Defense Secretary Ash Carter Visits Camp Pendleton

Turns out he visited to observe amphibious landing exercises.

I'd be worried if he was looking to downsize the Marine base.

At the O.C. Register, "Defense secretary flies into JWA, visits Camp Pendleton to observe amphibious landing exercises":

CAMP PENDLETON – Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter visited Camp Pendleton on Thursday to observe an amphibious landing exercise and meet with sailors and Marines.

The exercise allowed the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force to showcase its crisis response capabilities, according to Camp Pendleton officials.

Marines worked with sailors to secure a beach area during an amphibious landing exercise.

The demonstration emphasized the need to upgrade the Marine’s Amphibious Assault Vehicle fleet while developing the Amphibious Combat Vehicle, Camp Pendleton officials said.

The Amphibious Combat Vehicle offers greater mobility in tough terrain, increased protection against improvised explosive devices, along with reduced fuel consumption and maintenance...

More.