MCAS El Toro & the LAST RF4B Phantom to leave the base!

[@kurtkoepp8675]

Thanks for presenting…77-78 (Cpl. Koepp) Food Service Instructor…don’t remember barracks #…great memories!

[@NightFlyyer]

Your welcome and thanks for your service as well. Semper Fi!

[@jaygunter3828]

I was in barracks 449, wild to see it again. Stationed there and Tustin from 86-95. I worked I-level on the radar altimeters for the RF4-B, amongst other things.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. I changed many of them and sent them over to you guys. Semper Fi and thanks for serving.

[@shaddiegradyorielly6380]

Stationed there in 1980-1983. We would take military hops from El Toro to Cherry Point. Catch the Gery Hound from New Bern to D.C. Then home to Pennsylvania. God that was good duty. God bless the Marine Corps. Semper Fi.

[@NightFlyyer]

Glad to hear that and thanks so kindly for serving our country. Semper Fi.

[@stevenvelazquez2841]

This video brought back so many memories... The F4 was the first plane I worked on while in Millington TN. Those P&W J79 using JP4 were quite the engines. That P3 hanger looks like the hanger used by VMFA-314 after the F4's left. My MOS was 6017, F/A18 Power Plants and Flight Line mechanic with VMFA-314 Black Knights and VMFAT-101 Sharpshooters from 1986 to 1990. I was at the same barracks 450. Thank you for putting this video together, it's a shame this base was closed, it was an awesome place and the location was the best. I am a better man because of my USMC service. Semper Fi Devil Dog!

[@NightFlyyer]

It's great to hear your story as well. I appreciate you and your comments. El Toro is gone and now the Hangar in Tustin that just burned down. All sad. Thanks so kindly for serving and Semper Fi to you.

[@jeremyshaffer8777]

I joined in 1999 and 1st duty station was Iwakuni Japan in MALS-12, and only worked on F/A-18s, EA-6B, and AV-AB avionics

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Great to hear. Thanks very much for serving. Semper Fi.

[@richarddanner6689]

El Torro...H&MS 11...6/66-7/67.....VMFA 122..7/67-9/67..went to Danang then with 122...Thanks Top...Great Memories

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on Richard. Glad your still kicking and Semper Fi!

[@litearmr]

I was the "supply guy", MAG-11, MALS-11, RMS, 88'-92'. RMS was just behind P-3 until we moved behind VMFAT-101 and VMFA-242 (A6s). Thanks for the walk down memory lane. Great video!

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. I know where you were, cause I was in P3 when I returned from Nam. It was VMCJ3 when I left and when I returned, it was P3! LOL. Thanks kindly for serving and Semper Fi.

[@KenGoede]

Cool video. I was stationed at El Toro VMCJ-3 from 1962-64. Very much enjoyed my time there. Semper Fi.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Thanks so kindly and Semper Fi.

[@KenGoede]

We had F3D’s and F8U’s.

[@NightFlyyer]

@@KenGoede That's what we learned avionics on when I was in A school in Jax Fl. By the time I got to El toro in 68, we had the Phantoms. Love them all.

[@greg8946]

I grew up on that base. Old man was with 311 when they flew A4's. Great times great video. Sad to see it all gone

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Thanks for his service. Semper Fi!

[@greg8946]

@@NightFlyyer thank you sir👍

[@randymuro9486]

I was stationed there from 1978 to1979. I served as an Aviation Fire Fighter and Rescue man.

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on! That was when I was there with VMCJ-3, then off to Nam in Mid 79. Thanks for your service and Semper Fi!

[@DanielLatch]

Thank's for the memories, A-bear. You're still looking good. I served with you shortly at VMCJ-3 in 1971. Arrived right after an unfortunate ejection in the hanger. Two weeks in the shop, FLR, SLR, IR schools, Yuma deployment, and transferred with the IMA vans to H&MS with Paul Spatz, Wayne Comfort, and crew - Great bunch! Loved the job, the bird, the base and all my guys. Good times. Semper fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Hi and gosh that was a mess with the ejection for sure I remember that Bent AOA probe! Nice to here those names too. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@7sinscustoms]

I had the honor of being a dependant on El Toro MCAS from 1988-1992 when we then moved to Tustin, I miss the togetherness of friends that were on base.thanks for your service

[@kensmith2839]

I was a tower controller at El Toro, Feb 73 to late June 76. I stopped by a month ago, May 2023. The control tower is still standing and most of the Mag 11 hangers are still there. Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on. Semper Fi and thanks for serving.

[@DKoppJr]

WOW! Now that was some great content, and the history of your past is very interesting and entertaining. I will find part 2 and watch it also. Thanks Dave!!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Most of those vids are in my military play list. Take care and thanks so much.

[@Mrburr_REETIRED371]

wow ty i was in #499 when i got stationed @ eltoro in 1978 out of boot camp.then in bldg 666 the "motel barracks" macg-38 mwcs-38 wire platoon.ty sir for your service and this video! :)

[@NightFlyyer]

So glad to hear that. I wound up closing the base, but have several videos on El Toro. Here is something I just did on the RF4B Phantom, I think you will like. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH_YlqSJi71ritU Thanks kindly and Semper FI!

[@trevorbodnar5495]

Cool. My dad was there in the 80s. He told me about when a mechanic took an A-4 up for a joyride.

[@trevorbodnar5495]

CaptainRex CT-7567 And when the F-18 crashed at the air show

[@Bill-1370]

+CaptainRex CT-7567 I was there when he did that, All they could charge him with was unauthorized use of Govt equipment. That was the talk of the base. I served with VMA-311 from 81 to 85.

[@trevorbodnar5495]

+William McDaniel. Where you with them when they moved to Yuma? That was my dads last duty station with MALS-13

[@trevorbodnar5495]

+CaptainRex CT-7567 never mind just saw the years you served with them

[@nickmalooly9978]

I was VMFA-531 right next door to those damn loud RF-4s!!! LOL 84-89. It was sad to see them go. Talk about a work horse! Great video! I was in the avionics shop over at 531. Good times and what a great base to be stationed at.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. I think the EA 6's we had were actually louder. Loved those Phantoms though. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@rapskallion]

Those F-4's on approach to El Toro or doing touch-and-go made the loudest and the most God awful sound of any airplane I can recall. I loved it!

[@NightFlyyer]

Me too. I miss those sounds all these years later and would love to hear them again! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@rolandwicker6841]

Great video. It brings back some great memories of my time (67-68) with VMCJ-3 as a jet engine mechanic on the RF-4B's and EF-10B's.Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you and thanks for serving. EF10 Willys. Wow. Semper Fi.

[@wonderglory]

The 1986 Disney Sunday TV movie, "The B.R.A.T. Patrol," was filmed on MCAS El Toro, which played the fictional MCAS El Diablo.

[@bluetiger323]

Great video Top ! Semper Fi ! I was stationed at H&MS-11 Avionics from February 82 December 88. Aaahhh the memories....

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi as well. It sure is changed now for sure. Thanks for serving and your comments.

[@dcasbal58]

So sad, was there early 1978 to mid 1980. Arguably the best 2 1/2 best years of my life. Only there could I go body surfing at Laguna Beach and skiing at Big Bear in the same day. Sad to see MCAS get destroyed in the movie Independence Day, Semper Fi to all Marines!

[@williamboardman9476]

I was IN VMFP-3 late 79-late 82. Laguna TOMASITOS was THE place across from basketball courts. We did travel up to Big Bear to fill up pickup trucks with snow, then hit beach for snow ball fights, more than a few times.

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree. Great times. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@greg8946]

I was there 75 to 78. As a young pup... Huntington was my favorite but Laguna was great too 👍

[@bnaguy]

El Toro was the best ! Two tours, in 75 and again in 78. Launch and Recovery with many a night sleeping on the edge of 34R. Visted Southern Cali in 2005 and saw what is left of the base. It made me sad. Thanks for video Top ! It brought back great memories! Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

I appreciate you comments. It is even sadder now. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@ronvera]

I took your advice and went down to Miramar to visit the Flying Leatherneck Museum. Great collection of planes. Old #6 needs a little paint though . I was in VMFP3 Det 3.

[@NightFlyyer]

WOW! I am glad you got to see it. Thank you!

[@ronvera]

group of old VMFP3 Jarheads gathered up in Aug2019 and repainted old #6. I am sorry I missed it.

