Press/Media

17 June 2009

MEET OUR MENTOR!

San Diego — The T-34B “Mentor” is the latest airframe to join the inventory of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.

A U.S. Navy and Marine Corps trainer, the Mentor is based on the successful civilian Beechcraft Model 35 “Bonanza.” First built in 1948 in anticipation of demand by the Air Force, the Model 45 primary trainer was designated the T-34 Mentor and delivered to the Air Force in 1953. A year later, the first of 423 T-34B models were delivered to the Navy; the B model having increased horsepower.

Our particular T-34B was built in 1955 and spent some time as N2986F under government ownership.

The propeller-driven Mentor has joined the CH-46 “Sea Knight” helicopter and the F-5 “Tiger II” and F-18 “Hornet” jet aircraft for our annual “Open Cockpit Days.” Running through Labor Day weekend, visitors can climb aboard the four aircraft and learn all about them from our knowledgeable museum docents. In addition to the planes and helo, we also have the Miramar R/C Flyers model aircraft club and World War II Japanese and U.S. Marines re-enactors on some weekends. Check our website at www.flyingleathernecks.org or call our office at 858-693-1723 for details. Remaining Open Cockpit Days this year are June 27 and 28, July 11, 12, 25, 26, August 8,9, 22,23, and September 5 and 6.

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Entrance to the museum is from Miramar Road just west of Camino Ruiz. Look for the U.S. and Marine Corps flags proudly flanking the gate.

Semper Fidelis

Public Relations Contact:
Susan Hathaway
Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation
858-693-1723