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    Camp Pendleton hosts Marine West Expo

    Camp Pendleton hosts Marine West Expo

    Photo By Sgt. Angela Wilcox | U.S. Marines learn about educational opportunities during the Marine West Expo at the...... read more read more

    CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

    02.06.2020

    Story by Lance Cpl. Angela Wilcox 

    Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

    Marines, sailors, Department of Defense employees and their families attended the 29th annual Marine West Expo at the 22 Area parade deck on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, Feb. 6.

    The expo, open to all DOD ID card holders, allowed attendees to observe product demonstrations and industry briefings covering the latest in emerging military equipment, vehicles, technology and training systems. The exposition showcased 110 companies’ ideas for the progression of the military.

    Pat Connell, the assistant vice commandant for the Marine Corps League’s Southwest Division, says this is the tenth exposition that he’s attended. “We try to intermingle with them (Marines) as best we can, and make it a lot of fun for them. That’s why we’re here. I enjoy the camaraderie with all of my fellow Marines and I look forward to coming here every year.”

    The day kicked off with Warrior Day, a physical training session led by retired Sgt. Maj. Michael P. Barrett, the 17th sergeant major of the Marine Corps. Participants gained valuable knowledge on equipment and techniques in order to lead fellow Marines in physical training.

    The opening ceremony began just before 10 a.m., when the guest of honor and 1st Marine Logistics Group Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Roberta Shea, gave opening remarks to welcome the attendees. Shea proceeded to cut a ribbon, signifying that the exhibits were then open for Camp Pendleton patrons to browse new technologies and engage with developers.

    U.S. Marine Cpl. Raul Villacorta, an administrative specialist with Installation Personnel Administration Center, MCB Camp Pendleton, described his experience as a first-timer at the event. “I enjoyed the expo. There was a lot of equipment in there that I’ve never seen in my life, so I didn’t know how it worked. I found it pretty interesting.”

    “Our tagline is ‘come see the future’, so we want Marines to be participants in the future of the force,” stated Alex Hetherington, the show director for the Marine West Expo. “We have people that are producing equipment and platforms for the Marine Corps, small arms systems, personal equipment items — but also, about 20% of our exhibitors are nonprofits and foundations that serve the needs of Marines and their family members.”

    The Marine West Expo is a partnership between the Marine Corps Association Foundation and the Marine Corps League, both of which sponsor the event. Elaborating on the effort that goes into planning the show, Hetherington notes that “It takes a full year of coordination. Marine Corps Installations - West is a great partner for us and we deeply appreciate it.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 02.06.2020
    Date Posted: 02.07.2020 20:08
    Story ID: 362161
    Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US

    Web Views: 205
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN