So sad. At 9:17 I see the armory I used to work in. I had so much fun there. That place was where I first experienced life as an adult. I met some great friends there. Seeing this makes me sad.
i lived on the northern edge of mission viejo in the 80's and worked in the laguna hills industrial park under the approach corridor. it was awesome. nearly every day it was an air show. now, i feel privileged to have witnessed it all. of course i attended the real air shows every year. thanks, guys!
I was a cook over on mainside back in 1981, many great memories there. It was a great duty station, close to the mountains and not to far from the Pacific.The smell of strawberries from the fields off base was pleasant as well as the orange groves.Too bad they had to close it.
Shout out to Kelly Hayman of Ohio, Patrick Ridgeway of Washington State and so many great guys I got to know. All live in my heart like brothers. God Bless all Marines. WTS-37 1977 to 1979.
The gym @ 4:38. On the right side. Good memories there. My dad was stationed there for his final 4 years in the Corp. Then he went into civilian service or something and continued to work there til it finally closed in 1999.
Anyone remember Capt. (?) Mike Cooper....1986-1990? I am his daughter Megan....(can't be sure of the dates or rank since I was so young)....Col. Caddock crashing?
Thanks for the video, it broke my heart, I was with VMA-AW-121 from 1985-1987 and with H&MS-13 when it was at El Toro before that. I loved that base and have so many fond memories of her. I can picture the summer nights with everyone hanging out on the decks outside the rooms drinking and relaxing. It kills me to see the disrepair.
It looks like I outdate all of you. H&HS (VFMT-10) back in '58'59. Remembering Heffernan, Olsen, Van Dyne but many others my old brain can't recall. But it was an education the Corps gave and some background to get on in life. Just a shitbird when I entered but I worked hard (I thought) especially off base in a rental on bluebird canyon rd in Laguna Beach. Pearl diving, bussing and growing up. It was a great experience and I thank the Corps for saving me from myself.
I was assigned to WTS-37, formerly WERS-37. Motor Transport. I did my drivers training for 6x6's over at Tustin. I spent both summers up at 29 Palms supporting the EAF. Driving communication techs around in a jeep to hell and back. When back at El Toro I drove a old Dodge 3 ton flatbed truck with a slant 6 between El Toro and North Island 2 to 3 time a day. Dropping off F4 drop tanks for rework and bringing back reconditioned units. That was a sweet job. I miss the good times.
Thank you very much. WTS-37 1977-1979. You caught the backside of the movie theater, man I watched many movies there. I think BRAC made a real mistake closing MCAS El Toro.
@bootywild I was there at the same time working at Mag-11 Armory. Chances are I handed you an m16a2 a few times. I loved the base because it was so mellow compared all the other Marine bases.
Part Two: Sorry for the winded post: my dad was stationed here in the early 40's as well and every chance we get to talk about the Marine Corps, we do. typically over a good 12 year old single malt. He has all the stories of VFA 214 and Pappy Boyington. from El Toro to Guadalcanal. When I drove around, my barracks was still there mostly N9th & Perimeter Rd. Most of MAG 11 is still there too. My hangar was there, but it must have changed many years ago.
@RivMcLean , thanks for your message. I was with VMFA-121 from 1988-1993. I never thought I would see the day that El Toro was destroyed. You can Google Earth MCAS El Toro and see the destruction there - dated Nov. 2009. All that remains of the barracks are the floors. Sad. I am so thankful that I was able to see her and drive most of the perimeter before the destruction.
I saw this video about April or May this year and could not believe my eyes. I wanted to see for myself so I made my way to El Toro and have a look around. Damn sad. I was stationed here in 81-84, my father was stationed here in the early 40's. I drove through the Main Gate and came up on an opened chain linked gate so I drove in. When I left, it was closed and locked... I found my way out by the back gate by MAG 11. you got to know the base. Moved to OC in 67 and grew up in Mission Viejo.
