Vice President JD Vance arrived by helicopter at Marine Corps Base Quantico today to meet with Marines at HMX-1, the presidential helicopter squadron, at about 1:30 p.m. — nearly two hours later than scheduled.

Vance addressed the delay head-on during his remarks, joking with the crowd and recalling lessons from his time in the Corps.

“That is not Marine Corps time, my friends,” he said. “I remember Gunny Arledge always told me, if you’re five minutes early, you’re 10 minutes late… What does it mean when the Vice President is two hours late? I guess I’m on time, because who the hell is going to get me in trouble, right?”

He explained that his meeting with the President of the United States ran long, but he prioritized the visit to Quantico.

“I stood up and said, ‘Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting on me.’ And he said, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize that. You’ve got to get out there,’” Vance told the crowd.

The Vice President brought with him a message from the Commander-in-Chief.

“He wanted me to tell you two things,” Vance said. “First of all, that he loves you. And second of all, that he’s proud of you.”

Vance, a former Marine, also shared how his service shaped his life and thanked those stationed at Quantico for their dedication and professionalism.

Quantico Town Mayor Kevin Brown attended the event and was impressed by the Vice President’s words and presence.

“Personally, as I see Vice President Vance at events across the country and abroad, you can definitely recognize the Marine in him,” said Brown. “It’s encouraging to know we have someone in the White House with that pedigree, advising the President.”

Following his remarks, Vance was expected to tour other base parts. Marines in attendance appeared pleased and honored by the Vice President’s visit, said Brown.

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