MCAS El Toro — USMC Embroidered Patch Orange County's Marine Air Station MCAS El Toro was the crown jewel of West Coast Marine fixed-wing aviation until its closure — a legendary air station where generations of Marine pilots flew fighters, attack aircraft, and transport planes from the heart of Orange County. This officially licensed patch keeps that heritage alive. Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, located in Irvine, California, served as a major Marine Corps aviation installation from 1943 until its closure in 1999 under the Base Realignment and Closure process. The air station was home to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing headquarters and multiple Marine Aircraft Groups that operated F/A-18 Hornets, AV-8B Harriers, KC-130 Hercules, and other aircraft. El Toro was one of the most recognizable Marine air stations in the nation, hosting famous air shows and serving as the gateway for Marine aviation deployments to the Western Pacific. Perfect For: MCAS El Toro veterans, 3rd MAW heritage Marines, Orange County military community, closed base heritage collectors, and West Coast Marine aviation enthusiasts. El Toro — The Eagle's Nest.