VMFP-3 84-88. This base was a gem. I spent all my money at the aero club flying around S. Cal and landing on these runwasy. I was 19-22 and loving life. I remember O.C. residents joining the Corps so they could have their kids at the day care center. It was built with bake sales and car washes. All of it lost. I loved California then. Now I hope Mexico takes over along with its residents. Semper Fi
dumbest idea they ever had was to close this down, all to build expensive homes that no one could afford. Now the developer has bone belly-up - bunch of dumbasses.
thanks you are right all the buildings that you see on this video are gone I went an seen it ,everthing is almost bare now , barracks that you see on here are now only memories, maybe 1 hangar left to demolish, an runways have been broken up, theater is gone etc . thanks for the memories Semper Fi
I wish they hadnt closed it down. I heard the military was about to move MCRD San Diego to the El Toro base but then the Department of Navy had already approved the sale. Shame, I think having the recruit depot moved to El Toro would have been way better choice as El Toro has a lot of room. Im going to boot camp soon, in DEP right now and I would much rather of got sent to El Toro than san diego as I also live in Irvine.
Thank you for this... I was there from July 94 - Sept 96 w/ MWSS 373(The main offices were some of the last photos with the cards painted on the side of the building)and you brought back many memories that had become very distant.
@BeardedArt hey question, I was stationed there with mwss 373 till I got out 1989 when did the unit move, I worked in the motorpool.......... Semper Fi
Damn brother, I'm sure we walked the same grounds many times...
I was EAF/ Aircraft Recovery. When you were going down Perimeter Rd from the barracks(past the gate on Marine Way) I worked in the very first set of buildings that were on the left. At the end of 7L & 7R. I got out in 96 and the had already started the move. I think the move was complete in late 97 or 98. Not 100%. Sad to see it gone... Semper Fi
Thank you for posting this video. I loved MCAS El Toro. It was my first duty station, I was 18. Det B Radio, MWCS-38, and HHS. I lived in some of the barracks that you showed, and the castle. I had girlfriends that worked at the PX, and dry cleaners. I loved it. My best memories from the Corps. I was there for the Exodus to Miramar. I didnt know it looked like this now. It looks like something from the movie I am legend ...my eyes kinda swelled up for a moment, and im never sentimental
I'm glad I stumbled across your video of El Toro Base - Thanks for posting. I was a Marine stationed with HMM - 164 Knight Riders as a GSE Mechanic from 1997 until I got out in 99. I toured the base years after I got out, I wanna say around 07, but they had demolished all the barracks, the chow-hall, and closed off the roads. All I have are the memories in my head - parties, drinking, crazy Jarheads, barrack hoes, and more drinking. Semper Fi.
Awesome memories. While most of my time in the 3rd MAW was spent at MCAS Tustin in MALS-16 GSE from '85 to '92, I was in MALS-11 GSE in '92 and '93 and went to Iwakuni with '121 from March to September of '92. From '89 to '93 I lived in Base Housing at El Toro at 8552 1/2 Midway Drive.
Thanks for the memories, it brought back great memories of friends and times. I served at 3MAW,MABS 46 MAG 46 Comm, 1980-1984. To all who served, Semper Fi.
Thank you!!! this was a flashback to my childhood!!! my fathe was stationed there. i went to El Toro Marine School there lived in base housing,and watched my father play softball, many a bbq Many a fly over thank you again. trult sad was a beautiful place to grow up!!! in the 70's.!!!!
I lived in this barracks(732) from 1987-1990 in Rm 219(second floor, door directly behind the second white post at 1:15 of this video) while I was with VMGR-352. Seeing the state of disrepair is so sad knowing what effort we put into field days every Thursday night. I would have liked to seen the condition of the courtyard on the backside of this building.
I had footage of the rear of the building and actually peered into one of the rooms and up the stairwell. Talk about disrepair. The courtyard was filled with trash as was the walkway. Really sad to see it that way. I was in this building for a short period when serving with VMFA-121. Yes... I remember keeping the entire place immaculate. You could eat off the floors. So sad... and now they're tearing it all down. I hate change.
@buccsrule1 the junkies moved in. my father was the sergeant major of an aviation unit when it closed in 1999. drove by not to long ago and i see drunk addicts and all that nasty stuff.
Thank you so much for this. I was with mwcs-38 across from the fire station. We stayed at the last building by the fields from where you started driving from. You sure did strike a chord with all of us. Yeah,we were young and took things for granted back then. All my good memories started from there. We lost subic too! If you have more please put it up. Thank you so much.Need to get another beer this is tough to take. Semper Fi always.
It is always sad to see a military base close. I watched an f-86 fly into the ground there in 1993. I wonder if they will ever tear down the blimp hangers the freeway from el toro? I hope not. It was sad when they tore down O.C.I.R. track. Orange county is really just a congested mess now. way too many shops and people. What a shame tearing down a marine base for some park. Did you see oswald peeking out that window on frame 560? look closely. he had you in his sights. LOL
they cant even tear down the tustin blimp hangars because state protected owls nest inside them :P. when i was younger i always thought they were huge airport terminals, little did i know that they were abandoned blimp hangars by then
thanks for all the memories when I left there never looked back, however now as the many years have passed I am grateful for the time I served at el toro as a marine, this place will never be forgotten kind of sad, myself an my fellow marines will never forget this place where we marched countless times or running our hearts out during our pfts thanks for posting this we appreciate it mwss 373 support squadron 1987-1989 Semper Fi
Thanks for your comment. I was there - off and on - whenever not on deployment - from 1988 to 1993. Beautiful country. The surrounding area(s) are among the most beautiful in the world. It is sad to see the base close.
So sad. At 9:17 I see the armory I used to work in. I had so much fun there. That place was where I first experienced life as an adult. I met some great friends there. Seeing this makes me sad.
Sparkmaster3000 1 week ago
AHH FORGOT ABOUT BAXTERS CLUB REMEMBER
deathrattlers 3 weeks ago
Ahhhh GREAT TIMES AND BAD TIMES 1988-1992 with VMFA 314 and VMFA 3223 AND HHSQUADRON
deathrattlers 3 weeks ago
Thanks for the memories devil dog!
I was there from '94-96 - MATCS 38 ATC Det B Radar. Hard to believe the place is gone now...so many good times.
jdoedoenet 1 month ago
i lived on the northern edge of mission viejo in the 80's and worked in the laguna hills industrial park under the approach corridor. it was awesome. nearly every day it was an air show. now, i feel privileged to have witnessed it all. of course i attended the real air shows every year. thanks, guys!
swimmerB0B 1 month ago
I was a cook over on mainside back in 1981, many great memories there. It was a great duty station, close to the mountains and not to far from the Pacific.The smell of strawberries from the fields off base was pleasant as well as the orange groves.Too bad they had to close it.
MrKeithpineo 2 months ago
You don't happen to have footage of the houses that were set on the hills just north of the base ?
BearWalken 2 months ago
Shout out to Kelly Hayman of Ohio, Patrick Ridgeway of Washington State and so many great guys I got to know. All live in my heart like brothers. God Bless all Marines. WTS-37 1977 to 1979.
rh30135 2 months ago
The gym @ 4:38. On the right side. Good memories there. My dad was stationed there for his final 4 years in the Corp. Then he went into civilian service or something and continued to work there til it finally closed in 1999.
BearWalken 2 months ago
Anyone remember Capt. (?) Mike Cooper....1986-1990? I am his daughter Megan....(can't be sure of the dates or rank since I was so young)....Col. Caddock crashing?
Mrs0714T 2 months ago
Thanks for the video, it broke my heart, I was with VMA-AW-121 from 1985-1987 and with H&MS-13 when it was at El Toro before that. I loved that base and have so many fond memories of her. I can picture the summer nights with everyone hanging out on the decks outside the rooms drinking and relaxing. It kills me to see the disrepair.
rangerman6162 3 months ago
It looks like I outdate all of you. H&HS (VFMT-10) back in '58'59. Remembering Heffernan, Olsen, Van Dyne but many others my old brain can't recall. But it was an education the Corps gave and some background to get on in life. Just a shitbird when I entered but I worked hard (I thought) especially off base in a rental on bluebird canyon rd in Laguna Beach. Pearl diving, bussing and growing up. It was a great experience and I thank the Corps for saving me from myself.
trbodden 3 months ago
Fun film. Served with VMCJ-3-VMFP-3, MAG11 there. I believe the old barracks 450 were my home. 1975-1978 minus two WestPac deployments.
Semper Fi...Keith Koepke
keithstir 4 months ago
Comment removed
keithstir 4 months ago
I was assigned to WTS-37, formerly WERS-37. Motor Transport. I did my drivers training for 6x6's over at Tustin. I spent both summers up at 29 Palms supporting the EAF. Driving communication techs around in a jeep to hell and back. When back at El Toro I drove a old Dodge 3 ton flatbed truck with a slant 6 between El Toro and North Island 2 to 3 time a day. Dropping off F4 drop tanks for rework and bringing back reconditioned units. That was a sweet job. I miss the good times.
rh30135 6 months ago
Thank you very much. WTS-37 1977-1979. You caught the backside of the movie theater, man I watched many movies there. I think BRAC made a real mistake closing MCAS El Toro.
rh30135 6 months ago
Awesome! Thank you! MWSS-373 HE 1995-1998
joni865 7 months ago
Thanks for sharing, I had some good times at El Toro. 90-95 MALS 11 and SOMS
bootywild 8 months ago
@bootywild I was there at the same time working at Mag-11 Armory. Chances are I handed you an m16a2 a few times. I loved the base because it was so mellow compared all the other Marine bases.
Sparkmaster3000 1 week ago
Anyone else out there hate that Damn Base realignment committee as much ass i do? They Keep Closing all the good duty stations grrr.
Irish39100 1 year ago
Had many good times at El Toro, was there from 95-98 with MWCS-38 living in barracks 666. Best time of my life. It will truly be missed
JonnyToxic13 1 year ago
Such a shame that El Toro has had to close. I was stationed ther briefly in Sept. 1964 before deploying to West Pac and Viet Nam.
VMA225 1 year ago
Part Two: Sorry for the winded post: my dad was stationed here in the early 40's as well and every chance we get to talk about the Marine Corps, we do. typically over a good 12 year old single malt. He has all the stories of VFA 214 and Pappy Boyington. from El Toro to Guadalcanal. When I drove around, my barracks was still there mostly N9th & Perimeter Rd. Most of MAG 11 is still there too. My hangar was there, but it must have changed many years ago.
Thanks for the video again. Semper Fi!
RivMcLean 1 year ago
@RivMcLean , thanks for your message. I was with VMFA-121 from 1988-1993. I never thought I would see the day that El Toro was destroyed. You can Google Earth MCAS El Toro and see the destruction there - dated Nov. 2009. All that remains of the barracks are the floors. Sad. I am so thankful that I was able to see her and drive most of the perimeter before the destruction.
Semper Fi.
Jay Kruizenga
jaykruizenga 1 year ago
I saw this video about April or May this year and could not believe my eyes. I wanted to see for myself so I made my way to El Toro and have a look around. Damn sad. I was stationed here in 81-84, my father was stationed here in the early 40's. I drove through the Main Gate and came up on an opened chain linked gate so I drove in. When I left, it was closed and locked... I found my way out by the back gate by MAG 11. you got to know the base. Moved to OC in 67 and grew up in Mission Viejo.
