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SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the grand opening of its new Active Duty Center, April, 27, 2023, which will provide much appreciated amenities and services to single Marines and sailors.
Brig. Gen. Jason L. Morris, the commanding general of MCRD San Diego and Western Recruiting Region, spoke to a crowd of staff and service members, explaining the importance of the new center.
"The Marine Corps is a family," Morris said. "Oftentimes we focus on our families, but this building supports the single Marines and Sailors that live on our base."
The project will be part of Morris' legacy at the depot, and has been passed down through several commanding generals at the Depot. The project’s location has also moved a handful of times, as plans for the center have been in the works for nearly a decade.
"Originally we were going to be in the boathouse [at the marina near the Bay View restaurant],..but we're here today ready to open it." said Mike Lee, Director of Marine Corps Community Services.
After the cutting of the ribbon, the crowd moved indoors to explore the new space. Lance Cpl. Yoselyn Quilesmatos, the president of MCRD San Diego's Single Marine Program, spoke about some of particular amenities that the center has.
"We have a kitchen that is free to use for all active-duty service members," Quilesmatos stated. "They also have a computer room, television, a ping pong and pool tables; even a theater and gaming room."
Service members will be able to work on college courses or personal projects in the computer room, watch movies and play games, or even just hangout with their friends in the new center. Quilesmatos is most excited about the ability to use the kitchen as a gathering space.
"I think I'm definitely most excited about the kitchen," Quilesmatos said. "Like whenever you want to have a get together with your friends - you want to have a potluck night - you can just have a good time."
Quilesmatos also understands the importance of this project to the Single Marine Program, as it provides a special space for service members aboard the base.
"It's a huge milestone," Quilesmatos stated. "It's a really good thing that it's open because now the Marines get to have a private area to themselves."
For service members interested in using the center, its hours of operation are Sunday - Thursday from 10:30 to 21:00 and Friday - Saturday from 10:30 to 23:00, located on the second story of building 10 facing the parade deck.
| Date Taken: | 04.26.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 04.28.2023 13:08 |
| Story ID: | 443594 |
| Location: | SAN DIEGO, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 391 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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