Hell Toro- Toxic Marine Base in Irvine

[@stevengeyer7750]

I was one of the last to leave, after helping relocate the last squadrons before retiring. I was there from Feb '96- July '99 and worked in those highly contaminated bldg # 296 & 297 (that used the luminescent paints for instruments). 2011 B-cell Lymphoma... 2012 Multiple Sclerosis... Gone from cane, to walker, and now wheel chair in 3 yrs without any recognized service connected disability rating... Sick of this game with the VA!

[@andrewg3257]

I grew up in the apartments rite next to Jeffrey and the 5 in the 90’s when it was all fields and orange groves. I remember them always burning stuff could see thick black smoke where the base was

[@Whatcha_Gonna_Do]

I was a Marine with VMGR-352 at Hangar 296. I know of three Flight Engineers who have passed away from Cancer, young guys who would be in their late 60's today. I've been diagnosed with chronic fatigue and liver issues my VA Doctors feel is related so will be filing a claim

[@Whatcha_Gonna_Do]

@@andrewg3257 That was Crash Crew practicing putting out fires, lots of toxic exposure for those Marines as well. We got screwed and we only hear about Camp Legune. The Government should be reaching out to all who served at El Toro

[@traceymartin624]

I lived in MAG-11 housing 86-89. Had a white Toy. truck that always had little brown spots of who knows what on it. I would wash and wax it and the next day it was covered again.

[@denniskort8556]

Stationed there 1980-1983 & 1988-1991. VMGR 352 & VMFAT 101. Those were fun years in my military career

[@rmon2751]

I served from 93-97 and I spent a good amount of time on that base working near the flight line. I worked at MWHS-3. I lived in the housing area near the school house and I remember seeing the green mist late at night. I went on to serve with the Air National Guard until I was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder in 2006 known as Behcet's Syndrome. No one has been able to tell me how or why I developed the disorder but looking at these reports I now think there is a connection there.

[@williamboardman9476]

Good Luck. Semper Fi. Let's connect the dots.

[@andyballs4477]

thank you for your service

[@berwin26]

Hey! I know this post is old, but I am just getting around to doing some research on filing a claim. I was also stationed there with MWHS-3 during that time! Maybe we know each other? Have you received any benefits?

[@rmon2751]

@@berwin26 what's your name?

[@berwin26]

@@rmon2751 Berwin McClinton

[@rayhageman8139]

I was stationed at MCAS El Toro from 1979 -1983. My MOS 6022 power plants. My squadron VMA-211 last year I was treated for prostate cancer.

[@Pickabanjo]

I served VMA-311 from 85-88 and was discharged, Honorably/Medically released due to unexplained migraine headaches. I am now 50 years old and have recently received a small intestine transplant after years of multiple health failures. I have been in a coma, colon removed, small intestine removed, lived on TPN for 18 months (no food, no water by mouth), 1 rib removed, cervical surgery, diskitis, osteomylitis, blood clots, multiple infections, lung collapsed, cardiac invert with electrodes, and deaf in both ears. With no explanation, medically or otherwise to what occurred in my health. One statement always comes to mind that was spoken by one of my surgeons...."It looked like a bomb went off inside of him". Tim Kings report opened a door for me and if I can live long enough to see justice come to all those effected by this chemical catastrophe I will feel more honored in the service I provided to my country. Semper Fi.......

[@williamboardman9476]

MOS ? I'm wondering about windage from the BEACH / Freeway FUMES...combined with what we used to clean aircraft on a regular basis, and likely MORE often aboard carriers overseas for aircraft salt air exposure.Left El Toro in fall 82, and went to Beaufort MCAS...doing less of the same thing with rank.

