Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

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Former name	El Toro Historical Center and Command Museum Jay W. Hubbard Aviation Museum
Established	1989 (1989)
Location	4203 Anderson Avenue Marine Corps Air Station Miramar San Diego, California United States
Type	Military aviation museum
Founder	Brig. Gen. Jay W. Hubbard

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is a special place where you can learn about the history of United States Marine Corps Aviation. It's a museum dedicated to the brave pilots and aircraft of the U.S. Marine Corps. You can find it in San Diego, California, at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The museum has many cool things to see. Outside, there are 31 historic aircraft and different military vehicles. Inside, you can explore photos, artifacts, and artwork. These exhibits show the story of aviation from its very beginning up to today.

Discover the Museum's History

The museum has moved and changed names a few times! It first opened in June 1991. Back then, it was called the El Toro Historical Center and Command Museum. It was located at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. By 1998, its name changed to the Jay W. Hubbard Command Museum.

The Big Move to Miramar

In 1999, the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro closed. So, the museum had to move. It changed its name again to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. Its new home was Naval Air Station Miramar.

Moving 41 large aircraft was a huge job! They were loaded onto trailers. Then, they were carefully towed down highways to the new museum spot. The museum officially reopened on May 25, 2000. At Miramar, the museum had a large hangar. This space was used to fix and restore old aircraft.

After 2001, base security became much tighter. This made it harder for regular visitors to come to the museum.

The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation was created to help the museum. This group supports the museum's goals. They also offer educational programs for the public. These programs include tours for school trips. They also teach about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The foundation even holds art and essay contests for students.

Returning to El Toro's Old Home

In 2021, the Marine Corps announced a big change. The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum would close permanently. Its aircraft would be sent to other museums. But museum supporters quickly started a plan. They wanted to move the museum to a new location instead.

The Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation began talking with the City of Irvine. They discussed moving the museum back to its original area. This area is now called Orange County Great Park. It used to be the Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.

In December, a plan was agreed upon. The museum's aircraft would move to old hangars there. These hangars once belonged to Marine Aircraft Group 46. By March of the next year, some aircraft were being taken apart. These were planes on loan from another museum. They were getting ready to move to different museums.

Now, plans are underway to move the rest of the aircraft. Fundraising is also happening for this big move. The museum started moving aircraft to the new Irvine location in March 2024.

Explore the Museum's Collection

The museum has an amazing collection of aircraft and other military items. Many of these have played important roles in history.

Aircraft on Display

A-4M Skyhawk II, a fast attack jet.

F9F-8P Cougar, a photo reconnaissance jet.

HUP-2 Retriever, a utility helicopter.

Other Cool Exhibits

M927 UAV Launch Truck, used for launching drones.

The museum also displays other interesting military items:

• AAI RQ-2B Pioneer – This is a type of drone. It is shown mounted on the M927 Truck.
• BMP-1 – This armored vehicle was captured during a conflict.
• D-20 – This large gun was also captured during a conflict.
• MT-LB – Another vehicle captured during a conflict.
• Landing Signals Officer (LSO) Shack – This is a small building. It's where officers guide planes landing on aircraft carriers.
• M1097 Avenger – A vehicle used to launch missiles.
• M927 Truck – A large military truck.

Aircraft in Storage

Some aircraft are kept in storage. They might be waiting for restoration or future display.

Aircraft at the MCAS Miramar Post Exchange

Some aircraft are located away from the main museum. You can only see them if you have access to the post exchange on the base.

• Douglas R4D-8 Skytrain 50835
• Douglas R5D Skymaster 90392
• Fairchild R4Q Packet 131708

Aircraft That Have Moved On

Some aircraft used to be at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. But they have since moved to other museums across the country.

See also

• Marine Corps Museums
• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• Naval Aviation Hall of Honor (including USMC)
• United States naval aviator