The Legacy of El Toro

The construction of MCAS El Toro began in July 1942 on a parcel of land purchased from The Irvine Company. It was commissioned on March 17, 1943. In 1945, Congress made it the permanent West Coast Marine Corps Air Station. MCAS El Toro was a master jet air station supporting the operations and combat readiness of Pacific Fleet Marine Forces. MCAS El Toro provided materials and support for aviation activities of the United States Marine Corps (USMC).  Combat pilots received their training at MCAS El Toro during World War II as well as the Korea and Vietnam Wars.

The station was used for aviation activities for almost 50 years.  Throughout its military use life span, MCAS El Toro was a key economic and community component of Orange County, becoming home to thousands of military personnel, their families and other non-military personnel who provided support to the base community.  More than 750,000 veterans were stationed at MCAS El Toro. 

Links: