**Visitors without base access (valid military ID) must enter through Gate 5**

MCRD SD 38990 Midway Ave, San Diego, CA 92140. This is a physical address only, not a mailing address. Please go to the recruits mailing address page for more information here

MCRDSD is located just northwest of downtown San Diego and north of the San Diego International Airport, Lindbergh Field. Gate 5 (Washington St.) is the main visitor gate.

Entering and Leaving the Depot:
All visitor vehicles MUST enter through Gate 5 (Washington Street, exit off of highway 5 north or south). Vehicles and personnel are subject to search upon entry. Expect delay and plan accordingly. Speed limit throughout the base is 15-20 MPH. Please drive at 5 MPH when near marching troops and obey all traffic and speed signs.

Driver’s License/Registration/Insurance: If you are driving a vehicle, ensure you have a driver’s license, vehicle registration card, and proof of insurance in your possession. Each of these items are required to be current and in a valid status. If you are unsure, contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles/Motor Vehicle Administration and they will assist you in determining the status of your driver’s license and registration.

Color’s Ceremony

Commanding General’s Headquarters
0730 – 0830
Please be seated NLT 0730
Optional event

Witness the daily raising of the flags aboard the Depot. Enjoy performances by Marine Band San Diego and the Color Guard. The ceremony will take place at the Commanding General’s Headquarters, located at the west end of the Parade Deck. Look for the building’s distinctive white turret.

Graduation Seating

Shepherd Field Parade Deck
0830 – 0945

Please be in your seats no later than 0945.

Graduation Ceremony

Shepherd Field Parade Deck
1000 – 1130

Graduation marks the end of a Marine’s time in boot camp. It is his final dismissal and the culmination of his Recruit training. The graduation ceremony includes the graduating Marines, their Drill Instructors and other key training personnel.

The distinguished personnel present are the Depot’s Commanding General, the parade reviewing officer and the parade staff. Highlighted performances include the Marine Band San Diego and the Depot Mascot; an English Bulldog – Lance Corporal Johnny R. Manuelito “Manny”. To learn more about the Depot Mascot: https://www.mcrdsd.marines.mil/About/Mascot-MCRDSD/

Marines line up by their platoon. If you know your Marine’s platoon number, look for signage near the Parade Deck with that number; your Marine will stand near there during the ceremony.