[@EdPalumboOregon]

I was stationed with MAG-33, MABS-33, at MCAS El Toro in 1967-68, and returned as a reservist with MAG-46 in 1973. This video brought back memories, and I thank you for that. My last visit in 2010 met with chain-link fences and limited access. I thought it was a fine duty station!

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@steveoflyz]

i worked on the base this summer. it's horrible to see it in the condition it is in now, especially after having so many great memories at the airshows there when i was growing up. great vid

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree. Its a mess now. Thank you!

[@KBay84]

Awesome memories. When I was based at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, I put alot of sweat and blood into fixing the J-79's. I was stationed at H&MS-11/MALS-11 from '87-'97, closed down and moved Power Plants/Test Cell to Miramar. I do miss the Phantoms, of all the A/C engines I've worked on in my 22 years. Semper Fi!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank yuo. Some special memories for sure. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@orestino6212]

Great video. I was stationed in El Toro from 1981-1989 in Mag 11. I worked p-3, 531, 323, and Hams-11. I was one of the NDI techs. I worked with ssgt Gonzalez, Hewitt, Ornelas, Botello, Bodiey, Dunn, and a power lifter that I can’t remember his name. I got out in May 1989 and became a LA County Sheriff. Retired after 25 yrs.

[@tomrose5170]

Thank you sir for posting this video,a walk down memory lane for me indeed,my father was stationed at El Toro from 81-89 and he was with VMFA 323 Death Rattler's MAG 11. When he retired from the Marine Corps in 89 we would go to the air museum and I would give dad a hand. Funny thing is I remember touching up the black paint on that F4,from the trim on the canopy down to the tip of the nose,fun times indeed.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you and thank your father for serving. Semper Fi.

[@MajorKong1]

Thanks for the video. My dad was stationed at El Toro from 1977 to 1983, (Well he was at Tustin for his last year there, he became a 1StSgt and P3 didn't have room for one of those.) P3 was the last Phantom squadron he worked at. I remember when the F-18s came in, they really didn't like those old F4's on their flightline. There was nothing like the F4 taking off at night though. (Or high power testing the engines on the flightline before they got their hush house.)

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree. Great night flying shows with Full AB. I ran a few Phantoms at High Power, as I had my turn up license. Great, exciting fun! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@j.frankgodfrey8319]

As a former Power Plants mechanic in VMCJ-3, then VMCJ-1, this video brought back floods of memories. Thanks for posting, Top! Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Glad to hear that. I was in VMCJ-1 in Nam in 69-70. I miss the Phantoms and those noisy smokey J-79's. As a PP Mech, you may not. LOL. Thanks for commenting and Semper Fi to you as well.

[@PhantomsPhorever1]

There used to be a metal sign under that RF's nose. After my last flight in the T-34 in 1998 as they shut down the aero club, I stopped by to see one of the old birds. The sign was laying face down on the pavement under the plane. That sign is now in my hangar in Boca Raton with my RV-6. SemperFly

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. I know. I have pictures of that bird with that sign. Sure would love to have it. My friend here built and RV and I have a video of me flying in it. Great Plane. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@dfkeenum]

Awesome video. I was stationed at El Toro in 90-92. It was a sad day when my work center moved from the Phantom to the Hornet. The F/A 18 was great but NOTHING compared to the growl of my RF4B on takeoff.

[@NightFlyyer]

I agree! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@donkirk6829]

In the 60:s I was non-military black-op that worked out of a secret facility at El Toro MCAS. As covered worked a couple hours each week for the exchange. I worked at Beverage Sales and the Bread & Milk store inside the housing gate

[@NightFlyyer]

Right on! If you like El Toro check out this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apW3qpulmsdmb8U Semper Fi.

[@donkirk6829]

General Theron's son Michael and I were friends. Michael treated you guys bad. When President Johnson flew in I was there and even though I was wearing a pistol, the Secret Service did not say a word even when Johnson was standing 5 inches infront of me. I was expecting to be questioned, but I later learned they knew who I was. and my purpose and security rating.

[@JoseMartinez-cc4rz]

Unbelievable. I used to work at the across the street buildings from 1994 to 1996. I used to eat my lunch under the plane at gazebo. MWSS 373. Thank you for the memories NightFlyyer.

[@NightFlyyer]

That is great. Bet you will like this one from El Toro too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apW3qpulmsdmb8U Semper Fi and thanks for serving.

