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GRADUATION EVENTS AND WEEKEND TRAVEL GUIDEMCCSMCRD.COM/GRADINFO

WELCOME TO MCRD SAN DIEGOUNITED STATESMARINE CORPSMARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOTWESTERN RECRUITING REGIONSAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

Dear Marine Corps Family and Friends,

Recently, your recruit entered training in hopes of earning the proud title of United States Marine. Graduation is the culmination of 13 grueling weeks of effort, sweat, and achievement. To become a Marine, a recruit has to successfully complete multiple academic evaluations, water survival training, physical fitness tests, rifle qualification, martial arts qualification, the Battalion Commander’s Inspection, and, of course, the Crucible. This is not an easy process, but Marines are forged in an atmosphere of shared hardship and demanding training that develops camaraderie, esprit de corps, and standards of conduct so strong that Marines will let nothing stand in the way of accomplishing their assigned mission. You should be proud of your recruit, both for what he has accomplished to this point and for what he will accomplish in the future.

Here at Marine Corps Community Services, we want to make sure that your visit to MCRD San Diego for graduation is a high quality experience that will provide you a lifetime of memories. This brochure contains information about travel, lodging and graduation events that will facilitate planning for your trip to the Depot.

What these young men experience at MCRD San Diegoduring recruit training changes them forever. Thank you for your support to them throughout this process. It is with great pleasure and pride that we welcome you to the United States Marine Corps family, and we look forward to seeing you and sharing the joy and celebration of graduation with you.

Marine Corps Community ServicesMCRD San Diego

Useful Sites:mccsmcrd.com/gradinfofacebook.com/mcrdsdtwitter.com/mcrd_sdinstagram.com/mcrdsd

REV: 2/2019

CWTSatoTravel is the official travel providerrecognized by MCRD for Family & Friends attending

MCRD Graduation Ceremonies and Events.

MCRD Graduation Travel1-800-755-5670

CWTSatoTravel has been trusted to servemilitary families for over 65 years and

proudly serving MCRD San Diego since 1989.

CWTSatoTravel1-800-755-5670

Office hours: 7:30am- 4:15pm PT (Mon-Fri)Closed Holidays

www.satovacations.com/aMCRDgrad

Travelers will be charged a processing fee for airline, car and hotel reservations. A portion of fees go directly to support quality of life

programs and services for Marines and their families aboard the Depot. No Federal Endorsement Implied.

• Only onsite travel agency with direct access to MCRD Recruits to coordinate travel arrangements and flights home after graduation

• Save 5% off best available rates (participating hotels)• Receive exclusive MCRD Family and Friends hotel perks and

amenities (see next page)• MCRD shuttles (select hotels) • Discounted car rental rates• Full service travel agency offering a wide range of cruises,

tours and vacation packages for Military families, Active Duty and Retired Military

Exclusive 2019 MCRD Graduation Hotel Rates Call 1-800-755-5670 to book ALL your Graduation Travel

Hotel Name MCRD SHUTTLE *

AIRPORT SHUTTLE*

PARKING

HEATEDPOOL

IN ROOMFRIDGE

MEAL OR RESTAURANT

SAVINGS INCLUDEDSEASONAL

RATES

HOWARD JOHNSON SAN DIEGO SEAWORLD • • FREE • • DLX CONTINENTAL

BREAKFAST $79.00-$139.00

COMFORT INN & SUITES ZOO SEAWORLD AREA • • FREE • • HOT BREAKFAST $89.00-$160.00

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES MISSION VALLEY • • FREE • • HOT BREAKFAST $93.00-$150.00

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS SAN DIEGO SEAWORLD BEACH AREA • • FREE • • DLX HOT CONTINENTAL

BREAKFAST $94.00-$214.00

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AIRPORT/OLD TOWN • • FREE • • DLX HOT

BREAKFAST BUFFET $119.00-$179.00

GOOD NITE INN • NO FREE NO • 10% OFF AT DENNY'S $69.00-$399.00

DAYS INN SAN DIEGO HOTEL CIRCLE SEAWORLD • • $10 • • HOT BREAKFAST

FOR 4 $75.00-$99.00

LA QUINTA INN OLD TOWN • • $12 • • DLX CONTINENTAL

BREAKFAST $99.00-$219.00

FOUR POINTS SHERATON SAN DIEGO SEAWORLD • NO $5 • • NONE $119.00-$199.00

HOLIDAY INN SAN DIEGO BAYSIDE • • $8 • • CONTINENTAL

BREAKFAST FOR 2 $116.00-$209.00

FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES OLD TOWN • NO FREE • • HOT BREAKFAST $109.00-$159.00

PORTO VISTA HOTEL • • $15 NO NO HOT BREAKFAST FOR 2 $100.00-$193.00

COURTYARD OLD TOWN • NO $15 • • NONE $119.00-$169.00

LAFAYETTE HOTEL AND SWIM CLUB • NO $10 • UPON

REQUESTHOT BREAKFAST

FOR 2 $119.00-$219.00

HOMEWOOD SUITES SAN DIEGO HOTEL CIRCLE NO NO FREE • • HOT BREAKFAST/

EVENING RECEPTION $145.00-$190.00

HAMPTON INN & SUITES AIRPORT/LIBERTY STATION • • $15 • • HOT BREAKFAST $149.00-$499.00

THE DANA ON MISSION BAY • NO FREE • • MEAL DISCOUNT$109.00-$199.00

+ $20 PER DAY RESORT FEE

All prices subject to change and availability. *Shuttles operate on limited or scheduled times.

Ask your CWTSatoTravel counselor about shuttle reservations and options if not offered by the hotel.

1-800-755-5670 www.satovacations.com/aMCRDgrad

Meet & GreetFamily

Wednesdays before Graduation Days,5-6 PM Social Hour, 6-8 PM Dinner

Dinner starts promptly at 6 PM• An opportunity for new Marine families to meet Drill Instructors

and other new Marine families• Dinner/informational booths/memorabilia items for sale

• Featuring Stone Brewery Co., a San Diego micro-brewery

Relax on the beautiful San Diego Bayat the Bay View Restaurant

Wednesdays 5pm - 8pm

Reservations required:mcrdmeetandgreet.eventbrite.com

For more information, call (619) 725-6388

Your new Marine is preparing for Family Day and Graduation activities, and will not be joining you at this event.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego

Discounted Pricing at the MCRD Ticket Office.

mccsmcrd.com/ticketsandtours(619)725-6343

Explore Beautiful San Diego and its many attractions!

See the best of

Marine Corps 101Join us for L.I.N.K.S. for Families. Your basic training to become a member of the Marine Corps family!

What every Marine Corps family needs to know:• Culture and Traditions• Values• Mission• History• Resources

Family DayThursdays10:30 AM

Depot Theater

Plan Your Marine’s Graduation Celebration

Dinner

Electronic gift cards are available for purchase for your new Marine via www.mymcx.com. The cards are delivered instantly via email, and can be used at any Marine Corps Exchange worldwide. The perfect gift, especially for those who are unable to attend your Marine’s graduation.Visit mymcx.com

ELECTRONIC MCX GIFTCARDS FOR YOUR MARINE

The Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) is a department store, where the profits generated go directly back into

MCRD San Diego’s quality of life.

USMC SOUVENIRSMCX LOGO & MEMORABILIA STORE

Opens at 9:00 amOffering the widest selection of official Marine Corps logo merchandise on the West Coast, along with California and

San Diego themed souvenirs. Anyone can shop in this store.

SNACKS & SUNDRIESMCX MARINE MART

Opens at 6:00 amCoffee, Beverages, Grab and Go Food, Toiletries, Candy

and Snacks. Anyone can shop in this store.

