TUSTIN : Marine Base Invaded for Open House

As the helicopter hovered about 100 feet in the air, a squad of camouflaged Marines emerged and slid down ropes to the ground. Rifles at the ready, they moved out in choreographed precision, simulating a hostage rescue mission.

A crowd of about 20,000 cheered this and other demonstrations of helicopter warfare prowess Sunday at an open house at the Tustin Marine Corps Air Station.

The event marked the 50th anniversary of the facility, which has been a major training site for helicopter pilots and a proving ground for military helicopter equipment and tactics since 1969.

The helicopter demonstration climaxed a hectic day, which began at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and included five- and 10-kilometer runs, blimp rides, military weapons and equipment demonstrations and a classic car show.

“It’s been a fun day,” said Gerry DuBois, whose 1954 Ford convertible was one of 190 entries in the car show, which over the years has become one of the featured attractions at the Marine base open house.

“I didn’t win but I’ll be back next year,” said DuBois, a Vietnam veteran who lost both his legs in 1969.

Roger Galvin’s 1957 Chevrolet won three of the major awards, including the People’s Choice award, while one of the oldest entries, a 1915 Ford owned by Al Abrahamson, was judged the best pre-1930 restored car.

Sgt. Gunnie Winchester, who coordinated the car show, said that with more time to prepare and improve promotions, at least 500 classic cars are expected to participate next year.

“We have to do a better job with advertising, but I’m happy with the turnout this year,” Winchester said.

For most of those who came, however, it was simply a day of fun for the family.

Lois Maust of Garden Grove said her 9-year old son, David, was spending too much time with helicopter and airplane computer games.

“He might as well come and see the real thing,” Maust said. “He had a grand time getting inside the helicopters.”

Her husband, Don, bought a 1966 Chevelle recently and said he was thrilled with the car show. David bought a toy airplane and helicopter as souvenirs.

Nancy and James Summa of Costa Mesa brought their children, Aina, 3, and Masson, 4, and Nancy’s mother, Natividad, who just recently arrived from the Philippines.

“It was exciting and very educational,” Nancy Summa said. “But the kids may be too young to appreciate everything.”

Craig Joosten of Salt Lake City said he came to see the blimp hangar.

“The hangar was the draw item for me,” said Joosten, who was in the Navy in the 1960s. “I was pretty impressed by its size.”

With him was a friend’s son, 10-year-old Kevin Ballard, who was surprised to see how small the helicopters were inside.

“They were small and crowded, unlike airplanes,” Ballard said.

For a couple of 14-year-olds, Kevin Cogbill and Eric Christensen, it was an occasion to show off their Civil Air Patrol uniforms.

They are among seven cadets brought to the open house by Lt. Col. Brian Wolf, who used the occasion to recruit new members.

About 35 prospective cadets and senior members signed up for the Civil Air Patrol, a private aviation organization which helps in search-and-rescue missions.