MCLB Barstow  In-depth Overview

MISSION

To enable operational readiness through infrastructure, logistics and services in order to support Marine Corps, Army, and other government components.

VISION

Facilitate the optimal projection of warfighting capability into combat by being the safest, most technologically enabled, and operationally relevant military logistics base in the world.

VALUES

• Integrity: Doing what is right legally and morally; leading by example, we are open, honest, ethical, an fair.

• Safety: Fostering a command climate in which safety is paramount; practicing safety within this command is not something we do - it is who we are.

• Teamwork: Working together to accomplish a goal focused on the mission by sharing or exchanging information, news, and ideas.

• Innovation: The application of better solutions which meet new requirements through cost consciousness, efficiency, and resourcefulness.

• Respect:  Treating people in a professional and courteous manner reflective of the history and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.

BASE INTRODUCTION

Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow was established as the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies at its present location on December 28, 1942, when the Navy turned it over to the Marine Corps as a storage site for supplies and equipment needed for Fleet Marine Forces in the Pacific theater during World War II. For historical photos and commemorative displays, visit MCLB Barstow's Historical Gallery located at building 204.

By the end of World War II, the base had outgrown its facilities and as a result, 2,000 acres of land, approximately seven miles east of the Nebo Main Base were annexed from the United States Army in October 1946. In 1954, the Commanding General, Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, moved his flag from San Francisco to Barstow and since then the base has grown in stature, strength and size.

In March 1961 the importance of MCLB Barstow increased dramatically with the establishment of the Depot Maintenance Activity. In November 1978, the Base was re-designated to its present title of Marine Corps Logistics Base to emphasize its broad logistics support mission.

In the early 1980's, MCLB Albany and Headquarters Marine Corps worked aggressively to integrate logistics support for the Fleet Marine Forces and eliminate duplications. As a result, all operational logistics functions moved to Albany and in January 1990, the Commanding General, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, was re-designated Commander Marine Corps Logistics Bases.

The Marine Corps Logistics Bases was comprised of three major components- MCLB Albany, Georgia; MCLB Barstow, California; and Blount Island Command, Jacksonville, Florida. Generally speaking, MCLB Albany furnishes supplies for Marine Corps forces east of the Mississippi and to forces which are part of the Atlantic Fleet. We at Barstow support Marine forces west of the Mississippi, the Far East and Asia, while Blount Island Command provides logistical support for the Marine Corps' Maritime Pre-Positioning Ships and the Norway Geo-Pre-Propositioning programs.

The base is comprised of three principal sites:

1. Nebo, which encompasses 1879 acres and functions as base headquarters and is the main facility for administration, storage, recreational activities, shopping, and housing functions.
2. Yermo Annex encompasses 1859 acres and is primarily a storage and industrial complex 
3. Rifle and pistol ranges are the third site with 2438 acres.

MCLB Barstow is a vital link in the logistics complex that provides the weapons systems, equipment and special logistics essential to supporting the assigned mission of the fleet Marine forces, and is the second largest employer in the Barstow area.

Route 66 Monument: MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE BARSTOW, Calif. --

As part of the course of America’s history, the War Department, now renamed the Department of the Defense, needed improved highways for rapid mobilization during wartime and to promote national defense during peacetime. At the start of American involvement in World War II, the War Department singled out the West as ideal for military training bases, in part because of its geographic isolation, and especially because it offered consistently dry weather for air and field maneuvers.

Completion of the improved highway, U.S. Highway 66 (U.S. Route 66) with all-weather capability, on the eve of World War II, was particularly significant to the nation’s war effort. In 1942, Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow started construction alongside U.S. Route 66. Critical troops, equipment and supplies were transported on U.S. Route 66 to military bases across the country thereby helping to facilitate the single greatest wartime troop mobilization in the history of the nation.

Not only did U.S. Route 66 support World War II, but it is one of the oldest and most popular roads in America known as “The Mother Road”.” Traveling this route reduced the travel distance between Chicago and Los Angeles by more than 200 miles compared to other routes. Because of the American history and significance of U.S. Route 66, it “has become a symbol of the American people’s heritage of travel and their legacy of seeking a better life” and registered under the National Register of Historic Places as a cultural resource.

A 1.71-mile long segment of the original U.S. Route 66, named on base as Joseph L. Boll Avenue, runs right through MCLB Barstow. This segment was open to public until 1964 when the I-40 was constructed. Base leadership, employees and residents take pride in the fact that MCLB Barstow is the only military installation with an original segment of U.S. Route 66 running directly through it and that this segment has been determined eligible to register under the NRHP.