UNIFORMS, CLOTHING, ELECTRONICS & MORE MCX MAIN EXCHANGE

Opens at 9:00 amHome to the MCX Uniform Shop. Families and friends of new Marines can enjoy huge savings on popular items,

including electronics, cell phones, watches, clothing, and more. Bring your new Marine with you to shop in this store.

SOUVENIRS & SHOPPING

GRADUATION PHOTOS, VIDEOS, AND YEARBOOKS

Your new Marine had the opportunity to purchase photos, yearbooks, and videos during training.

Please check with your new Marine before ordering. For more information, visit us online at

mccsmcrd.com/souvenirs_and_shopping

CUSTOM GIFTS & ENGRAVING

(INSIDE GUEST SERVICES ON THE MCX MALL)Opens at 10:00 am

Hammond’s Specialties offers a variety of custom items, including plaques, t-shirts, canteens, coin holders, and more. Purchase a t-shirt, coin, knife, or other item at the MCX, and

bring it here to see how we can personalize it. For more information, visit us online at mcrdgifts.com,

or visit Guest Services on the MCX mall

CHALLENGE COINSChallenge coins are presented to service members as an

award for special achievement, to commemorate an event, and to prove membership within a group.

The Recruit Training Regiment unit coins are some of the mostly highly coveted challenge coins in the Marine Corps, representing each Marine’s first unit. The coin serves as a

well-earned reminder of the challenges faced and overcome during training. The coins also serve as a brilliant memento

for proud family members.

Recruit Training Regiment coins are available for purchase at the MCX Logo & Memorabilia Store, outside

the Depot Theater on Family Day, and at the Parade Deck viewing stands prior to Graduation.

Also available is the exclusive Coin Gift Set, available only aboard MCRD San Diego. This two-coin gift set and display

box commemorates your new Marine’s Battalion and the Crucible, and reminds them of the trials overcome in pursuit

of the title, “United States Marine.” Pre-order the Coin Gift Set online at

mccsmcrd.com/souvenirs_and_shopping

BAY VIEW RESTAURANT FAMILY DAYBreakfast Buffet

6:00 AM – 9:00 AMLiberty Lunch Buffet11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Meet your Marine’s Drill Instructor

GRADUATION DAYBreakfast Buffet 6:00 AM – 9:00 AMLunch Service 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Bring the family to celebrate!GRADUATING MARINES WILL RECEIVE A FREE MEAL

BAY VIEW EXPRESSFamily Day 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Located at the Depot TheaterGraduation Day 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Located behind Reviewing Stands

FOOD CONCESSIONAIRESLocated on the MCX Mall

12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

DOMINO’SLocated at the Community CenterFamily Day 10:00 AM – 11:00 PMGraduation 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM

BULLDOG TAVERNLocated at the Community CenterFamily Day 12:00 PM – 11:00 PMGraduation 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM

COFFEE SHOPLocated adjacent to MCX Mall

6:00 AM – 4:00 PM

FAMILY MEET & GREET4:00PM-8:30PM

FAMILY DAY6:00AM-3:30PMGRADUATION

6:00AM-2:00PMLook for “SHUTTLE PICK UP” signs

PLACES TO EAT ON BASE

SHUTTLE SERVICE

Visit the Engraving Shop on the MCX mall to have your new Marine’s Eagle,

Globe & Anchor (EGA) mounted for display. The EGA is given by the

Drill Instructor upon completion of The Crucible and symbolizes the

transformation from Recruit to Marine.

Shop opens at 10:00 am.

Reserve your plaque, or order other customized gifts, by calling

(619)718-6334

COMMEMORATIVE EAGLE, GLOBE, & ANCHOR PLAQUE

MCX MOBILE PHONE CENTER

Located inside the MCX Main Store. Get a new phone, add a line, or upgrade your existing device. Phones and service available from all major carriers.

CUSTOMIZED T-SHIRTSThere are several ways to get customized t-shirts made for your new Marine’s Graduation.

Visit mcrdgifts.com to order a variety of custom shirts, availablefor shipment or pick-up on arrival.

Visit usmc-tshirts.com to order t-shirts with your new Marine’s portrait emblazoned on the front.

Visit mccsmcrd.com/souvenirs_and_shopping for all available options.

FAMILY DAYSCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Breakfast Buffet, Bay View RestaurantTIME: 6:00-9:00 AMA beautiful dining option in which to relax and start your day. Your new Marine will not be joining you for breakfast; he is still under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!

Welcome Orientation, Depot TheaterTIME: 8:30-9:00 AMLearn what we feel will benefit you during your visit to MCRD San Diego. Also, get a glimpse into what’s next after graduation for your new Marine!

Drill Instructors’ Brief, Command MuseumTIME: 9:00-9:30 AMLearn about the do’s and don’ts for the day from MCRD’s Drill Instructors.

Motivational Run, Command MuseumTIME: 9:30-10:00 AMYour first chance to see your new Marine! To get the best photos, remain in one place. The Marines will make two passes by your location.

Marine Corps 101/LINKS for Families, Depot TheaterTIME: 10:30-11:30 AMJoin us for an overview of Marine Corps history, customs, and courtesies as well as an in-depth look at resources and benefits available to your Marine worldwide!

Company Commander’s Brief, Depot TheaterTIME: 11:30 AM-12:00 PMHear from your Marine’s Company Commander about what he experienced the last 13 weeks and find out about the different Marine Corps Installations worldwide.

Liberty Formation, Depot TheaterTIME: 12:00 PM-12:30 PMThe final ceremony before your Marine is released for the afternoon. Come view the Marines form up for dismissal, and then give your Marine a big hug!

Depot LibertyTIME: 12:20-5:00 PMSpend the afternoon with your new Marine! Remember:your Marine MUST stay on base. (During summer months,Depot Liberty ends at 6:00PM)

Liberty Lunch Buffet, Bay View RestaurantTIME: 11:00 AM-3:00 PMJoin us for a buffet lunch, and meet your new Marine’s Drill Instructor.

To request American Sign Language (ASL) services, please contact MCRD Protocol Office at 619-524-8707/8710. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 3-4 weeks prior to arrival for Family Day and Graduation Events.

For information about base lodging, please visit mccsmcrd.com/lodging or call 619-524-4401.

GRADUATION DAYSCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Breakfast Buffet, Bay View RestaurantTIME: 6:00-9:00 AMA beautiful dining option in which to relax and start your day. Your new Marine will not be joining you for breakfast; he is still under the watchful eyes of the Drill Instructors!

Colors Ceremony, Commanding General’s BuildingTIME: 7:45- 8:30 AMWitness the raising of the flag and enjoy performancesby Marine Band San Diego and the Color Guard.

Graduation Seating,Parade Deck BleachersTIME: 8:30-9:45 AMPlease be in your seats no later than 9:45 AM. Pre-ceremony music performed by Marine Band San Diego.

Graduation Ceremony, Parade DeckTIME: 10:00AM-12:00 PMPlease be seated no later than 9:45 AM.Graduation marks the end of a Marine’s time at MCRD San Diego. 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.

Lunch Service, Bay View RestaurantTIME: 11:00AM -2:00 PMJoin us for the Bay View Restaurant’s regular lunch menu. Graduating Marines will receive their meal free!

There are occasions when graduation will not be held on Friday due to holidays. Please check mccsmcrd.com for up-to-date Family Day and Graduation schedules.

Drugs: All controlled substances are prohibited aboard MCRD San Diego. Any person(s) found possessing a controlled substance or associated paraphernalia (i.e. smoking devices) will be found in violation of Federal law. A medical marijuana card does not authorize possession of marijuana aboard MCRD San Diego. Contraband will be seized and offenders may be cited and denied entry.

No endorsement by the U.S. Marine Corps or DoD intended. USAA means United Services Automobile Association and its affiliates. ©2016 USAA. 235081-0916-M

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