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thedrifter
09-15-03, 06:12 AM
Devil wings - Flying leathernecks history preserved at Miramar
Submitted by: MCRD San Diego
Story Identification Number: 200391215016
Story by Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.



MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif.(September 12, 2003) -- The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., preserves the history of Marine Corps aviation and the important role it played in Marine Corps history.

The museum is one of three command museums in the Marine Corps, according to retired Maj. Gen. Bob Butcher, chairman, board of directors, Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation.

The others are located at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, and MCRD Parris Island, S.C.

"This is the only one in the world focused on Marine aviation history," said Butcher.

On 4,000 square feet of exhibit area, the museum boasts 25 airplanes and over a thousand artifacts in the actual museum building to show what the Marines of the past used to accomplish their missions.

"Just to think about what these men went through is enough to make anyone feel grateful," said John G. Holbrook, visiting from Milwaukee.

In addition to recognizing the sacrifice of men, there is a special section in the museum dedicated to women Marines for their contributions to the Marine Corps' success in operations.

"I was never aware of the important roles women played," said Holbrook.

The museum has a larger section for women Marine history than any of the other command museums, according to Butcher.

"We have the finest women Marine display in the world," said Butcher.

The museum receives thousands of artifacts every year from patrons who learn of the museum, according to Butcher.

"We haven't received anymore planes, but we have more artifacts," said Butcher. "We had 8,000 pieces of artifacts donated this year."

The museum has a warehouse where all of its extra artifacts are stored until they can build a larger museum to display everything.

"We are in the process of raising money for more space," said Butcher.

The museum not only needs more space, but also solicits volunteers to keep the museum operating and to maintain the aircraft.

MCAS El Toro, Calif., was the original host base of the museum until it shutdown in 1999 and the museum had to move to Miramar to maintain its status as a command museum.

Admission to The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is free, and the museum is open to the public Mon. through Sat. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, visit their Web site at www.flyingleathernecks.org or call (858) 693-1723.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200391215247/$file/museum_good_lr.jpg

Ned H. Cassem of Boston observes an A-4C "Skyhawk" at the Flying Leatherneck Museum. The museum is home to 25 aircraft from the Marine Corps' past.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.


http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/20039121546/$file/reflect_lr.jpg

Ned H. Cassem is seen observing an F9F-2 "Panther," a Korean War-era aircraft.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/image1.nsf/Lookup/200391215521/$file/helo_dude_lr.jpg

Shawn D. Walker of La Jolla, Calif., observes a CH-53 "Sea Stallion," a type of helicopter used in the Vietnam War. It was introduced in 1967 and is still used today.
Photo by: Lance Cpl. Edward R. Guevara Jr.


Sempers,

Roger

thedrifter
09-24-03, 09:09 AM
A few good men volunteer at the Aviation Museum <br />
Submitted by: MCAS Miramar <br />
Story Identification Number: 200392320121 <br />
Story by Sgt. Joshua Stueve <br />
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MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR,...