Iron on backing.
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was a major U.S. Marine Corps air facility in Orange County, California, that operated from 1943 to 1999. Spanning roughly 4,700 acres near Irvine, it served as a key West Coast master jet station before closing under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Commissioned on March 17, 1943, to support World War II aviation in the Pacific.
Served as the primary West Coast base for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and fighter squadrons during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Handled visits from every U.S. President following World War II via Air Force One.
Decommissioned on July 2, 1999, with military functions transferred primarily to MCAS Miramar.
Iron on backing.
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was a major U.S. Marine Corps air facility in Orange County, California, that operated from 1943 to 1999. Spanning roughly 4,700 acres near Irvine, it served as a key West Coast master jet station before closing under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.
Commissioned on March 17, 1943, to support World War II aviation in the Pacific.
Served as the primary West Coast base for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing and fighter squadrons during the Korean and Vietnam wars.
Handled visits from every U.S. President following World War II via Air Force One.
Decommissioned on July 2, 1999, with military functions transferred primarily to MCAS Miramar.