[@Bobby-ew1bz]

Hi...Thanks.Really enjoyed watching.I was stationed at El Toro from 72-75..best time of my life.I was with H&M's 11 Mag 11.Back then we had J-3,323 and 314..It sure was a great base,sad to see it close...Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes, those were the times for sure. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@LtsGo4ARide]

LtsGo4ARide I was at El Toro from 1970 - 1971. H&MS 13 seat shop. Got orders for Okinawa, VMO - 6 seat shop in 1971. Came back too El Toro in 1973. When I came back I was stationed in a reserve squadron, the same squadron where Air Force 1 would park while the president was at the western white house. Got out March of 1974.

[@NightFlyyer]

Very interesting. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@airbrushgunner]

What a nice walk down memory lane. I got there in Feb of 84 and left when they pushed the last Rhino out the door. Greatest time of my life. 4 west pacs including a back to back on the last two rotations P-3 was on. I got to close up shop for the phantoms twice in my career. I made my home in metal shop and after P-3 retired went to MALS-11. I ran the paint shop there and then went to NDI. I was also responsible for the new logo for MALS-11 the DEVIL FISH. Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Fantastic. Thank you and Semper Fi to you as well.

[@poppaindy]

Semper Fi, Top! I hit El Toro (J3) in '68. Barracks 450. Safety & Survival {Seat Shop} Shipped out to DaNang, RVN (J1). Thanks for these images to spark the memories, Top!!

[@NightFlyyer]

I also was in Barracks 450. It was new back then! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@tommccormick9290]

MSGT Herbert,we just need a time machine.Looking back,the 2 years in the Marine corps were the Best years of my adult life. Semper Fidelis.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. Thanks for commenting and Serving. Semper Fi.

[@airbrushgunner]

I remember Steve. I just remembered Gunny Pierre, he was there when I first got there. SSgt Marquette rings a bell. I was the ancoic of CC when I came back from Iwakuni towards the end.

[@edmondmkasian6173]

I heard a lot fom my dad about rf4 capabilities. We can share it with everyone if you like .talk together and corporate in this manner. I think it helps me improve my attitude and respect more to this master pice and I hope it might helpful for you that memoris your past

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly. Please check out my latest video on The RF4B Phantoms and pass it along to anyone you choose. Thank your dad for his service. I may have met him? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH_YlqSJi71ritU

[@edmondmkasian6173]

@@NightFlyyer my dad was air force officer after flying t-6 in Lackland and t-33 in Craig between 1960-1962 he finally get his wings on f-84 after near 600 hours in almost 3 years. Joint forces commanders decide he is good candidate for sending him to shaw afb for rf-4c back seater class after 2 years he comes back on business and flew a lot of mission in balkan and Eurasia countries with alie partners .....my dad mentors was major Mc Gill and lieutenant colonel Hage (feature famous nato 2 star General) after almost 60 yeats reconnaissance missions stories are still great for any one hear those.....specially spotting space activities in Kazakhstan (bikonur)

[@NightFlyyer]

@@edmondmkasian6173 Right On. Great story.

[@WarbirdFactory]

Great walkaround footage ! I have been building for months on my 1/48 scale RF-4B. A Hasegawa kit with a complete resin cockpit camera bay, wheelbays, nozzles etc. Soon I will KZbin it. Thanks for this great vid !

[@phanFXR]

Awesome vid brought back lots of memories I was stationed at El Toro 1985-88 with VMFP-3 and H&MS -11. Thanks for the video ,"Top". Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@juanma7117]

Wonderful aviation history document... I hope it'll be there online forever. Thank you sir for sharing it ❤

[@yellowkidfortynine4689]

Cool video, I was there from 67-70. VMA 214"Blacksheep" barracks was in an old WW2 structure right across the road from the mess hall, we moved to the "new" barracks, where you were, just before I got out. Our squadron flew A4c's, everyone else on the base had Phantoms, except the HMS outfit which flew R4D's. There were still C119's there when I first arrived. Thanks for the memories!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly and thanks for serving. Semper Fi!

[@Flackvest]

Cool vid. Never served, but visited MCAS EL Toro in the 80's when in the NJROTC. Made a lasting impression on me. I gotta tell a firefighter I work with about this video. He was assigned to VMFP-3 and did one cruise on the Midway in 79. Again, good Vid!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly!

