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2 5 0 San Diego is home to the largest concentration of naval power in the world, anchoring missions across the Indo-Pacific and standing as a cornerstone of American defense. e Continental Congress established the U.S. Navy on October 13, 1775. at same year, the Congress commissioned Samuel Nicholas of Philadelphia to raise two battalions, leading to the creation of the Marines. Nicholas is traditionally regarded as the first Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the first place he sought recruits was at his local watering hole, the Tun Tavern. Since their founding 250 years ago, the United States Navy and Marine Corps have valiantly defended our nation with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment. ey have fought in countless battles, and San Diego's military roots run deep, dating back to 1846, during the Mexican- American War, when sailors and Marines from the USS Cyane secured what is present-day Old Town and took a stand at Mule Hill during the Battle of San Pasqual. eodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet made a stop in San Diego following the completion of the Panama Canal in 1908, and soon after, the Marines established Camp Howard, now known as the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. By 1921, the region was home to Naval Air Station North Island, Naval Station San Diego, and Marine Corps Base San Diego as well. San Diego also played a pivotal role in World War II as a major staging ground for Pacific operations in addition to building warships, training aviators, and preparing Marines for combat. at legacy continued through the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Desert Storm, and into the current post-9/11 era, and to celebrate this remarkable history, the Navy and Marines are hosting a joint birthday bash on the Broadway Pier, November 6, from 5 to 9pm, to which all are invited. "We are fortunate to have many, many of our awesome veteran organizations and leaders coming together to put on this once- in-a-lifetime event," says Phil Kendro, a retired Marine pilot and chair of the 250th Navy and Marine Corps Celebration Committee. Among many others, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, Zero8Hundred, and the San Diego Military Advisory Council Foundation have all been involved, and Alaska Airlines has generously sponsored a VIP section. e celebration coincides with Fleet Week, and there will be multiple generals and admirals on hand as guests of honor, along with elected officials including Mayor Todd Gloria. ere will also be a unique joint cake-cutting ceremony. Typically involving the oldest and youngest Marine or sailor present, in this case, Honor Flight San Diego will bring several veterans who have already passed the century mark. Along with music, dancing, and guest speakers, there will be displays of current and future Navy and Marine Corps equipment as well as ship tours, including a Coast Guard Cutter and a tall ship sent by the Colombian Navy. Community members are encouraged to upload pictures of their active-duty or veteran family members, which will be looping on a large screen throughout the festivities. In June of next year, NASCAR will host a historic race on Coronado at Naval Air Station North Island — the first NASCAR event ever held on an active-duty military base, and the Navy NASCAR will be on display as well. 250sd.org BILL ABRAMS ranchandcoast.com 44 NOVEMBER 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Recruits obstacle course, 1944 San Diego Fleet Week RECRUITS: PHOTO COURTESY OF MCRD MUSEUM FLEET WEEK: PHOTO BY ED LANGMAID