Yuma air station to hold free public tour

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma this week kicks off its series of free tours for area residents and winter visitors.

The first of the free public tours is set for 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The second tour will be Feb. 5, also at 8:30 a.m.

Anyone interested in attending the Wednesday tour will need to travel along Avenue 3E and enter the air station through the main gate. Upon arrival, visitors will be treated to a military working dog K-9 demonstration and a Marine Corps martial arts display.

To view the K-9 and martial arts demonstrations, visitors are encouraged to arrive at 8:30 a.m.

Afterward, visitors will board buses that will stop on the flight line, where they will be able to see aircraft, vehicles, weapons and equipment used by Marines each day as well as overseas in support of combat missions.

Some of the aircraft on display will include the F-5, AV-8B Harriers and a search-and-rescue helicopter. Visitors will also have an opportunity to speak with active duty personnel.

The main gate will open at about 7:30 a.m. and buses will depart on a staggered schedule from 9 to 11 a.m. If a visitor arrives after buses have departed, they may have to wait until a bus returns from a trip.

Photography and video are permitted throughout the tour, unless otherwise noted. Food and refreshments will be available as well aviation squadron merchandise.

For more information, call the MCAS Yuma Public Affairs Office at 269-2275 or 269-2942.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.