[@stephenajones4438]

Sorry to hear about all those medical issues. The same dates you posted I would have been TME with VMA-311 Flightline. I was there from Dec 85 to Mar 86. Then transferred to MCAS Beaufort

[@huggybear6093]

my father was aviation ordinance on a6s with vmfa 242 maw 3 at eltoro. we lived at 13772 wake ave and 13682 iwo gima ave in the mid seventies. i went to el toro marine school for k - 2 grades. loved it. the parachute during gym is my fondest memory. anyone else here around the same time

[@VMA225]

I was stationed at El Toro for a couple of weeks in Sept. 1964 , before deploying on to West Pac and Viet Nam. Returned to El Toro from Viet Nam in Oct. 1965. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, on and off, for about 3 years between 1960 and 1966. I have been diagnosed with a very rare Blood Cancer ( Polycythemia Vera ) which was acquired not inherited. That's my story and I'm sticking to it !!!

[@LieuranceThompson-wf2ky]

I was stationed at MCAS ELTORO for 2yrs from November 1979 to January 1981 and I have been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer too otherwise known as Neuro-Myelitis-Optica (Brain Cancer). This condition causes paralysis and blindness and is also called Deviks Disease. I was diagnosed in 2019.

[@jerrysullivan8424]

I served here 1976 and 77 at the Commissary, It was the best years of my young life, I still have dreams of being there.

[@wauzdancer1556]

MWSG-37, WTS-37. 1977-1979. We dumped dirty part cleaning solvent and used hyd fluid and oils as ordered. There was not much about recycling these things back then. Sad it happened that way.

[@Mike-01234]

My friend was marine stationed at El Toro in the early 70's he said they dumped all kinds of stuff in barrels. Used hydraulic oil he remembers they would use a front loader to dig a hole and put the drums in the ground of old hydraulic oil from airplanes.

[@Old_Surly_Ogre]

I was there 1972 and 1973. I've had reoccurring blisters on my feet since that time. It's unexplained, but luckily documented in my medical records.

[@kevinringold4378]

I served at MCAS El Toro from 1976 to 1980 MASS-3 and HHS38 right on the flight line I got a call today from a fellow marine to alert me of what went on wondering how I feel 34 years later where is our government? NOT protecting us veterans

[@dcwusmc]

I was with HHS Station from 72-74, on the flight line and in the battery shop. Shoulda suspected at least some toxic exposure, but THIS???

[@tlgtlg3803]

Was stationed at Eltoro from2/73-9/74, mass-lll,, sad to see it decommissioned,,, worked part time at gas station , just outside base,, spent lot of time in anahiem area near Disneyland etc.,

[@gosling146]

I was in MASS3 in 1956-59, any problems then? SF!

[@Conurelover1]

We used to dump fuel from drop tanks all over the dirt on the flight line there, and that cancer causing spooge that we used to wash the A/C with was constantly going down the drains...

[@wauzdancer1556]

We dumped hyd fluid and dirty part cleaning solvent over at the motorpool.

[@seyerb]

5:46 that's Bldg 321 Supply Dept. where I used to work as a Sailor. I was stationed at MCAS El Toro 1986 to 1989, my first duty station.

[@Bill-1370]

I was stationed at El Toro from 81 to 85 with a 6mo tour to Japan. I must say that it was the best duty station I had in the 7yrs I served. I was with MABS-13 and VMA-311. It saddens me that such a great base and memorys are all gone with the closing of the base.

[@williamboardman9476]

I was crushed when Stripper pulled up to burned front gate sign in "Independence Day" , The Fast and Furious "race wars" scenes, Motor Trend, Car and Driver test cars on flight line all the time. "Jag" episodes...

[@rlhmarines]

I was with Airfield Ops at El Toro from 91 to 96 and remember Will Smith being on base for simulator training for the movie. Lived in Laguna Niguel near the beach for a while until we got base housing at the back gate across from the El Toro school. I enjoyed the area and went back in 08 but it was painful to see the base in its' state of abandonment.

[@blackwater4044]

Great memorys along with drug smuggling evidence 🤣

[@djimjam3779]

I had a blast here on OJT with H&MS GSE (don't remember the unit but it was closer to the F-4's) in '87. Glad I didn't spend more than a year there, according to this article! Yikes!! We were so ignorant back then we used to wash our hands with the parts washer fluid PD-680 to get the bearing grease off our hands before chow and after work (we couldn't show up at the beach with grease-ingrained finger nails, egads!)