To better exhibit and highlight this honor and to recognize the achievements of all who sacrificed for the freedom and prosperity of the United States of America, MCLB Barstow, driven by the Cultural Resources Program under the Environmental Division has initiated a Route 66 Project in order to bring awareness to the installation’s environmental history.

As the current Environmental Director, to be able to design a new Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor logo integrated with the Route 66 shield is an honor. To modify the EGA, there is an approval process which the base had to go through, submitting the final edition to Headquarters Marine Corps. Once they approved the new logo, we were able to move forward with a new program.

Under the Cultural Resources (Environmental) program for the base, Route 66 is a National Historic Highway registered as a National Landmark managed by the United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. It is up to each state to determine how best to manage those historical segments of U. S. Route 66. Since we have 1.7 miles of the original Route 66 going through the Base, its falls under the Environmental Division, Cultural Resources program to manage and maintain registered historical landmarks and those eligible to be a historical landmarks on our installation.

For this new project, the base is officially dedicated Joseph L. Boll Avenue as a segment of U.S. Route 66. We have worked with HQMC in establishing a formal project that will pay homage to Route 66 and honor the base’s legacy for contributions during war efforts. For this project, MCLB Barstow has initiated the placing of “Historic Route 66” signs along Joseph L. Boll Avenue and Route 66 stencils on the road.

For the final build of the project a 3D Route 66/EGA monument was placed at the corner of Joseph L. Boll Ave. and Wake Ave.  Additionally, two Marquees with information kiosks are located at the front and back gates for guests and visitors (some who will not be able to access the base) to read and view details of the history of how Route 66 supported the installations war efforts. The front gate also houses a bronze plaque denoting additional historically significant details.

The base employs a combined military-civilian workforce. Marines and sailors work side-by-side with approximately 1,700 civilian employees in many instances performing identical work.

There are approximately 100 active-duty service members living on base, belonging to various branches of the military; Retirees living in a 30-mile radius number approximately 6,000; Civilian employees number around 1,400. The Barstow area community population has about 24,000.

Appx area Populations:

• (2018) Barstow - 23,972

Nearby cities:

• Victorville - 122,312
• Apple Valley – 73,508
• Hesperia – 95,274

County

• San Bernardino County - 2.1 million

MCLB Barstow is located in southern California, on the route between Los Angeles and Las Vegas on Interstate 15. It is approximately 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 150 miles southwest of Las Vegas in the San Bernardino County high desert. Located along freeways I-15 and I-40, and State Highways 58 & 247 Barstow serves millions of travelers each year headed to and from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Bakersfield and Palm Springs, and many National Parks, including the Mojave National Preserve, Death Valley, Joshua Tree, and the Grand Canyon.

The Victor Valley, approximately 35 miles south of Barstow, includes the communities of Adelanto, Apple Valley, Lucerne Valley, and Victorville.   Further south is Hesperia, Oak Hills, and Phelan. Wrightwood is further south through the Cajon Pass. Victorville is the business hub of the area and draws consumers from well beyond its immediate area. It is the largest commercial center between San Bernardino and the Nevada border.

Nearby military installations include Ft. Irwin National Training Center, Edwards Air Force Base, and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.

MCLB Barstow is located  between Los Angeles and Las Vegas on Interstate 40. It is approximately 120 miles northeast of Los Angeles and 150 miles southwest of Las Vegas in the Mojave high desert.

If you are flying into Ontario International Airport to reach MCLB Barstow, you will need to take ground transportation from the airport to Barstow.  From the airport, take Interstate 10 east toward San Bernardino. Merge onto Interstate 15 north toward Barstow/Las Vegas for about 80 miles. Once you reach Barstow, take Interstate 40 for two miles until you reach the installation exit(s).  Proceed on Route 66 to the West Gate.  Commercial trucks must enter from the East Gate.

Daggett airport is run by San Bernardino County and only provides services to private and military aircraft.

