Happy New Year Greetings from Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field!

Courtesy USMC Archives.

Chance Vought F4U Corsairs on ramp at Mojave during WWII. Photo

I have always loved the sights and sounds of airplanes. You know how certain sights and sounds stay in your memory bank forever? I remember when my husband Al and I were standing near the flagpole at Mojave Air & Space Port during a plaque dedication ceremony honoring all U.S. Marines and personnel who served at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave.

Al looked at me and said, "Here comes Dick Lawyer!" We were looking toward the South down Airport Blvd. that Memorial Day in 1996. To this day, I still remember the exhilarating fly-over of the F-4 Phantom, piloted by Lawyer!

I remember warning everyone that the BAE Systems QF-4 would be very low and very loud, with two high-performance J-79 turbo-jet engines, but no one seemed to listen. I said, "You might want to cover your ears!" Still no response – then I said, "Here comes the F-4!" And just as I finished that sentence, Dick flew his salute to the Marines from the South, down Airport Blvd., and then pulled up into a steep turn over the original tower building. Everyone screamed and yelled in fear. I loved the tremendous sound!

The 18x24-inch bronze plaque, presented by the East Kern Airport District and the Mojave Chamber of Commerce, sits near the entrance to Legacy Park expressing appreciation to the pilots, aircrews and personnel of MCAS Mojave.

The Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Mojave was established in 1942 as a training facility for fleet units of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. Over 32 Marine Corps aviation squadrons were trained at Mojave. At least 828 enemy aircraft were destroyed in aerial combat by 21 squadrons who trained at Mojave.

During World War II, the military population outnumbered the civilian population of Mojave by nearly three to one!

I was talking with another Mojave resident recently about people we have know in Mojave from years ago. I have a short list of some of the local area residents who served at MCAS Mojave, including: Mojave residents: Dave Adams – (Cpl.) Station Hdqtrs. Sqdn., Ordnance Section 1956-58, who transferred to Yuma, Arizona for a short time in 1959 (Dave still lives in Mojave); Betty (McAdams) Cleveland – (Civ.) worked in Supply 1946-47 for USN, transferred to Pt. Mugu, returned to Mojave and married Larry Cleveland; Hazel Garbett – (Civ.), worked in supply in 1946-47 for USN; William A. Houser – (Cpl.) Station Hdqtrs. Sqdn., Helicopter Section, Air-Sea Rescue, 1956 to early 1959, transferred to Yuma, AZ; Glen Rhodes – (Sgt.) Temp. from MAG-33, VMF-311 and VMF-314, fuel section; Myron W. Shubert – (Sgt.) Station Hdqtrs. Sqdn. Chief Clerk – 1955-56.

Denise Boose.

Plaque honoring USMC Mojave flight crews and personnel.

Boron resident: Richard Raynor – (Sgt.) Station Hdqtrs. Sqdn., Fire & Security Section – was one of 13 original firemen to report to Mojave for duty during reactivation, 1951-52.

Tehachapi resident: Joe Triggs, served at Guadalcanal before coming to Mojave and maintaining machine guns on Chance-Vought F4U Corsairs in VMF-451 and Lancaster resident Bill Sublett – XO 1944-1945, under CO LtCol Leonard W. Ashwell. Sublett flew everything from J-3 Cubs to F4U Corsairs and was present at our plaque dedication ceremony.

At the ceremony, Col. Pender from MCAS El Toro delivered an inspiring letter from Commanding General P. A. Fratarangelo, United States Marine Corps West Coast. Other letters included messages from Brig. Gen. Joseph P. Adams, USMCR (ret) CO of MCAS Mojave from 1943-1944; Lt. Col. H. L. Lantz, USMC (ret), XO MCAAS Mojave 1957-1958 and Lt. Col. Horace S. Mazet, USMCR (ret) XO MCAS Mojave 1943-1944.

The F4U Corsair was called "Whistling Death" by the Japanese. As the F4U flew over, the wind whistled through the flash-shield around the six wing-mounted machine guns. MCAS Mojave had a ramp full of F4U Corsairs. Two of the original hangars are still standing and are being used at the space port.

A superior fighter in the Pacific Theater, the Corsair was powered with a Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp, 18 cylinder, 2,000 horse-power engine.

I am excited about the future of Mojave Air & Space Port at Rutan Field, but I also know the importance of remembering our history!

Remember those serving our country today and keep them in your prayers! I wish you a happy and healthy 2025 and hope you will make many, many happy memories!