John Wayne Airport, Aviator Eddie Martin

In 1974 Supervisor Thomas F. Riley was appointed to the Orange County Board of Supervisors for the 5th District, which happens to have an airport within its boundaries. Since his first day on the job, Riley has been deeply involved in both making the airport a good neighbor and meeting the vital needs of air transportation.

Supervisor Riley’s leadership made the settlement agreement with the city of Newport a reality. This action permitted the current needed improvements at the airport. In short, he has truly earned the recognition suggested in our letter to the county board that would name the new terminal at John Wayne Airport the Thomas F. Riley Terminal.

Some have said the terminal should bear the name of aviation pioneer Eddie Martin because his contributions to aviation in the county are well known. The present terminal was named The Eddie Martin Terminal in 1989, and will be used for general aviation activities upon opening of the new terminal. General aviation, of course, was and is Eddie’s first love and this recognition seems appropriate. Contrary to rumors, the Eddie Martin Terminal is not slated for demolition.

Both of these men deserve a place in the history of air transportation in Orange County and we believe the recognition suggested would properly honor Thomas F. Riley for his many years of dedication to the improvement of aviation services in Orange County.

EUGENE H. MORIARTY

President

Orange County Aviation Council