Among the speakers at last week’s State of the Basin presentation in Yucca Valley was the assistant chief of staff for the Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the Marines have been busy…
“It’s been a very busy year for us; approximately 40,000 Marines, sailors, and foreign service members have come to the Combat Center for training this year.” In addition to all the Marines who come to the Combat Center for training, Assistant Chief of Staff Jim Ricker said the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines has been reactivated, bringing 1,000 Marines and their families to the Morongo Basin. “And by May they’ll be fully up and by August they’ll be training for deployment.” Ricker also noted a major accomplishment by the base. “Aboard the installation, from 2007 to today, we’ve cut our water usage by almost 50 percent.” But the base plans to cut back water usage even more by going to desert-friendly plants. “We’re going into the housing areas now. We’re probably going to allow them to have small green spaces in the back yard because that’s where the kids will be playing. But we’re going to total 0 tolerance-type landscaping.” Ricker closed by thanking members of the community. “They always come back and they feel very welcome by all of you here in the Basin. So on their behalf, thank you. You can make them feel like they’re not only wanted but that this is their home away from home. And for you that go out of your way to give them a special meal, that’s all we hear about is their home-cooked meal.”
