On May 25, 2021, the Irvine City Council unanimously approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation (FLHF) to establish a strategy for the restoration of Hangar 296 of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station, fundraising, and public outreach, all with the goal of the re-establishment of the Flying Leathernecks Aviation Museum. As this museum began at the former El Toro MCAS, there is strong interest in bringing the museum "back home" and continuing its educational mission in Orange County.
Hangar 296 offers the opportunity to house the museum, all loaned aircraft, and exhibit materials in a fully secure building that will be part of a larger museum, library, and cultural center complex that the City is working to develop. The City is currently preparing estimates for the renovation of four buildings within the Cultural Terrace to create an events center, library, cultural center, and museum complex with city administrative offices.
Below are a variety of documents related to the history of this project.
- City of Irvine Letter to Rep. Lou Correa (March 24, 2021)
- Rep. Lou Correa Letter to Marine Corps (March 25, 2021)
- City of Irvine Letter to Rep. Darrell Issa (March 30, 2021)
- City of Irvine Letter to Rep. Katie Porter (March 30, 2021)
- Rep. Katie Porter Letter to Marine Corps (March 31, 2021)
- City of Irvine Letter to Marine Corps (April 1, 2021)
- Request for Great Park Board Action (April 27, 2021)
- Request for Irvine City Council Action (May 25, 2021)
- Request for Great Park Board Action (May 25, 2021)
- Memorandum of Understanding (May 26, 2021)
For information on other current and upcoming projects at the Great Park, visit the Planning & Future Development webpage.