[@arkcitykid]

thanks for the great video..I was stationed at MCAS Santa Ana in 1977 and also MCAS El Toro, in 1982-1985..I worked at the Weather Station...

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@wbobradio]

Hi Dave: Great memory shot there, seeing my old camera bays empty is a blast from the past. I still have number 610 hanging on the wall in my office, I took a break from Dubie Allen and worked with the boys in skin shop. I did the shield and Eagle Globe and Anchor on the tail with photo emulsion film cut-outs and spray paint on the Midway, Det II, 1976. The best days with P-3. Semper Fi .. . . . Bacon

[@NightFlyyer]

WOW, Those were great paint jobs you did for sure, Bob. I loved it all. The USS Midway Det III was my trip on the Midway and it was a blast with P-3. I flew in 610 with Major Spooner. It was a wild ride. Wish I knew where he is. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@Shyzah]

do you happpen to have any information or photos of the Flight Simulation building? They just tore it down as well as the rest of a few buildings.

[@NightFlyyer]

They moved the sim to Miramar as well, and the building was empty for a long time. I actually got to fly that simulator. It did not have as good of graphics as my Aerofly Full Scale Simulator, but was a blast to fly. Thanks.

[@Shyzah]

​@@NightFlyyer Oh wow, you were able to fly the El Toro sim or the Miramar sim? Do you have any recollection of what the el toro sim building itself was like when it was still being used? While exploring it we found a lot of old passenger airplane seats and roof consoles, were those part of the lobby back then or were they moved into the building later on?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@Shyzah It was just a big building with stairs that went up to the simulator. I don't remember much more. I was more interested in the simulator than looking at the building. Sorry.

[@MyMona27]

An El Camino on El Toro .LOL Thank you for your service Dave.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. Thanks kindly!

[@marinegrunt6633]

It was a great sight to see these great planes coming in to save our asses when I was with L Co 3Bn 4thMar in Vietnam, many a time they made strafing runs for us. I always thought the Phantom was the the best looking of all aircraft, wish I could have flown in one....Great video Top, I really enjoyed it....

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly Jerry! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@USMCAllTheWay]

Wow, what a blast from the past. I was with H&MS 11 GSE. I lived in Barracks 451. 1985-1987 w/a 6 month pump to Iwakuni with VMFP-3

[@USMCAllTheWay]

was there for the closing ceremony in 2000 or 2001?

[@NightFlyyer]

@@USMCAllTheWay I was in barracks 450 right next to you, but in 1969. I was the last person on the Base, and handed the keys to the county. I have several video on El toro on my page. Here is one you may enjoy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apW3qpulmsdmb8U Thanks kindly, and Semper Fi.

[@RichGreenKs]

Thanks for the memories!! VMCJ-3 Feb '66 to June '67. VMCJ-1 July 11, 1967 - Aug 1968. H&MS 11 Late Aug to Feb '69. Back home VMCJ -3 late Feb '69 to Oct '69. I believe I remember you Top. Cpl/Sgt Green Hydraulics. Thanks again!!! Now that I'm - 75 I have great respect for our ancient EF-10B's----- Willie the Whale -- LOL

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. Just sitting on the tail and the whale would tip it back and hit the ground. LOL. I was in Nam in 69-70. You might like to see this one too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apW3qpulmsdmb8U Semper Fi, Brother.

[@laellewis7787]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks so kindly.

[@tommccormick9290]

Why,d he have to shut of the camera just as he passed the chow hall.Around the next corner would have showed my old barraks.

[@NightFlyyer]

Sorry. Semper Fi.

[@forcryingoutloud911]

Hey iv been watching u since u started these vids, I may not have watched em all but I seen enuf to like u and whatcha did n do!!! Keep it up!

[@NightFlyyer]

I thank you very kindly!

[@larryball8444]

Nice video, brought back old memories- great base to work at!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@seanmurray90]

my dad worked in the officers club,. i used 2 sleep on base with his some nights. best memories ever.

[@thelazman01]

Nice video. I was at El Toto from 1/74 to 4/76. My was with WERS37 and lived in barracks 660. My favorite NCO was Gysgt Barliston. good memories

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you and Thanks for Serving. Semper Fi!

