What is el toro marine corps air station?

El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, also known as Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, was a United States Marine Corps Air Station located in Irvine, California. It was built in 1942 and served as a base for Marine Corps aviation until it was decommissioned in 1999. El Toro was one of the largest military installations in the country, spanning over 4,000 acres and featuring dozens of aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, barracks, and other support buildings.

During its operational years, MCAS El Toro played a vital role in military operations, including serving as a base for the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Gulf War. In addition to its military activities, it was also used for civilian purposes, including hosting air shows, commercial aviation operations, and emergency response training.

After the base was decommissioned, the land was transferred to the City of Irvine, which worked to convert the area into the Orange County Great Park. Today, the former base contains amenities such as sports fields, hiking trails, and museums, and the park hosts events such as the Great Park Balloon Ride and the Great Park Ice Rink.