[@williamboardman9476]

Night crew rocks ! Mid Rats at chow hall listening to Dr. Demento on KMET.!Ground support Equipment would be cleaned with the same stuff wouldn't it ? I worked GSE at Cubi Point, Philippines...on flight line Dungaree Beach. (Somebody HAD to do it). And we used "Baby Shit" aircraft paint stripper all the time. Laguna Beach basketball courts...Tomasito's across PCH, great Deluxe Burrito in foil tray. Life was good, only a short canyon bike ride away.

[@travissmith4899]

Cant believe that you people destroyed my favorite old house on that marine base. Thanks a lot!

[@mw202123]

I was also stationed there from 84-88 with H&MS-13 and VMA-121. It was a great station.

[@wendymathis4264]

ex husband was stationed there 1988-1992. He was a crash crew fire fighter and lived on the base. He has Leukemia and the kind he has only comes from toxic exposure.

[@ValDuarteFerg]

Rich?! Please give him my regards. "fergie"

[@williamboardman9476]

Using MEK to fight fires. Used aboard air craft carriers. Purple powder .

[@davevanwie6560]

Served in Crash Crew about the same time... Section Leader was SSgt Setzko...NCOIC was MGSgt Davenport who was your ex ?

[@abbeyjane1306]

I was at El Toro, 73 to 76. Semper Fi, ATC KD

[@tdog2326]

Finally this video will soon bring to light

[@strategicprepper2648]

I was there 85-95. My brother was at Camp Legune and that gave him Parkinson’s and other things. Damn! I hope I don’t get sick too. We knew it was contaminated when I was there. I worked in environmental for a while and the base was tracking the contamination plume that reached 7 miles to the Tustin base.

[@u4riahsc]

I worked for a contractor on El Toro for 10 years doing construction. The final 2 years were environmental remediation and it was a total joke. Do not live in the homes built anywhere close to that place. The two generals’ quarters had their water supply to their quarters filtered, but no one else got filtered water. We dug up tons of hideous chemicals. Aliso creek runs through the base and ends in Laguna Beach and I always see kids playing in the creek water at the beach. Anyone who goes near that place will absolutely have negative health.

[@lowdown5928]

1974-1978 El Toro Marine. We dumped burn up fuel huge mushroom Plumes on the airfields behind Plane Hangers on the regular. I was Soaked in TCE for years as cleaning. lubricating agent. I have many medical conditions attributed to TEC. (Veterans Administration Denies Medical Claims) Still Today.

[@BritanniaPacific]

My high school health teacher was stationed at the el toro base in the early 90's back when he was in the marines

[@carrolle7101]

So how did they build Great Park here? The future will tell with the new residents living on this property.

[@lowdown5928]

@Robdog 1 Blood Money

[@unknownsender6852]

Chinese commie money. Oh the irony.

[@ramenlover1727]

and a water park@@unknownsender6852

[@tlgtlg3803]

WAS STATIONED AT EL TORO MASS-3 REDEYE PLATOON 1973-74, REMEMERED STANDING ON 3rd FLOOR MOST LIKELY IN THE BARRACKS SHOWED AT BEGINNING OF THIS VIDEO, THEY HAD JUST BEEN CONSTRUCTED, NICE, LIVING QUARTERS, MUCH BETTER & MORE PRIVATE etc. THAN THE OLD SQUAD BAYS, ALSO CIVILIAN CHOW HALLS!!

[@Mrburr_REETIRED371]

eltoro 78-80 macg-38 mwcs-38 then overseas to okinawa .ty for the video

[@HolyShnikeez_1975]

Hell yeah! Barracks 666

[@watchthe1369]

I know the way we changed once we shifted out of cold war mode when it came to a lot of the chemicals we used. The chemical dump area by our hangar never ever grew grass no matter how much we tried to fix it. We used Trych like people use lysol deodarannt on their counters against covid. Poltergeist movie- any Cold War era base is loaded with bear trap like spots where a homeowner has no clue what they are buying. I am also sure that a lot of the base is perfectly normal. Somewhere between the scammers wanting government money, and people with true illnesses from being exposed excessively, lies the truth.