[@robertbenson3437]

worked in WERS 37 in 1964, refueled many R4s. Returned to WERS 37 in 68' for another tour. Never stayed in the barracks, born and raised in Anaheim! Best duty station I ever had. Had the unfavorable experience to be involved in the recovery of the Marines and crew that crashed into the hillside in June of 65' on their way to Nam. May they all rest in peace.

[@allgood6760]

Awesome.. thank you! 👍🇳🇿

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly!

[@rodneyscott2108]

Its a shame with the ending incidents in the last days in the closing of El Toro. Especially with with Col. Sabow and all. I thought it was a great place to be and a good place to be A USMC avionics mechanic.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes for sure! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@WFOHara-gt8ku]

Well Done Top Herbert! Good memories.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly. Semper Fi.

[@someone_246]

Now, there’s the OC Great Park

[@NightFlyyer]

I know. Here is a newer one, you may enjoy. Thanks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/apW3qpulmsdmb8U

[@mre4875]

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

[@kickinbackinOC]

VMFP-3, 1979-1983 Com-Nav shop. Two WestPac deployments. Good times! I've been a homeowner in Irvine since 1985. Miss the base. Part of history. In another 30 or 40 years, I'll be part of history, too!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly for serving. I lived in SJ Capistrano for 45 years and was the last person on the base when we closed her. It was a sad day for me, as I miss it. Semper Fi!

[@garyray8741]

I was in the VMCJ-3 Avionics shop in when we received the first RF-4B's. I joined the last RF-8A / EF-10B cadre deployed to VMCJ-1 at Danang, RVN for the period Nov 65 - Nov 66 (my second tour). We were very impressed by the RF-4B. Oh... Lt. Gunn melted the canopy on our first RF-4B during a test flight. lol not his first adventure. Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

What a story! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@RoboTekno]

What a great video and thank you for your service to our country :-)

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks Very kindly!

[@ronvera]

Howdy , Top Herbert. An old VMFP 3 Avionics Jarhead here. Com /Nav Is there anyway we can see that video you once had posted here where you took Super 8 video of a Navy F-4 taking the barricade during our Det II in 1978/77? Thanks and Semper Fi.

[@NightFlyyer]

Its shown in my USS Midway Video, Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHKnmWOXgbedgqc Thanks and Semper Fi.

[@psiguynow]

Years ago MCAS Tustin was known as Marine Corps Air Facility Santa Ana, and was only 5 miles away from MCAS El Toro. Santa Ana was helicopters only. Also equally close was Orange County International Airport, since renamed John Wayne International Airport. So who was closer is really splitting hairs. Calling it Santa Ana is as good as anything. Consider: O'Hare International is not in Chicago; it's northwest of the city. But they call it Chicago.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. When I got out of active duty, I joined the reserves and was stationed at MCAF. The welcom book and indoctrination they gave you when you got stationed at El Toro, says Santa Ana on it, so hence the reference. All good points. I was the last person on the base when we closed it. I was with the IMADET. Thanks.

[@gruntman323A]

I knew it as Santa Ana my first duty station in Sept 76.

[@Winston51249]

Excellent taste of history. Very enjoyable to watch! 5*!!!

[@Redeagle52000]

It's amazing to think that this is where Air Force One and Marine One were kept 1969--1974 for President Nixon (for the nearby Western White House in San Clemente), Also, when he passed away, the same 707 he used as Air Force One brought his remains and family back to California here in 1994. Would be nice to see some videos of that, perhaps news footage from the Nixon Presidency.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes. I was there in 69, but went to Da Nang shortly after, and remember that. Thanks.

[@johnperez9177]

I was at El Toro from 1974 to 1976, I was in Marine Corps Property with H&MS 13

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@mouselg]

Thanks Dave,I have never seen such a close up video of american jet.

[@NightFlyyer]

I hope you liked it too. Thanks.

[@airbrushgunner]

Gunny Pierre was one of my bosses. SSgt Posse was one also. Kevin Marin was there as well. I endede my carreer there as the NCOIC of Night Crew. ANCOIC over all.

[@phantomphan1974]

Great video. Nice El Camino SS and license plate!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very much. Wish I still had it.

[@MadMax0318]

Great video Dave....bet it brought back some great memories...priceless. Semper Fi ! MadMax0318

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@Just-an-ordinary-average-guy]

nice video of an awsome aircraft. thank you for sharing it with us.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks Kindly Shawn!