Directions to MCLB Barstow: 

• When traveling north on Interstate 15, merge onto the Interstate 40 East, then take Exit 2 at Marine Corps Logistics Base off-ramp. Proceed east on Route 66 to the Main gate.
• When traveling south from Las Vegas, take the I-15 south toward Barstow. Exit East Main Street in Barstow, travel east on Main street to the I-40 East onramp towards Needles. Take the next exit at Marine Corps Logistics Base off-ramp. Proceed east on Route 66 to the gate.
• When traveling from the east, take the I-40 West to the Marine Corps Logistics Base off-ramp. Turn east onto Route 66, and Commercial vehicles must take the I-40 to the NEBO exit, proceed north to Route 66, head west to the East gate.
• Commercial vehicles must exit Interstate 40 at Exit 5 Nebo Rd., turn north on Nebo Rd,  then turn left on Route 66 to enter the base through the back gate.

Directions to Yermo Annex: 

• When traveling north on Interstate 15, take Ghost Town Road exit. Proceed south on Dagget-Yermo Rd. and turn left on Agate Rd to access the Main gate.
• When traveling south from Las Vegas, take the I-15 south toward Barstow. At Yermo take Ghost Town Road exit. Proceed south on Dagget-Yermo Rd. and turn left on Agate Rd to access the Main gate.
• When traveling from the east, take the I-40 West to the Dagget. Exit to Dagget-Yermo Rd. and proceed North. Turn right on Agate Rd to access the Main gate.

Victor Valley Transit Authority is the City of Barstow’s bus transportation service and includes limited service to the surrounding communities of Hinkley, Lenwood, Yermo, Needles, Apple Valley and Victorville. In general, Barstow Area Transit operates Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:55 p.m. with limited service on the weekends from 8 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. The nearest bus stop to MCLB Barstow is on East Main Street at the I-40 west-bound off-ramp. No specific stop is marked but will pick up by waving to the driver.

Arriving at Front Gate

If you arrive at the front gate with a valid DOD ID card, proceed to your unit to begin in processing.

If you do not have a valid DOD card then you must go to the Pass & ID building located just before the gate entrance to the right. Call ahead for hours of operation 760-577-6457. Present your government-issued identification card. You will need proof of insurance and valid vehicle registration for a temporary vehicle pass. You must show your travel orders or be sponsored onto the base. Proceed to your unit for in processing.

Arrival and check-in requirements need to be coordinated with your sponsor and the Military Personnel Division. Your check-in process will begin at the Administration and Support Department located in Building 15. Your check-in sheet, along with your sponsor, will guide you through the process.

After 4:30 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday, Sunday and holidays, personnel should report to the base duty officer located at Building 15. The BDO's phone number is 760-577-6961.

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation. General building distances are walkable with comfortable shoes. Prior to your arrival, make arrangements with your assigned sponsor regarding transportation to the base. There is a taxi or other driving services off base if arriving by bus or train to get you to the installation. There is no military shuttle service from the airport to the installation. A taxi from the airport would be very expensive considering it is 80 miles. Make prior arrangements. If you do not have a sponsor, contact the Relocation Assistance Program at 760-577-6675.

Greyhound Bus Lines

Greyhound:
1611 E. Main St.
Barstow, CA 92311
Phone: 760-256-8757

Greyhound Bus Lines offer services to Barstow from Las Vegas, Ontario and Los Angeles. There is no commercial airport in Barstow. The three closest airports are Ontario (90 miles), Los Angeles, (175 miles) and Las Vegas, (180 miles). Local airports or the Scheduled Airline Ticket Office can provide flight information.  From the Barstow bus station (3 miles), call your sponsor or a driving service for transportation to the base.

Amtrak

Amtrak Station:
685 North First Avenue
Barstow, CA  92311
Reservations and schedule: 800-872-7245

If arriving by bus, you will arrive in Barstow at the famous Barstow Station, located on Main Street. When arriving by train, your stop will be at the historic Harvey House.  If you need transportation, take a taxi to MCLB (Nebo) Barstow and check-in at Building 15 with the base duty officer. If you cannot take a taxi or other driving service, call the BDO at 760-577-6961. City bus routes are not convenient to access the base; requiring intermittent walking.

If you do not have transportation, contact your assigned sponsor and make arrangements with him or her to coordinate your transportation requirements.

If you do not have transportation, contact your assigned sponsor and make arrangements with him or her to coordinate your transportation requirements. Sponsorship assignment is mandatory at MCLB Barstow.  Call 760-577-6675 or 800-843-8762 for more information.

To reach the automated operator dial 760-577-6211 or DSN 312-282-6211.

For a live person during office hours, Information, Referral & Relocation may be able to assist you.  Call 760-577-6675 or email irr.mclbb@usmc-mccs.org.