The grounds are packed with twenty-five vintage aircraft, while inside it’s packed from floor to ceiling with rare artifacts from WW I up to the present. Memorabilia collected from every era of aviation is on display in the small galleries. One must see room is dedicated to the ‘History of Women in the Marine Corps’ and is the only such room in the US .
Expect to meet friendly and knowledgeable volunteers, such as John Archer, who proudly introduced me to a helicopter hero, Richard Toettcher (call-sign “Touch”), who served two tours (’66 and ’68) in Vietnam . “Touch” is the real deal. Although reluctant to talk about himself, he eagerly answered questions about the F-5 Tiger, down to the last decal, as he helped everyone safely into the cock pit.
Another exciting photo opportunity for us civilians is the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet, immortalized by the Blue Angels. Also of international interest stands the CH-46 Sea Knight, the helicopter used to carry cargo and passengers in the Viet Nam war and was the final marine aircraft to leave Viet Nam . It evacuated several thousand refugees and the American Ambassador during the fall of Saigon , on April 30, 1975 , thus ending our involvement-as a new day dawned.
Come and honor the brave men and women behind the machines-whose loyalty spreads as wide as the sky that is at their command. Come to look, listen and learn.
Marine Corps Aviation Museum
MCAS Miramar , San Diego , CA 92145
877-359-8762
Open everyday (except Monday)
9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
www.flyingleathernecks.org
