Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

06/01/2026

Our newest restoration project, the legendary F-5 Tiger II, has officially arrived at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum!

The aircraft was delivered to the hangar, and our team was excited to watch the wings being installed as the next phase of restoration begins. The F-5 may be small, but it has a big legacy. Known for its speed, agility, and reliability, the aircraft has served around the world for decades and is still used by Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401) to train today's fighter pilots in realistic adversary combat scenarios.

As work continues on the F-4S Phantom, Lady Ace CH-46E, and many other aircraft in our collection, we're thrilled to add the F-5 to the growing list of restoration projects that will eventually be on display in our new museum. The aircraft was generally donated to the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum by the team at Tactical Air Support, Inc.

Want to help preserve aviation history? Consider sponsoring an aircraft or making a donation to support these incredible restoration efforts.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. Memorial Day is more than a holiday; it is a solemn reminder of the extraordinary sacrifice made by generations of Americans who answered the call to defend freedom.

At the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum, we honor the courage, service, and legacy of those who never came home. Their sacrifice lives on through the stories we preserve, the aircraft we restore, and the generations we educate.
As we gather with family and friends today, may we also take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this day and remember the fallen heroes who made our freedoms possible.

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” -John 15:13
We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

05/06/2026

The first truckload of steel has officially arrived for the future home of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum!

This is more than just a delivery, it’s the beginning of the structure that will soon house incredible aircraft, powerful stories, and immersive educational experiences.

Every beam represents progress. Every step brings us closer.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us along the way, this milestone belongs to you too.

Want to help us keep building? Get involved, donate, or become a member today!

05/04/2026

✈️ 📍Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum - May Newsletter📍✈️ -

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II has long stood as one of the most iconic aircraft in American military aviation history, serving with the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force across decades of conflict from Vietnam through the Cold War. Known for its speed, versatility, and unmistakable silho...

05/01/2026

Take a first look inside the future of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

This flythrough gives you an exciting preview of what’s coming to the Great Park in Irvine, from incredible aircraft displays to immersive, hands-on exhibits that will bring Marine Corps aviation history to life.

With over 40 historic aircraft and a mission to inspire future generations, this museum will be unlike anything else in the world.

We can’t wait to welcome you through these doors soon.

04/30/2026

It was a pleasure welcoming Councilmember William Go to the hangar! He stopped by with friends and family, and we had the opportunity to give them a behind-the-scenes look at the incredible work happening at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.

Visits like these may be simple, but they mean a lot. It’s always encouraging to see community leaders taking an interest in preserving the legacy of Marine Corps aviation and supporting the future of the museum.

Thank you for spending time with us, we appreciate the support!

04/28/2026

Our F-4S Phantom II just received a fresh repaint, and it looks incredible.

This legendary aircraft represents decades of Marine Corps aviation history. Built for speed, power, and versatility, the Phantom served across multiple conflicts and became one of the most recognizable fighter jets ever built.

Now, thanks to the hard work of our restoration team, this Red Devils jet is one step closer to its final display condition at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum.

But restoration doesn’t happen overnight. These projects take time, precision, and support, and we’re just getting started.

💥 Want to help bring more aircraft back to life?
👉 Sponsor a plane or donate today—every dollar goes directly toward restoration.

04/15/2026

In the News: UCI Students Build a WWI “Jenny” from Scratch!

The University of California, Irvine and the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum are making headlines in the Orange County Register!

Students are hard at work constructing a full-scale replica of the historic Curtiss JN-4D Jenny, and as they put it, “it’s not like building a Lego set.” From interpreting century-old blueprints to fabricating parts by hand, this project is as challenging as it is inspiring.

This hands-on experience is shaping the next generation of engineers while preserving aviation history in a truly meaningful way.

We are so proud of these talented students and grateful for our partnership with UCI!

Read more in the OC Register and follow along as the Jenny takes shape. https://www.ocregister.com/2026/04/14/uci-students-are-building-a-wwi-biplane-from-scratch-its-not-like-building-a-lego-set/

04/14/2026

🎬 Join Us for a Special Screening: We, The Marines 🇺🇸

Experience the power, history, and heart of the United States Marine Corps like never before. We, The Marines takes viewers inside the making of a Marine, showcasing the grit, training, and commitment that define those who serve.

We’re excited to invite you to a special screening followed by an exclusive panel discussion featuring incredible leaders and storytellers:

🎤 Panelists:
BGen. Michael Aguilar
Col. Charlie Quilter
Greg MacGillivray – Director
Shaun MacGillivray – Producer

📍 Location: Rivian South
Thursday, April 16, 2026
🕡 Doors Open: 6:30 PM
🎥 Film Starts: 7:00 PM
💬 Live Q&A Panel: 7:40 PM

Set inside Rivian’s beautifully restored historic theater, now a vibrant community hub for film and storytelling, this is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.

Meet the panelists, and be part of an unforgettable evening honoring Marine Corps aviation and service.

👉 Seats are limited, don’t miss it!
Sign up here! https://events.rivian.com/rivianpresentswearethemarines

04/01/2026

✈️ 📍Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum - April Newsletter📍✈️ -

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is proud to announce a landmark partnership with the Southern California Toyota Dealers Association (SCTDA), whose extraordinary $500,000 philanthropic gift will power one of the most impactful components of our mission, education.