History

MCAS has had a long history of service to the country

  On Feb. 21, 1928, President Calvin Coolidge authorized the federal government to lease 640 acres of desert land - covered with cactus, brush and desert wildlife - near Yuma for use as a flying field. Three weeks later, a 20-year lease, with an... Full story

MCAS, YPG significant part of local economy

BY JOYCE LOBECK, SUN STAFF WRITER

  On any given day, an Apache helicopter might buzz across the desert landscape while below, artillery pieces fire at targets 40 miles away, armored vehicles travel road courses, parachutists drop from the air and a new technique for clearing la... Full story

The Air Force years through one pilot's eyes

BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER

  Yuman and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dwaine  R. "Bird Dog" Franklin was first sent to the Yuma Air Base in 1951 and has fond memories of the times he and his wife had there, which would later become Marine Corps Air Station Yuma.   ... Full story

Marines that stay: Why Yuma is now home

BY DARIN FENGER, SUN STAFF WRITER

  Ask teachers, business owners and law enforcement officers how they landed in Yuma and expect a common refrain: "I came here in the Corps."   A lot of U.S. Marines may complain about the heat when they get assigned to Marine Corps Air St... Full story

Marine Corps Air Station Search and Rescue

BY WILLIAM ROLLER, SUN STAFF WRITER

  Although their primary mission is to look after the safety of military personnel in the extensive training ranges, the Marines and sailors of Yuma's Marine Corps Air Station Search and Rescue (SAR) also assist the civilian population in times ... Full story

Yuma home to four Harrier squadrons

BY JOYCE LOBECK, SUN STAFF WRITER

  Each day is an air show for Yuma-area residents as Marine Corps pilots ply their skills in the cockpits of their Harriers.   That's because Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is home to the four Harrier squadrons on the West Coast, its headqu... Full story

From Harrier pilot to commander

BY STEPHANIE A. WILKEN, SUN STAFF WRITER

  Marine Col. Clyde M. Woltman knew he wanted to be a pilot from the time he was 6 years old.   He was inspired by his father, who was in the Navy, but Woltman said he knew he wanted to be a Marine.   He brought the two together in w... Full story

It takes many Marines to ensure Harrier is safe to fly

BY STEPHANIE A. WILKEN, SUN STAFF WRITER

  For those who face it in battle, the Harrier can be lethal. But for those who fly it in battle, it should be safe.   Keeping it well-maintained is the task of about 1,500 Marines at MCAS Yuma, including everyone from administration to me... Full story

Desert Talon prepares Marines for Middle East deployments

BY JAMES GILBERT, SUN STAFF WRITER

   Before Marines deploy to the Middle East, they first come to Yuma for a training exercise to help them prepare for the urban and desert operations they are likely to face.   Held at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Desert Talon is a ... Full story

Meet the MCAS Yuma support and training units

BY CHRIS McDANIEL, SUN STAFF WRITER

  The fighter jockeys at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma often get all the glory; but there are several other units operating behind the scenes that provide critical functions in service of our nation.   These are the other units assigned to... Full story

MCAS Yuma: Celebrating The Past and Looking to the Future (1994)

Article originally published in 1994

By Cpl. Tim McGough, MCAS, Yuma

"We walked into the head shed and the Air Force colonel said, 'It's all yours and then he left. There was no ceremony, no flag changing or anything. That was it."   This is the way retired Col. William Sims, MCAS Yuma's first executive officer ... Full story

Past Commanding Officers Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Col. L.K. Davis Jan. 10, 1959 to June 30, 1960 Col. K.H. Black July 1, 1960 to July 31, 1963 Col. J.M. Cargill Aug.1, 1963 to June 30, 1965 Col. J.H. McGlothin July 1, 1965 to June 14, 1968 Co... Full story

'History' Archives