MARINE CORPS AIR STATION TUSTIN

The Tustin base was among the 31 proposed on Friday for closure. Its military value is considered low due to encroachment by homes, offices and industrial facilities. Conversely, the prospect of developable land in the middle of built-up Orange County makes it attractive to sell the base. Profits would be cut by the need to clean up toxic sites on the base.

BASE FACTS Size: 1,600 acres Personnel: 3,650 total (3,500 military and 150 civilian) Number of helicopters: 125 Ecology: Some red-tailed hawks live at the base. They are protected by federal and state law. Toxics: Various areas of the base are contaminanted by toxic waste. Established: May 1, 1951. (A naval base for blimps was established in 1942.)

BASE ORGANIZATION

Marine Aircraft Group 16 operates from the base. MAG 16’s main mission is to carry troops, equipment and supplies for Marine infantry units. Thirteen squadrons make up the group and carry out distinct duties:

Marine Heavy Helicopter squadrons (HMH) 361, 363, 462, 465, 466: support combat operations using the CH-53D Sea Stallion and the CH-53E Super Stallion.

Marine Medium Helicopter squadrons (HMM) 161, 163, 164, 166, 268: transport combat troops using the CH-46 Sea Knight.

Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS): provide logistics and support for other elements of MAG 16.

Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 301: train personnel for duty with the CH-46.

Marine Helicopter Training Squadron (HMT) 302: train pilots, chief crews and mechanics on the CH-53.

LAND VALUE AND FUTURE USES

The Defense Department expects to sell 1,200 acres of the base for $500 million. Land around the base sells for up to $800,000 per acre for residential uses, but large purchasers probably would get a discount, and the government must first foot the bill to clean up many toxic sites on the land.

Development probably would be mixed residential and commercial uses, though under federal law, government agencies get first crack at the land.

OTHER MARINE CORPS AIR STATIONS

El Toro, Camp Pendleton, Yuma (Ariz.), Cherry Point (N.C.), New River (N.C.), Beaufort (S.C.), Kaneohe Bay (Hawaii). New River is a helicopter base with a mission similar to Tustin’s.

THE HANGARS

The two hangars, designated national historic landmarks in 1978, are among the largest unsupported wooden buildings in the world. Each is about 178 feet high, 300 feet wide and more than 1,000 feet long.

Sources: Marine Corps, The Leatherneck, Times Files.