Vice President JD Vance hikes with Camp Pendleton Marines

Erika I. Ritchie, The Orange County Register on Jul 15, 2025

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Vice President JD Vance tested his physical abilities at California's Camp Pendleton recently when he went hiking with Marines from the base’s Headquarters and Support Battalion.

Vance, who served in the Marines, kept up well while encouraging the troops and reinforcing values of camaraderie and unit cohesion, base officials said. The hike, on Friday, July 11, was three miles, including climbing some hills while carrying a weighted backpack.

“It was a great experience for our Marines to meet and engage with the vice president of the United States, a former Marine,” said Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah. “It speaks to the unbreakable bond that all Marines, both past and present, share with each other. Vice President Vance imparted great insights and shared memorable personal stories with all. This was truly inspiring for our Marines, and we’re extremely grateful for this opportunity.”

He did the hike while his wife, Usha Vance, the country’s second lady, read to Blue Star families at an event center on base.

Later on Friday, the Vance family arrived by motorcade at the Disneyland Resort, and the family was spotted at Disneyland on Saturday morning surrounded by heavy security.

Demonstrators gathered on Harbor Boulevard near the theme park’s entrance on Friday evening and again on Saturday.

The visit to Camp Pendleton and Disneyland was part of a weekend trip to Southern California. There were no official public events planned and no fundraising events announced.

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