, and
The East Village. Must see’s include:
Horton Plaza, Seaport Village and
Petco Park. There are first class
restaurants, clubs, live
entertainment,
and shops.
The Contract including the conditions of carriage in use by the airline
shall constitute the sole contract between the airline and the purchaser
and/or passenger.
Tipping is recommended for shuttle drivers, bellmen, hotel maids and
restaurant servers.
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All rates are valid until December 31, 2009. Prices subject to change.
Federal or military endorsement of sponsor is not
intended
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IMPORTANT
PHONE NUMBERS
EVENT
ITINERARY
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800-755-5 0-4:30
Mon-Fri 7:3 tsatotravel com
mily@cw
email: friendsfa
MCRD Graduation Info
619-725-6400
DAY ONE – Family Day
6:30 – 9:00AM
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Bay View
.
www.mcc smcrd.co m
Recruit
Photo /
6 19 - 2 9 6 - Video Sales
3840
Marine Corps Exchange/US Marine Corps Store
619-7 25-64 46
Tickets and Tours Office
Discounted tickets to: San Diego Zoo, Sea
World, SD Wild Animal Park, Harbor Excursion, Universal Studios and much more.
619-725-6343 / 6304
9:30AM
DRILL INSTRUCTOR BRIEF
Museum
10:30AM
MOTO RUN / WELCOME ORIENTATION
12:30PM
LIBERTY FORMATION
Parade Deck
Meet your Marine. You may walk
around the Depot. Certain recruit
training areas are off-limits to visitors
(see map). During liberty, graduating
Marines may not leave the Depot.
2:00 – 5:00PM
LIBERTY LUNCH BUFFET
Bay View
DAY two – Graduation day
Know your Marine’s
platoon number.
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1:00 – 6:00PM
BASE LIBERTY
6:30 – 9:00AM
BREAKFAST BUFFET
Bay View
8:00 – 8:30AM
COLORS CEREMONY
Bldg. 31
9:30 – 9:45AM
GRADUATION SEATING
Parade Deck
10:00 – 12:00PM
GRADUATION CEREMONY
Parade Deck
11:00 – 1:30PM
DINING ROOM LUNCH
Bay View
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RECRUIT
GRAD GEAR
It has been 13 weeks since you last saw your Recruit.
We salute you and your family members for the sacrifices you are making. Each week here at MCRD,
we get to witness the making of United States Marines. It is an honor to see these young men and their
families celebrate their transformation. Show your
Marine Corps pride and preorder your Recruits Battalion & Company T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets.
Visit our website www.mccsmcrd.com and click
on “Recruit Grad Gear”. Choose from a wide selection of T-shirts, sweatshirts and other Marine Corps
memorabilia. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping.
PLACES
TO EAT
The bay view Restaurant
Breakfast Buffet 6:30 am – 9:00 am
Bay View Shuttle Service begins at 6:30 am
First Stop – Depot Theater
Second Stop – Depot Museum from the Parade Deck
Third Stop – Exchange Mall, West End
Liberty Lunch Buffet 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Meet your Marine’s DI
Graduation Day Dining 11:00 pm – 1:30 pm
New Marine Graduates eat free
For the latest dining hours and information log
onto : www.mccsmcrd.com
SHOPPING
AT MCRD
the Marketplace
Convenience store
Opens at 6:00 am
Film, Batteries, Food and Beverages
The Marine Corps Store
Opens at 8:00 am on Family Day
Wide Selection of Marine Corps Memorabilia
including Battalion/Company t-shirts
Platoon Photos available for purchase on Family
Day only.
Discovery electronics and
uniform store
Opens at 8:00 am on Family Day
2nd Level above Food Court
the main exchange
Opens at 9:00 am on Family Day
Mens/Women Clothing, Shoes, Accessories,
Jewelry, Cosmetics
Home store
Opens at 9:00 am on Family Day
Houswares, Gifts, Sporting Goods, Hardware,
Garden and Pets
Recreation center
Facility Opens at 7:00 am
Free arcade games, computers
Bowling Opens at 9:00 am
Lunch Opens at 11:00 am
Free calls in continental US for Active-Duty
T-shirts, sweatshirts are available at the Marine Corps
Store and at the Recruit Exchange
www.mccsmcrd.com
the locker room
bar & grill
Family Day Dining 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Graduation Day Dining 11:00 am – midnight
Food Court
Opens at 6:30 am for Breakfast
10:00 am for Lunch
Stars’n’Stripes Deli • Mongolian Stir Fry
A&W Hamburgers • Villa Pizza
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starbucks
Opens at 6:00 am
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DEPOT COMMAND
MUSEUM
Hours of operation
Monday – Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Free Admission, Handicap accessible
The Marine Corps began providing formalized
training for recruits in 1911. Training for the western
half of the United States originally took place at the
Marine Barracks on Mare Island in San Francisco.
In 1923, recruit training moved to the new Marine
Corps Base in San Diego. The first group of recruits arrived for training on 12 August 1923.
In addition to a variety of schools, Marine Corps
Base San Diego has been home to the 4th, 6th and
10th Marine Regiments, the Fleet Marine Force and
the 2nd Marine Division. However, the main focus
of the base has always been training and “the making of Marines.” On 1 January 1948, Marine Corps
Base, San Diego was officially renamed Marine
Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego. In the 1970’s the
focus increased to include the recruiting effort and
the Depot became Headquarters, Western Recruiting Region.
