MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Sea bag packed? Check. Magazines and snacks for the plane? Check. Wallet? Check. Everything is packed and ready for that three-month trip.

Or is it?

What about that vehicle, will it just sit in one spot for the duration of that trip, unattended to for the entire time?

If it is parked illegally, just like many other privately owned vehicles, boats, motorcycles or any other type of vehicle aboard the air station that are left out too long, there will be consequences.

The Provost Marshal's Office is on the prowl and that non-operable 1969 Mustang could be the next victim.

"Basically, if a vehicle gets abandoned, we will give the owner a citation. We will then try to find a way to contact the owner or their command," said 1st Lt. Katherine M. Hendricks, operations officer, PMO. "Our goal is to help the Marine and we will try everything we can to work with them." 

A vehicle is considered abandoned if it is clearly totaled, on blocks or clearly non-drivable by sight.

"We will also give an owner a citation if they are parked illegally. For example, if they are parked in a handicap space without a disability decal," continued the Woodbridge, Va., native.

Once a citation is received, the titleholder of the vehicle must abide by the rules and find a way to fix the problem.

If the vehicle does not budge into a legal spot, PMO has the right to impound the vehicle at the owner's expense for the appropriate towing fees.

"We try to find the owner before taking any action. If we cannot get in touch with the owner, we will tow the vehicle," explained Hendricks. "We have 24-7 patrol units whose main missions are to respond to emergencies, enforce traffic regulations and lastly to ensure there are no unsafe or illegally parked vehicles."

If a Marine or Sailor is going on deployment they can contact the Traffic Management Office at 577-1671 to take care of their vehicle.

"Any servicemember deploying for at least 90 days can park their POV in the lot at East Miramar, explained Sgt. Barbara Bowman, TMO passenger clerk. "However we will only allow one vehicle per Marine or Sailor. Also, there are no boats or trailers allowed."

Anyone aboard Miramar with a recreational vehicle or boat can contact the Outdoor Adventure Center at 577-4150 to store a personal vehicle in one of the lots.

There are fees involved, ranging from $20 to over $40 per month, depending on the size of the vehicle.

Station Order 1710.5A states that all unregistered vehicles or those left on the lot after the agreement has expired are subject to towing at the owner's expense.

Simple planning can help to avoid any citations, fees or towings in the future.

So before taking that trip, simply call TMO, the Outdoor Adventure Center, or PMO at 577-4068 to ensure that everything is taken care of before hoping on that plane.