The discovery of an unidentified and unattended package forced a closure of the main gate at Camp Pendleton Friday until authorities sounded an all-clear about seven hours later.
The security measures at the North County Marine base went into effect at about 5 a.m., according to base officials.
As a further precaution, the northbound Interstate 5 off-ramps to Harbor Drive and Vandegrift Boulevard were also shut down.
The closures remained in effect until shortly before noon, when base officials and Caltrans advised that all the affected traffic lanes and base access points were open again.
“Local and federal response personnel assessed the package and determined it did not pose a threat,” said USMC 2nd Lt. Natalia Rhodes, a base spokesperson.
Updated at 8:45 p.m. March 6, 2026