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Known for its unique Spanish Colonial Revival style
appearance, the overall site and specific building plans were developed by renowned architect,
Bertram Goodhue, who also designed the buildings built in San Diego’s Balboa Park for the 1915
Panama-California Exposition. Twenty-five of the
Depot’s buildings are on the National Register of
Historic Places. Thirteen buildings have been
named for famous Marines, such a Daly Barracks,
Pendleton Hall, McDougall Hall, and Day Hall.
The Command Museum, which is located in Building 26, Day Hall, opened its doors on 10 November 1987. The museum, which got its start as the
Memorial Room in the old Visitor’s Center, features
a video theater, five permanent galleries, an art collection, and a research center. The mission of the
museum is to portray an educational setting that
teaches the legacy of the Marine Corps, wherein
recruits are taught Marine Corps history and an
educational program is available for schools in the
San Diego region. Recruits receive their Marine
Corps history classes from museum docents on the
56th day of training. The museum’s education program provides classes for schools in the San Diego
area. There is also a gift shop sponsored by the
Not-for-Profit Museum Historical Society. Guided
tours are available for student, adult, and reunion
groups.
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HISTORY OF THE
CHALLENGE COIN
Like so many other aspects of military tradition, the
origins of the challenge coin are a matter of much
debate with little supporting evidence. While many
organizations and services claim to have been the
originators of the challenge coin, the most commonly
held view is that the tradition began in the United
States Army Air Service (a forerunner of the current
U.S. Air Force) during World War I.
As the legend goes, a wealthy lieutenant, ordered
small, solid-bronze medallions (or coins), which he
then presented to the other pilots in his squadron as
mementos of their service together. The coin was
gold-plated, bore the squadron’s insignia, and was
quite valuable. One of the pilots in the squadron, who
had never owned anything like the coin, placed it in a
leather pouch he wore around his neck for safekeeping. A short while later, this pilot’s aircraft was shot
down behind enemy lines and he was captured by
the Germans. The Germans confiscated the personal
belongings from his pockets, but they didn’t catch
the leather pouch around his neck. He was held
overnight in a small German-held French village near
the front. During the night, the town was bombarded
by the British, creating enough confusion to allow the
pilot to escape.
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The pilot avoided German patrols by donning civilian
attire, but all of his identification had been confiscated
so he had no way to prove his identity. With great difficulty, he made contact with a French patrol. Unfortunately for him, the French mistook the American pilot
for a German saboteur and immediately prepared to
execute him. Desperate to prove his allegiance and
without any identification, the pilot pulled out the coin
from his leather pouch and showed it to his French
captors. One of the Frenchmen recognized the unit
insignia on the coin and delayed the execution long
enough to confirm the pilot’s identity.
Once the pilot safely returned to his squadron, it
became a tradition for all members to carry their coin
at all times. To ensure compliance, the pilots would
challenge each other to produce the coin. If the challenged couldn’t produce the coin, he was required to
buy a drink of choice for the challenger. If the challenged could produce the coin, the challenger would
purchase the drink.
This tradition spread to other flying squadrons and,
eventually, to other military units in all branches of
service and even to non military organizations. Today,
challenge coins are given to service members as an
award to improve morale and sold to commemorate
special occasions or as fundraisers.
The tradition of a challenge is the most common way
to ensure that members are carrying their unit’s coin.
The rules of a challenge are not always formalized
for a unit, and may vary between organizations. The
challenge, which can be held at any time, begins with
the challenger drawing his/her coin. Anyone being
challenged must immediately produce their coin for
their organization and anyone failing to do so must
buy a drink of choice for the challenger. However,
should anyone challenged be able to produce their
coin, the challenger must buy a drink of choice for
that individual. While this tradition is normally associated with a social atmosphere, units will substitute
push ups for a drink of choice.
The Recruit Training Regiment unit coins are some
of the most highly coveted challenge coins within the
Marine Corps. It is these coins that represent each
Marine’s first unit in the Corps. The coins serve as a
stark 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 unit coins can be
purchased from the Museum or the Drill Instructors located on the MCRD Exchange Mall on
Parents Day and Graduation Day. Coins are sold
for $10 each and all proceeds are used to support
morale, welfare, and recreation initiatives in support of the Regiment’s Marines and their families.
Support your Drill Instructors today!
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22
Place
Battalion
Sticker
Here
Display this pass at all times in the driver’s side corner of the front windshield.
• Seatbelts are mandatory on the Depot.
• Hand held cellular phone use is prohibited while driving.
• Speed limit is 20 mph. unless otherwise posted.
• Entry aboard MCRD San Diego implies consent to
search your person and/or vehicle!
MCRD GRADUATION
PARKING PASS
OFF
LIMITS
www.mccsmcrd.com
619-725-6400
Place
Battalion
Sticker
Here
Display this pass at all times in the driver’s side corner of the front windshield.
• Seatbelts are mandatory on the Depot.
• Hand held cellular phone use is prohibited while driving.
• Speed limit is 20 mph. unless otherwise posted.
• Entry aboard MCRD San Diego implies consent to
search your person and/or vehicle!
MCRD GRADUATION
PARKING PASS
MAP OF THE BASE
MAP OF THE BASE
OFF
LIMITS
www.mccsmcrd.com
619-725-6400
27
OFF
LIMITS
MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT,
San Diego, California
Name
Company Name
Graduation Date
Platoon #
www.mccsmcrd.com
619-725-6400
Although we appreciate sponsor’s support, the USMC and the
federal government do not endorse sponsors and their product.