[@zeeeman8744]

Great video ! Miss the F-4, friend of mine flew in the back seat.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly. I miss it as well.

[@LWATWO]

Thank you for this Vid. I was stationed in El Toro 80-83 H&MS-11, Aerial Camera Control Systems Repair. Sgt. B. K. Lehmann

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you Brian. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@mre4875]

I always considered the F4 to be the most intimidating looking aircraft of its time. What a work horse and proof that enough thrust up a frog butt, it will fly. LOL.

[@NightFlyyer]

Yes, I agree! I loved the Blue Angels Airshows when they used Phantoms as that was always exciting. Thanks.

[@gmoneyhobbit]

Semper Fi. Im on MCAS "EL TORO" MIRAMAR thanks for the great videos.

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@66JoeB]

Great video.Was at MACS3 66/67.semper fi.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you and thanks for serving! Semper Fi back at you!

[@Tomkatje]

It's finished, you can see the video link just above this. And yes the Aires set is in it. Cheers - BoB

[@smithandsons68]

Super cool!! Thanks for the tour down memory lane. 86-90 41A 6013/6022 Semper Fi

[@NightFlyyer]

Thank you for your service. Semper Fi!

[@anthonyazais3541]

my Dad was MSGT Henry Azais

[@NightFlyyer]

Once a Marine, always a Marine. Thank you and Semper Fi.

[@TheBeechHouse2]

What? You mean the AN/ASM-92 INS system was unreliable? Those pilots knew how to gripe the INS... Pull full vertical, roll 360 degrees, then gripe the plane for "Dumped INS"... hides every pilot error :-) Great to see this footage.. Thank you!

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. True! Thanks again!

[@noogie13]

You have my favorite videos on youtube!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks very kindly!

[@7sinscustoms]

Master Gunny Hodson is my father

[@Roger-eh7ez]

Roger Olson (Sgt) VMFP-3 RF4-Bs Work Center 681 74'-79' Worked IMA on SLR, Infared Mapping and Nav Radar Semper Fi Brothers!

[@NightFlyyer]

I had to do recruiting duty from 72 to 74, but know where you worked well. Thanks and thanks for serving. Semper Fi!

[@sbentjies]

The F-4 is a beautiful aircraft

[@NightFlyyer]

I totally agree. Thanks.

[@MajTom-wd2yt]

VMGR-152 KC-130 1965-67 Thanks Top!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi and thanks for serving sir!

[@0Concept14]

i look forward to seeieng your progress,i have the same bird in my stash,do you have the aires and big ed sets?

[@NightFlyyer]

I just finished last year restoring and converting a Byron F-16 to electric. I have videos on it. Thanks.

[@td24ihc]

Thanks Top!!! Outstanding!!!

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks Kindly! Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@bookster2771]

4th FASC. Detachment Bravo Headquarters an Headquarters Station "H&HS" MCAS El Toro 1982 to 1984 thank you for video Top

[@Doc300ZX]

Great video, was good to see a RF again, dam it brings back memories! Cpl VMFP-3 Photo Line 81-85

[@NightFlyyer]

Glad it did. Semper Fi and thanks for serving!

[@ilikepollo79]

Semper Fi Dave!

[@NightFlyyer]

Semper Fi as well to you. Thank you!

[@storyofoneslifehostedbysea2774]

Thack you for this cool video

[@NightFlyyer]

This is an old one for sure, but I have newer ones on my channel. Thanks and Semper Fi.

[@storyofoneslifehostedbysea2774]

The reason I tuned in to this video I worked at El Toro when they were tearing it down Just watching some videos on the base and yours came up thank you very much

[@joeserin9593]

Thank you sir.

[@NightFlyyer]

Thanks kindly!

[@TheBeechHouse2]

That INS was a bear to work with. I know you guys had a hell of a time just getting it out of the aircraft. I worked in H&MS-11 in 62-F, ('83-'88). Worst component was the CAU. Everything else wasn't bad but we'd run for the hills whenever a CAU came in. I miss those days! A rumor I heard long ago that I always wondered about... If the pilots were having a bad day, they'd go vertical and roll 360 which dumped the INS, rendering it useless. Any truth to that? sure miss those days.. Ray S.

[@NightFlyyer]

Haha. That INS was certainly a pain in the INS! Thanks for serving and Semper Fi.