[@mre4875]

USMC 81-85: 6017: 3rd MAW, MAG-11, VMFA-314 First Marine Corps squadron to receive the F/A-18.

[@noname-he9ud]

I served there with MWSS 374 from 1997-1999.

[@tlacaelelmexica617]

Was there 79 to 83 all kinds of medical conditions can't even get SSI to issue me a check.

[@karynwaladkewics3855]

We were there from 89-91.

[@fernando47okc]

@Left; when I was there from 1979-1986 that burning was the firefighters practicing their trade on an aircraft shell.

[@kCI251]

Every airport in every city has the same issues. They degrease them and dump fuel in storm drains. It's been going on for 50 years in hundreds of places, not just military bases.

[@williamboardman9476]

Something about stuff we used to clean aircraft on flight line. Regular "plane wash" assignment, during summer, was a LONG day. I can remember the smell, but nothing related to pre-paint, sandblasting prep....this was regular scheduled cleaning to KEEP paint and airframes clean. Mag 11 close to back gate, base housing (terrible for young kids USMC with young kids)for enlisted (likely asbestos used, never removed, but not broken up). The NEW 7 day store opened out there in 1980....FOR base housing residents. We lived in what we called "condemned" barracks right next to chow hall main side, as new WM and NCO barracks were built and opened in 79-82. LUCKY may have lived off-base, in $$$ Orange County, as close to the beach as they could get. WHO to contact ?SEE it now...Thanks. Semper Fi

[@wauzdancer1556]

Wow, I lived in those barracks 1977-1978.

[@annbhiking2000]

Lived in those too 1980 until moving into the new ones.

[@sumbadcat]

I was station there from 1967 to 1969 and then 1970- 1971. from 69 to 70 I was in Chu Lai with VMFA-115

[@JamesBrown-un7km]

Was stationed there from 88-92

[@twasilk]

I was there from 1964 thru 1966. Then THC was a common cleaner for parts etc.

[@charlesestrada9203]

Like my cousin said, the Corps never promised anyone a bed of roses.

[@tonyscott5904]

I went to El Toro marine School from 1972 to 1976 and it seemed OK,was there problems then.

[@huggybear6093]

do u remeber a 1st grade teacher named judy mccoy and her assistant miss sue or a teacher named mrs milucki --- maybe spelled wrong

[@glyndablackledge4810]

My dad was stationed at El Toro Base.

[@williamhowell3975]

Was there in 80-82 vma311 a4 tomcats great time semper fidelis vets

[@Becauseimme]

Yuck, I live there now, just getting around to looking into the history of the land. I’ve noticed we don’t have lakes in and around Great Park. Things that make you go 🤔

[@wonderglory]

The 1986 Disney Sunday Movie, "The B.R.A.T. Patrol," was filmed there.

[@Monica_Roche]

What about the spouses? I lived in housing directly outside the back gate from 84 to 88. I have autoimmune disorders, Graves’ disease and was diagnosed with Crohn’s. This could explain a lot

[@blancalechner8847]

We KNOW! !! Our Family is riddled with Medical Issues! I was the first to acquire a rare Radiation Cancer, Hurtle Cell, ;lucky to be alive, now my husband is suffering from Vile Duct Cancer! Other issues that plague our Family, Autoimmune, Miscarriage's, depression and other mental issues and more!

[@Mutlap]

Received my promotions in front of that hangar during the mid 70s

[@jlclark54]

I WAS STATIONED THERE IN 1977-78 IM 68 NOW AND HAVE PAEKINSONS THEY DENIED MY CLAIM GUESS THERE JUSTHOPING ILL DIE SOON............THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

[@yellowkidfortynine4689]

I was stationed there for almost 3 years, 67-70. We routinely cleaned planes with what I remember as carbon tet, if you got it on you it disappeared in a second and left a white residue on your skin,We would use a couple of 55 gallon drums whenever we cleaned, and it all ended up on the deck

[@Mike-01234]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_tetrachloride You guys wear respirators using that stuff? Exposure to high concentrations of carbon tetrachloride (including vapor) can affect the central nervous system, degenerate the liver[8] and kidneys[14] and may result (after prolonged exposure) in coma and even death.[15] Chronic exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver[16][17] and kidney damage and could result in cancer

[@KingofgraceSARA]

My uncle Henry Montgomery Jr. was here is 70's.

