MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The grand opening of the largest Marine Corps Exchange occurred here Oct. 19.
Colonel Christopher E. O’Connor, the commanding officer of the air station, participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which symbolized the completion of an almost two-year renovation project.
“This is a world-class facility and a fantastic building,” said O’Connor. “It was completed in August, ahead of schedule.”
It’s also state-of-the-art facility, added O’Connor.
Several local vendors attended the event, which will continue through November. Marine Corps Community Services provided free entertainment, demonstrations, prize give-a-ways and product sampling. Two Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters also made an appearance to meet with Marines and sign autographs.
“This is a great place to shop - from curb to register,” said Cindy Lacy, head of retail operations for Marine Corps Exchange Headquarters.
The phased renovation began Jan. 19, 2006 and cost approximately $16 million.
The store offers 100,000 square feet of indoor retail space and 16,000 square feet of outdoor space.
The exchange offers everything from toiletries to electronics to uniform tailoring services.
For more information about the Marine Corps Exchange contact Mark Burhart, the retail director for the exchange at 858-577-7218.