Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island will begin to allow limited access to morning colors/graduations beginning May 7th, 2021 as part of a gradual approach to reopen the depot completely to visitors.
Shifts in the depot’s policy will be conditions-based, not time-based.
Starting May 7, access to graduations will be limited to the following: those who work or live aboard the depot, command approved visitors, and two visitors per each graduating Marine.
The two visitors will be chosen by the graduating Marine and notified by their Marine approximately two weeks prior to graduation.
Visitors to the depot must abide by COVID-19 mitigation measures in place aboard the depot to include: wearing a face mask, social distancing between family groups and adhering to occupancy limits at installations aboard the base.
Visitors not abiding by these regulations may be asked to depart the depot.
Visitors are asked to remain at home if they display COVID-19 symptoms or have had close-contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
Approved visitors attending graduation acknowledge that they do so at their own risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Approved visitors may start arriving at the depot beginning at 5 a.m. on Friday and must utilize the random vehicle inspection gate to enter the base. Signage will indicate the correct gate to use. Photo identification is required to enter the depot.
Graduations typically occur from 9 .a.m. – 10 a.m. Newly graduated Marines will have base liberty immediately after graduation until 4 p.m. Visitors are required to depart the depot no later than 5 p.m.
Marines will continue to ship directly to The School of Infantry until otherwise stated.
Graduation schedule beginning May 7:
5 a.m. MCRD Parris Island opens for approved visitors
6 a.m. Douglas Visitor Center, Marine Corps Exchange and Java Cafe open
6:30 a.m. Trams begin operations
7:45 a.m. Morning Colors Ceremony
8 a.m. Depot Museum Opens
9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Graduation Ceremony
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. New Marine liberty
5 p.m. Visitors required to depart depot
May 7th will be the first time in over a year that graduations from Parris Island will not be closed to visiting family members.
We’re looking forward to seeing new Marines and their families walking around Beaufort again. It’s a sight that has been sorely missed.
For more information, please contact the Communication Strategy and Operations Office at MCRDPIMedia@usmc.mil
