An Ideal Site for Marine Corps Museum : * County’s Ties to Military Make Historical Center at El Toro Particularly Fitting

There are a half-dozen vintage Marine aircraft awaiting repair by a volunteer restoration crew at the El Toro Historical Center and Command Museum. But six months after the museum’s opening, people from far-flung places have already visited the displays, historical photographs, research center and other offerings at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. It is said to be quickly becoming one of the best collections of Marine aircraft and aviation memorabilia in the nation. What a fitting addition to Orange County, which has had such a long, proud association with the Marine Corps.

To date, according to museum director Lt. Col. Jim Rogers, about 1,000 people monthly have visited, many parents of Marines and others children of those who have served. Additionally, active duty personnel benefit from this new resource too; many commanders are bringing their squadrons as part of their military instruction and education. The museum already boasts some aircraft associated with American military history, some of it quite recent. There is a torpedo bomber similar so one flown by President Bush during World War II, and there are more modern aircraft from recent conflicts, such as a Iraqi Bell helicopter captured last year at Kuwait International Airport and flown back to El Toro by Camp Pendleton Marines to be presented to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Several hundred charter members of the museum foundation are raising money and volunteering time to run the facility, as well as restore Marine aircraft for display.

Their work is paying off already. Michael Starn, aviation curator for the corps in Washington, says the museum eventually will be one of the largest displays of Marine aircraft anywhere. El Toro is a fitting site, and it’s good that the public will have this resource available. It keeps alive the Marine tradition and Orange County’s association with it.