Existing comment:
Camps Holcomb and Elliot:
On and off from 1917 through 1961, the Army and Marines used parts of Camp Kearny for a variety of training, testing, and support activities, many of which involved ordnance and explosive items. The part of the property that later became Camp Elliott was largely quiet during the 1920s and early 30s, until in 1934 the Marine Corps rented the former artillery ranges at Camp Kearny and used them for machinegun, artillery and antiaircraft training. The marines named their range Camp Holcomb for Major General Thomas Holcomb, ninth commandant of the Marine Corps.
Camp Holcomb was located nine miles away from the bayside Marine Corps Base (today's MCRD), but Marine personnel considered it Camp Elliot for "boondocks." Only a few makeshift huts were built at this site prior to 1940.
In 1939, Camp Elliot was formally established as a Marine Corps Training Center, occupying 19,000 acres of leased land of Kearny Mesa. The Marines used the camp for all phases of technical and tactical support training for the Fleet Marine Force. In 1940, General Holcomb ordered the base's name changed to honor the new commandant of the Corps, Major General George Elliott.
Soon the US government acquired 13,00 additional acres at the site, and took possession of the entire property by condemnation. New construction included galleries, mess halls, recreation area, and a 2,000 bed tent camp. Twelve permanent two-story barracks, officers' quarters and additional utility structures followed, ready to receive the 7th Marine Regiment in January 1941. |