RivMcLean 1 year ago
Thanks,nice job on video it choked me up. I was at El Toro from 85 to 89 with VMA-211 and Mals-11 OMD.
semperfi211 1 year ago
VMFP-3 84-88. This base was a gem. I spent all my money at the aero club flying around S. Cal and landing on these runwasy. I was 19-22 and loving life. I remember O.C. residents joining the Corps so they could have their kids at the day care center. It was built with bake sales and car washes. All of it lost. I loved California then. Now I hope Mexico takes over along with its residents. Semper Fi
PhantomsPhorever1 1 year ago
Thanks for sharing...Stationed here with the 3rd MAW Band 1995-1998. So sad to see our base look like a ghost town.
13mackblack 1 year ago
who sings the last song in this video? where u get the instrumental?
951oct 1 year ago
All songs on video are by Moby. The last song you are referring to is called "One of these Mornings". It is found on Moby's 18 album.
jaykruizenga 1 year ago
dumbest idea they ever had was to close this down, all to build expensive homes that no one could afford. Now the developer has bone belly-up - bunch of dumbasses.
MrDirtbikerMan 1 year ago
thanks you are right all the buildings that you see on this video are gone I went an seen it ,everthing is almost bare now , barracks that you see on here are now only memories, maybe 1 hangar left to demolish, an runways have been broken up, theater is gone etc . thanks for the memories Semper Fi
STEVE038564 1 year ago
I wish they hadnt closed it down. I heard the military was about to move MCRD San Diego to the El Toro base but then the Department of Navy had already approved the sale. Shame, I think having the recruit depot moved to El Toro would have been way better choice as El Toro has a lot of room. Im going to boot camp soon, in DEP right now and I would much rather of got sent to El Toro than san diego as I also live in Irvine.
SnowyAgeStudios 1 year ago
Thank you for this... I was there from July 94 - Sept 96 w/ MWSS 373(The main offices were some of the last photos with the cards painted on the side of the building)and you brought back many memories that had become very distant.
BeardedArt 1 year ago
@BeardedArt hey question, I was stationed there with mwss 373 till I got out 1989 when did the unit move, I worked in the motorpool.......... Semper Fi
STEVE038564 1 year ago
@STEVE038564
Damn brother, I'm sure we walked the same grounds many times...
I was EAF/ Aircraft Recovery. When you were going down Perimeter Rd from the barracks(past the gate on Marine Way) I worked in the very first set of buildings that were on the left. At the end of 7L & 7R. I got out in 96 and the had already started the move. I think the move was complete in late 97 or 98. Not 100%. Sad to see it gone... Semper Fi
BeardedArt 1 year ago
Thank you for posting this video. I loved MCAS El Toro. It was my first duty station, I was 18. Det B Radio, MWCS-38, and HHS. I lived in some of the barracks that you showed, and the castle. I had girlfriends that worked at the PX, and dry cleaners. I loved it. My best memories from the Corps. I was there for the Exodus to Miramar. I didnt know it looked like this now. It looks like something from the movie I am legend ...my eyes kinda swelled up for a moment, and im never sentimental
tommyemiliano 1 year ago
I'm glad I stumbled across your video of El Toro Base - Thanks for posting. I was a Marine stationed with HMM - 164 Knight Riders as a GSE Mechanic from 1997 until I got out in 99. I toured the base years after I got out, I wanna say around 07, but they had demolished all the barracks, the chow-hall, and closed off the roads. All I have are the memories in my head - parties, drinking, crazy Jarheads, barrack hoes, and more drinking. Semper Fi.
csucujo 1 year ago
Thanks for the video.. Sad to see the base closed was stationed there from 80-84 with VMFA-314 very sad it is gone..
turtlebob37 1 year ago
Awesome memories. While most of my time in the 3rd MAW was spent at MCAS Tustin in MALS-16 GSE from '85 to '92, I was in MALS-11 GSE in '92 and '93 and went to Iwakuni with '121 from March to September of '92. From '89 to '93 I lived in Base Housing at El Toro at 8552 1/2 Midway Drive.