[@rontate7719]

What chemical were used to clean the Aircraft ??? 1st 30 seconds of vid sayuz that.....

[@williamboardman9476]

CALLED T C E tri chlor ethylene SOUNDS a lot like stuff from Erin Brockovich film, and IMMEDIATELY compared to Agent Orange. (Name of my car while stationed there...and I never used wash stuff to remove fuel residues off it).

[@rontate7719]

Is that like freon????

[@williamboardman9476]

Triple Chlorine for OIL, Grease, Fuel removal from aircraft SKIN of Urethane paint. We used FREON to clean electronics components and equipment.

[@bbigjohnson069]

@@williamboardman9476 Trichloroethene C2HCl3. Freon is a brand name of refrigerant company. R-11 was commonly used to clean metal parts also.

[@gosling146]

I was there in MASS3, 1956-1959. No health problems.

[@glyndablackledge4810]

My dad was there about that time, I was looking back on his Military life, I was born in Santa And, California when he was stationed there.

[@ramenlover1727]

its now houses

[@jonathanmitchell115]

So why is it being developed into playgrounds,sports fields like tennis courts,basketball, baseball fields and soccer fields?! Who's profiting in the long run?!

[@williamboardman9476]

IRVINE DEVELOPMENT CORP.

[@MrErratic69]

Is anything still standing?

[@shandae5214]

+Bryan Sobaire Schroat yes just went there today

[@mrs.judithmiller2929]

A few buildings... None of the housing....just some empty power house shacks and such....

[@kevinringold4378]

they can call it Hell Toro

[@michaelmillson112]

so ? I d like to put in a bid to do the hazmat cleanup and demolition or restoration of el toro then what are the dimensions and how much chemical waste is present? lemme know!!

[@bartkimber1859]

+Michael Millson You must be young-must be a re-pug and must just be too stupid to observe in this video and these posts that people are sick and dying from disease caused from exposure and even just the the fumes from this nightmare. Just because you turn the dirt over with a backhoe doesn't make the toxins disappear. Just like the greedy city counsel trying to build family homes on top of it! Stupid and greedy! Hopefully, the EPA will keep it from happening, and that's why "Big Government" gets hell from these John Wayne types; fed BS by Faux News and other corporation backed media...too dumb to realize they're supporting their own demise and that of their children!

[@bartkimber1859]

+Michael Millson so ? I'm an idiot...

[@bartkimber1859]

sorry, it's the "so?" I mistook for brushing away the list of people's health issue. I was wrong. Best wishes-

[@jamesdyer9030]

VMFA 513, Late '62 - Oct '64.

[@Steve-sp2ib]

VMFA-323 , '76-'79 , Did not like the FOD walks but hated washing the planes. There was no way of keeping that cleaner off of you. Other than that it was a good time.

[@bob36able]

How do you get on the base? I would really like to tour it

[@shandae5214]

+bob36able its opened there are no longer any guards. You can just drive in a cruise around. There are very few areas that you cannot enter. Also, they even have a small area in which a model airplane group meets daily to fly their model airplanes together on the old airplane runway. You can enter the premises off of San Canyon and turning onto the street marine way. Right off of the 5 FWY

[@bob36able]

+Shan Dae Thank you:) so you're sure there's no guards?

[@mrs.judithmiller2929]

+bob36able I've lived here my whole life....no guards at all....some buildings still stand but mostly, there's nothing to see sadly.

[@williamboardman9476]

No barracks, chow hall, PX....IF all gone, not easy to KNOW where anything else was as a night crew assigned marine technician. We went to work, flew only at night, ate four meals a day, and went to the beach. Base theater, gas station, lap around the runways.

[@horrorfreak9653]

What’s the address on this place?

