03/12/2024
PRESS ADVISORY
MOVEMENT OF HISTORIC MARINE CORPS AIRCRAFT RETURNING TO FORMER MCAS EL TORO, NOW GREAT PARK IN IRVINE
MARCH 4TH, 2024
IRVINE, CA – The Board of Directors of the Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum announces the move of the first of 40+ Marine Corps aircraft from their current storage facility at MCAS Miramar in San Diego, to their new home at the former MCAS El Toro, now Great Park in the City of Irvine.
On Tuesday, March 6, three aircraft will depart MCAS Miramar in San Diego via truck transport and make the 85-mile journey to their new home in Irvine. The three aircraft, a Beechcraft T-34 Mentor, a Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, and a Chinese-built MiG 15, are part of a more extensive complement of 40 rotary and fixed-wing aircraft, several vehicles and other museum artifacts and equipment that will move to the museum’s storage, restoration, and conservation facility at Great Park over the next 6-months. The facility, Hangar 297, is the former home to Marine Corps C-130s and other aircraft when the former base was last operational in 2000.
“The movement of these first aircraft is a milestone moment for the Flying Leathernecks Museum and the City of Irvine,” said museum President/CEO Brigadier General Michael Aguilar (USMC ret). “These first three aircraft arriving at Great Park symbolize the Flying Leathernecks being welcomed back home.” The General added, “The Flying Leathernecks and the City of Irvine join with Marine Corps Veterans and supporters across the country that our rich history – Marine Corps aviation history - will be preserved, honored, and educate future generations for years to come.”
Over the next two years, the Flying Leathernecks will construct a state-of-the-art, 100,000-square-foot facility that is yards away from the current restoration hangar. The museum facility will host Marine Corps aircraft, artifacts, and exhibits from Marine Corps aviation history. While the aircraft will be the premier attraction at the museum, the exhibits and programming will be extensive, featuring the history of aviation in Southern California, aircraft design, and exhibits that focus visitors on science, technology, and engineering. While the historic nature of the museum is undeniable, the museum hopes to spark the imagination of the next generation of Americans.
FLYING LEATHERNECK COMMENTS, PAGE 2
The aircraft movement is the culmination of events that were set in motion four years ago when the Marine Corps officially announced its intention to close the museum at MCAS Miramar due to budgetary constraints. While most of the costs to operate and maintain the museum were undertaken by the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation, the aircraft and facilities belonged to the Navy and Marine Corps.
The Foundation Board of Directors, spearheaded by its former chairman, a Retired State of California Superior Court Judge, and a retired U.S. magistrate judge, sought and considered other options, including utilizing tremendous community and Congressional support to relocate to a suitable location in San Diego. However, hearing of the museum’s pending closure in San Diego, the City of Irvine reached out, quickly met with Museum leadership, and commenced discussions about a possible move to Great Park.
The City of Irvine was already moving forward with efforts to add on to an already impressive Great Park vision – and museums would fit perfectly within those plans. Adjacent to the Flying Leatherneck Museum, Great Park will see the addition of the Pretend City Children’s Museum and a new location for the prestigious Orange County Music and Dance community arts school. In addition to this incredible array of museums and cultural facilities, the City’s plans include building an amphitheater, plazas, walking trails, and spaces where the public can access additional areas of Great Park.
History of Marine Corps Air Station El Toro
The former MCAS El Toro was commissioned on March 17th, 1943, and was later selected as a Master Jet Base Station, and its 4,600 acres were the center of support for operations and combat readiness of Fleet Forces Pacific. For over 56 years, MCAS El Toro was a critical economic and community hub for Orange County. In addition to thousands of Marine families calling the region home, MCAS El Toro hosted several events, including the world-famous El Toro Air Show, which drew over two million visitors at its final show in 1997. In 1993, Congress mandated the base closure via the Base Closure and Realignment Act (BRAC), and in July 1999, the base ceased operations. 3,700 acres of MCAS El Toro base land was transferred to the City of Irvine – creating Great Park.
About the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum
The Marine Corps Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that preserves and supports the rich history of Marine Corps Aviation. The original Command Museum was founded by the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Historical Foundation in 1989, the location of Great Park. In addition to the museum aircraft and artifacts, the Flying Leatherneck Foundation supports several programs that promote community service and education.
For more information about the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and Foundation, please visit www.flyingleathernecks.org. For questions about the aircraft movement, please contact Brigadier General Michael Aguilar (USMC ret) at [email protected]. For press inquiries, please call (858) 693-1723.
