Era Comes to Close
The departure Thursday of four CH-53D helicopters from Tustin Marine Corps Air Station has left two historic wooden hangars bare after decades of use.
The 26,000- pound helicopters were the last to use the structures, which initally housed blimps during World War II and later airplanes and helicopters.
The CH-53Ds, primarily used to transport troops, will now be stationed in Kanehoe Bay, Hawaii.
As part of a Pentagon restructuring plan that includes closure of the Tustin base, the helicopters had to go, and so did about 100 Marines and 40 families. “It’s what Marines do,” Lt. Col. Greg Reuss said moments before takeoff, trying to sound upbeat about the relocation. “We pack our bags and we move.”
The move of the helicopters brought back memories for some. “I can remember when these hangars were packed with airplanes,” said Sgt. Matthew Fitzgerald, steeped in the shadow of the giant hangars, which stand as tall as 18- story buildings.
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