SgtSki1436 1 year ago
Best duty station in the wing. 2 tours. 74-75/ 77-78.
I hate that they killed her.
Semper Fi
bnaguy 1 year ago
Shame she is gone, met my 2nd wife there, 76 - 78 32 years still togather.
to all the Marines who service there
Semper Fi
wtsc9 2 years ago
Thanks for the memories, it brought back great memories of friends and times. I served at 3MAW,MABS 46 MAG 46 Comm, 1980-1984. To all who served, Semper Fi.
jrivas83 2 years ago
Thank you!!! this was a flashback to my childhood!!! my fathe was stationed there. i went to El Toro Marine School there lived in base housing,and watched my father play softball, many a bbq Many a fly over thank you again. trult sad was a beautiful place to grow up!!! in the 70's.!!!!
tylerfingerskater 2 years ago
Jay, thanks for posting this, i served on El Toro in the early 1980's. she will be truly missed!
beirutbill 2 years ago
I lived in this barracks(732) from 1987-1990 in Rm 219(second floor, door directly behind the second white post at 1:15 of this video) while I was with VMGR-352. Seeing the state of disrepair is so sad knowing what effort we put into field days every Thursday night. I would have liked to seen the condition of the courtyard on the backside of this building.
buccsrule1 2 years ago
I had footage of the rear of the building and actually peered into one of the rooms and up the stairwell. Talk about disrepair. The courtyard was filled with trash as was the walkway. Really sad to see it that way. I was in this building for a short period when serving with VMFA-121. Yes... I remember keeping the entire place immaculate. You could eat off the floors. So sad... and now they're tearing it all down. I hate change.
jaykruizenga 2 years ago 2
@buccsrule1 the junkies moved in. my father was the sergeant major of an aviation unit when it closed in 1999. drove by not to long ago and i see drunk addicts and all that nasty stuff.
hojoleon 4 days ago
Thank you so much for this. I was with mwcs-38 across from the fire station. We stayed at the last building by the fields from where you started driving from. You sure did strike a chord with all of us. Yeah,we were young and took things for granted back then. All my good memories started from there. We lost subic too! If you have more please put it up. Thank you so much.Need to get another beer this is tough to take. Semper Fi always.
GuitarNineteen1 2 years ago
Thanks for the video...MCAS El Toro was my first duty station 1998
scoutsniper352 2 years ago
It is always sad to see a military base close. I watched an f-86 fly into the ground there in 1993. I wonder if they will ever tear down the blimp hangers the freeway from el toro? I hope not. It was sad when they tore down O.C.I.R. track. Orange county is really just a congested mess now. way too many shops and people. What a shame tearing down a marine base for some park. Did you see oswald peeking out that window on frame 560? look closely. he had you in his sights. LOL
barmtrail 2 years ago
they cant even tear down the tustin blimp hangars because state protected owls nest inside them :P. when i was younger i always thought they were huge airport terminals, little did i know that they were abandoned blimp hangars by then
erad5 2 years ago
thanks for all the memories when I left there never looked back, however now as the many years have passed I am grateful for the time I served at el toro as a marine, this place will never be forgotten kind of sad, myself an my fellow marines will never forget this place where we marched countless times or running our hearts out during our pfts thanks for posting this we appreciate it mwss 373 support squadron 1987-1989 Semper Fi
STEVE038564 2 years ago
It makes me ill watching this. But I'd grateful to had a last look and appreciate you posting it.
MAG 13, MABS 13
Launch & Recovery
74-78
Semper Fi
bnaguy 2 years ago
Thanks for your comment. I was there - off and on - whenever not on deployment - from 1988 to 1993. Beautiful country. The surrounding area(s) are among the most beautiful in the world. It is sad to see the base close.
jaykruizenga 2 years ago
Thanks for the last look. I was there at a 8 week Vietnamese language school in late 1969 (TAD from MCAS Yuma). I enjoyed my couple of months there.
2513344 2 years ago