[@OliviaDinh]

Luis Esquivel if this is where I think it is (Irvine CA) it's on Irvine Blvd and Pusan Way

[@fernando47okc]

Was stationed there from 79-86......that and another 12 years with Lockheed gave me two brain anuerysms. Still sad to see El Toro go, Semper Fi ! 121 Green Knights

[@tomroot6013]

The Marine that made that post above, has since passed on! SGT Fernando Arocha! I served in the same Avionics Shop with him from 1978-1981 in VMA (AW) 121, I went to San Diego, to train Recruits, and returned form 1984-1989 and was with VMA (AW ) 242, both A-6E Intruder aircraft Squadrons there! He passed of Brain Cancer about mid 2016, and I was one of the last people he spoke with! Very sad! I have many issues as well? Who knows how long I Have? GySgt Tom Root USMC (Ret)

[@williamboardman9476]

THE ROOT ! Avionics Mag 11, VMFP-3 El Toro (other side of flight lines)79-83. My share of summer TME plane washing, and plenty aboard MIDWAY. I bought that blue SUPERBIRD from your parking lot at hangar. Did my C school over on your side. Retired to within sound of PI...on Hilton Head island, SC. THIS makes me sick. Semper Fi.

[@tammymonaghan1114]

we lived there from 93-97 I and several ladies had babies in 96 all with major medical issues (one didn't survive I believe) mine has renal issues since I was 20 weeks pregnant. he still at some point will need a kydney he lives with CKD has had many surgeries. in 97 after we got home I started having kydney stones his dad did a few years later. my health is extremely bad they call it probable M'S and Tia's but they are sure it's auto immune so they have several times changed my diagnosis makimge feel crazy and my family and friends be skeptical although I have to use a cane, my doctors would not release me to go back to work do to loss of feeling in my right side among other issues. I also have a ton of GI issues that are RARE n doctors do not understand y!! I have now had 70 kidney stones. just seeing this I balled my eyes out. we loved our marine life its very sad that we have been without help for our child since we got out in 97!

[@tammymonaghan1114]

oh my xhusband worked next to the hanger on tustin as a forecaster he had to let off the weather balloons etc he was always in the hangers

[@democracysdoomsday7905]

Thank for your service. I am so sorry to hear this about your family. I wish you nothing but the best for you snd your family.

[@salemnewsroom6225]

Please write to me at newsroom at salem dash news dot com, (dash is a hyphen) we have a team of people who can often help with these questions, sorry to hear about your illness, glad you found us though, and BTW we are Salem-News, thanks. Tim

[@huggybear6093]

i am looking for a 1st grade teacher named judy mccoy at el toro marine school in 1977-78. i was her student and was hit by a car, hospitalised for months. mrs. mccoy came and read to me every morning while i was in the hospital. I think the book was Uncle Rabbit. furthermore, when i came back to school i had to take a nap during class because of brain damage. so as to not make me different,,, writing teary eyed,,, everyone took a nap together during class. i would love to say thank you as a grown man to this beautiful woman and teacher. if anyone can help i would gratly appreciate it

[@williamwon5775]

Hah was the traffic director there when they did the color run

[@smithandsons68]

400 Division Hadarous waste/materials NCO in the late 80's. Seen this coming....

[@KingofgraceSARA]

Damn, Irvine is absolutely gorgeous. Shame.

[@lizandromiramontes661]

OUr governments taking care of the Marines and the people. same thing is probably is happening at all bases. one comes to mind MCRS, and Coronado San Diego

[@desertdispatch]

I think Erin Brockovich needs to be involved then there would be some law suits lol

[@williamboardman9476]

I'll give Julia R a call, from an American Veteran, and Georgia born patriot...see what SHE thinks. Erin is too busy, knows fighting VA, or govt. will take too long, too many deaths before settlement options. Enlisted 77-82. USMC Air VMFP-3 , Marine Air Group 11 , 3rd Marine Air Wing, El Toro MCAS4th of July 1979-Labor Day 1982.

[@ReszoSeress]

100% Irvine councils fault and now they build homes on top of it.

[@rockerchick4368]

horrible

[@jakezalenski5614]

Now so many people live there lmao

[@ramenlover1727]

and their is a water park

[@davidmiddleton9191]

H and HS 38 MACG 38