If you gaze up at the sky in America’s Finest City, there’s a high probability you’ll see a piece of military aircraft soaring above.
In San Diego, the strong presence of the military in the community is hard to ignore. Camp Pendleton, which houses the Marine Expeditionary Force, is the first indicator that San Diego is a military-centric town.
When entering the county, the base is one of the initial sights that drivers encounter. Since World War II, hundreds of thousands of Marines have undergone training at the base.
“Our military presence here is incredibly significant,” stated Jim Kidrick, a retired Navy fighter pilot and commander, who now serves as the CEO of the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
Kidrick engaged in a discussion with Scripps News to delve into the impact of the military on San Diego for this week’s edition of Path to the White House. This episode focuses on the importance of America’s military communities and examines the influence of the Israel-Hamas conflict on voters.
Kidrick highlighted the fact that with 110,000 active-duty service members stationed in San Diego, along with crucial defense assets, the city has become the central hub. The San Diego Military Advisory Council notes that San Diego, home to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, boasts the largest military concentration in the world.
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According to the council’s 2022 estimates, the military has a $56.4 billion impact on the local economy. The council reports that around 225,000 veterans reside in the coastal California city, with over 354,000 individuals employed in defense-related roles.
Kidrick emphasized that San Diego’s geographical positioning allows the U.S. to swiftly respond to any conflict. He mentioned that aircraft carriers, planes, and personnel can be rapidly dispatched.
“If there was ever a full-scale war, San Diego would undoubtedly be a target due to its immense value,” he stated.
Key military assets in the area include Naval Base San Diego, which houses over 50 ships across more than 300 scenic acres on the San Diego Bay.
Inland, MCAS Miramar serves as the Marine aviation headquarters on the West Coast.
The base is renowned for its annual air show, where spectators witness military aircraft flying at incredible speeds. In Coronado, the country’s elite undergo training to become Navy SEALs. Only a few successfully pass the arduous and sometimes perilous “Hell Week,” which tests physical and mental endurance.
Close by at Naval Base Point Loma, some of the world’s most advanced attack submarines are stationed. The base served as the backdrop for President Joe Biden’s announcement of a nuclear submarine deal with Australia and the U.K. in 2023.
“All of the major commands are located right here,” Kidrick remarked.
This article was originally published by Austin Grabish on Scripps News San Diego.
