Looking at our neighbor to the east, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (MCAS), what comes to mind? “The few, the brave, the proud, the Marines” may be your answer. The sound of freedom might be your choice as you hear and watch F-18s soar through the sky or do touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. Finally, the word gratitude may roll off your lips, directed to those who serve us in the military, whether you embrace the Iraq mission or rail against it.
Recently this writer made her way over to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, located just north of the North Gate at MCAS on Miramar Road. I was greeted by two former Marines, museum volunteers, one who served during World War II and one who had seen duty more recently. The first Marine joked about how his generation could possibly have won the Second World War because “we weren’t as smart as these kids today. You can’t believe how smart and well-trained they are.”
The younger of the two volunteers told me that he loved his volunteer work in the temporary quarters of the museum, the only official Marine Corps aviation museum in the western United States, according to Col. Chris O’Connor, commanding officer at Miramar. The Marines are hoping to raise funds to build a beautiful, permanent museum or exhibit hall.
“We meet people from all over the country and we hear their stories,” the volunteer said. “Volunteering here is a most interesting job.”
The museum displays World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War vintage aircraft outside the temporary facilities. MCAS Miramar is home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Aviation Combat Element of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, at least 200 service members left Miramar Marine Corps Air Station last Saturday, Jan. 19, to join Marines and sailors on a combat tour as part of a major series of deployments to Iraq for troops based in San Diego County. In the coming weeks, about 11,000 members of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force will head to Anbar in Iraq. Most of them are stationed at Miramar or Camp Pendleton.
In honor of those who serve us as Marine aviators today and for an understanding of the interesting history of Marine aviation, it would be worth the drive on Miramar Road to visit this museum. Various military aircraft are on display, including the F4U (Corsair) used by aviators in World War II, as well as an F/A-18A, with about 30 aircraft on display at any time.
The museum has the most complete exhibit of the history of women in the Marine Corps from 1918 to the present. In July 1993, 2nd Lt. Sarah Deal became the first female Marine selected for Naval aviation training. She received her wings on April 21, 1995 and served as a CH-53E helicopter pilot.
The first USMC pilots, Alfred Cunningham and Roy Gieger, began their aviation career in 1912. They flew anti-submarine patrols and front-line bombing missions.
Three famous Marine aviators include John Glenn, an American astronaut who was a fighter pilot with the Marines. He piloted F4U Corsair planes and flew 59 combat missions in World War II.
Ted Williams, baseball’s best, served as a Marine pilot during World War II and the Korean War, where he recorded 38 combat missions.
Jerry Coleman, once the voice of the Padres, signed with the New York Yankees in 1942, but he postponed his baseball career and joined the Marines as a Naval aviation cadet. He flew 51 combat missions at Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands and the Philippines. In 1952, Coleman was recalled to active duty for combat service in the Korean War. He flew 63 close air support and interdiction strike missions. He remained in the Marine reserves until 1964, when he retired.
Since 2012 will mark the 100th birthday of Marine aviation, it would be great to have the new museum ready to open. In the meantime, the temporary headquarters provide an opportunity to relive the history of Marine aviation. A gift shop gives you a chance to pick up souvenirs and Marine mementos. Right now the public is invited to the museum Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and admission is free. However, the opportunity to join the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation is available. The e-mail address is [email protected].
For museum information, call (858) 693-1723. Semper fi.