Twenty Nine Palms Base, California

Overview

Twenty Nine Palms Base, also known as Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms (MCAGCC Twentynine Palms), is a large United States Marine Corps base located in the Mojave Desert, California. It is the largest Marine Corps base in the world, spanning over 932,000 acres.

History

The base was established in 1942 as a training ground for Marines during World War II. It was chosen for its remote location and its resemblance to the terrain of the Pacific theater. After the war, the base continued to be used for training and became a permanent installation in 1952.

Current Use

Today, Twenty Nine Palms Base is a major training facility for the Marine Corps. It is home to a variety of training ranges and facilities, including:

• Urban Warfare Training Center: A mock city used to train Marines in urban combat.
• Live-fire ranges: Areas where Marines can practice firing their weapons.
• Airfields: Used for training and supporting Marine aviation units.
• Combat Center Schools: Provide training in a variety of military occupational specialties.

The base also supports a variety of other military units, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is a major economic driver for the surrounding area, employing over 10,000 people.

Environmental Concerns

The base's location in the Mojave Desert has raised concerns about its impact on the environment. The training activities can damage the fragile desert ecosystem, and the use of live ammunition can contaminate the soil and water. The Marine Corps has taken steps to mitigate these impacts, but environmental concerns remain.