Winter tours of MCAS to begin Nov. 17

Stephanie A. Wilken

Nov. 7, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Ever wondered what it's like on base?

Yuma residents and winter visitors will have an opportunity to visit Marine Corps Air Station Yuma with three upcoming public tours.

The first tour will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 17, according to a news release from MCAS Yuma.

To attend, visitors must travel along Avenue 3E and enter the air station at Gate 4, which is south of the main gate to the station.

"Upon arrival, visitors will board buses and be treated to a guided tour highlighting features of the air station and its history," according to the release. "During the tour, buses will stop on the flight line, where visitors will be able to see firsthand some of the aircraft, vehicles, weapons and equipment used by Marines here as well as overseas in support of combat missions, and be able to speak with active duty personnel."

Gate 4 will open at approximately 8:30 a.m., according to the release. Buses will depart on a staggered schedule from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. If a visitor arrives after buses depart, they may have to wait until a bus returns from a trip.

Upon completion of the tour, visitors will return to Gate 4, where military working dog handlers will have an ongoing presentation, according to the release.

"Photography and video is permitted throughout the tour, unless otherwise noted," according to the release. "Food and refreshments will not be available and bathrooms are available at the flight line display area only."

Two other identical public base tours are scheduled for Jan. 12 and Feb. 23.

For more information, contact the MCAS Public Affairs Office at (928) 269-2275 or (928) 269-2942.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0239-39544371