HISTORY: Miramar is a former cattle and citrus ranch that was first acquired by the Military for Army Infantry Training in 1914 and was named Camp Kearny.
After World War I aviation had secured a foothold in San Diego and in military strategy. Miramar became an Auxiliary field for the Navy and a major air base for the Marine Corps.
Miramar quickly expanded when World War II broke out. At the end of the war the Marines moved to El Toro and Miramar was developed as a Master Jet Station.
In 1973, E-2C Hawkeye Squadrons joined the Miramar fighters. "Fightertown" was the center of tactical training for the Tomcat Fighters and Hawkeye Wizards. Highly technical aviation maintenance schools trained men and women to repair and maintain the aircraft.
On 1 October 1997 Naval Air Station Miramar realigned to Marine Corps Air Station bringing fighter and helicopter squadrons from El Toro and Tustin. MCAS Miramar is the Marine Corp's largest aviation facility.
The Major Commands at MCAS Miramar include Marine Corps Airbases Western Area Headquarters, the Thrid Marine Aircraft Wing and the Marine Aircraft Group-46 Reserves).
The population of the Air Station includes 9,000 active duty, 300 Reserve Military, 6,500 family members, and 1,000 civilians.