The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro was commissioned on March 17, 1943. In 1950, the MCAS was selected as a permanent Master Jet Station and center of support for the operation and combat readiness of Fleet Forces, Pacific.
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Blue Angels in formation during the 1997 Air Show |
Also in 1950, MCAS El Toro hosted 15,000 visitors during its first air show on the nation's first Armed Forces Day. The MCAS El Toro Air Show would then take place annually until 1997.
The air show featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as well as the USAF Thunderbirds. It also featured new aircraft that were coming into active service, such as the B-2 stealth bomber, and other military vehicle and non-military displays. The show also had a large gathering of vendors of military items and memorabilia.
UPS displayed one
of its Boeing 727 Aircraft (B727 27C, N909UP) at the 1997 El Toro Air Show. This was also the final air show to be held at MCAS El Toro.
"The 47th annual El Toro Air Show ended with record-setting
crowds of more than 2 million over the weekend who made
a final salute to an Orange County tradition that has thrilled
spectators over nearly five decades." - Los Angeles Times
After 47 years, the El Toro Marine Air Show had
it's final touchdown on Sunday April 27, 1997 after the
Blue Angels flew in the Grand Finale.
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El Toro Grand Finale Poster |
UPS Boeing 727 being displayed at the 1997 air show.
Photo credit: Javier Rodriquez, April 1997
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sources (1, 2, 3)
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