OCEANSIDE, Calif. -- Jutting 1,954 feet into the Pacific Ocean, the Oceanside Pier draws enormous crowds of people from all walks of life to the sun-bleached beaches surrounding it during the summer months.
Another walk of life was present Saturday. Only a select few beaches worldwide have seen this unique walk of life.
Assault Amphibian Vehicles and a hovercraft took the beach from the sea, joined by both modern and vintage land vehicles.
All together, approximately 100 yards of the popular beach was packed with Marines and their tools of war for the 5th Annual Operation Appreciation.
“The primary purpose of Operation Appreciation is thanking the Marines for what they do day in and day out,” said David L. Nydegger, chief executive officer for the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and host of Operation Appreciation. “Every year, more and more people show up. This year, we brought enough food to feed approximately 4,000 Marines and their families. As for the civilians, it’s a unique opportunity to experience the military first hand on a sunny Saturday afternoon.”
The colossal equipment on the beach was the first stop for most curious beach goers passing by.
“I’m glad that (the Marine Corps) has our back,” said Bob Brann, an Oceanside resident who just watched a crew of artillerymen from Battery C, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division dry fire an M777 155 mm howitzer. “I’d hate to be on the receiving end of our military.”
In addition to the large displays of Vietnam-era jeeps, Desert Storm-era Dune Buggies and modern transportation vehicles, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal display showed off small-arms from various countries and eras.
“We have both current and vintage equipment out here,” said Master Gunnery Sgt. James C. King, the 11th Marine Regiment’s Motor Transportation Chief and a 45-year-old from Glendora. “Most of the equipment out here came from Camp Pendleton’s Mechanized Museum, but we have some equipment and Marines we borrowed from several units on base.”
King added that the active-duty Marines and equipment were meant to give the civilian patrons an up-close-and-personal look at what Marines do for a living.
“Most people have no idea what our equipment really looks like; they just know what they see from the movies,” said Cpl. Otis B. Karngbaye, a motor transportation mechanic with Headquarters Battery, 11th Marines and a 23-year-old from Liberia, Africa. “It’s pretty fun to show people what you do for a living.”
Oceanside’s Mayor, Jim Wood, addressed attendees during Operation Appreciation.
“These Marines before you are the defenders of our nation; we just want them to know just how much we appreciate what they do for us every day,” Wood said.