This Pacific Fleet film “Seaview” presents Miramar Air Station in California. It opens with a re-enactment of a WWI Marine’s journey from San Diego California in 1917 to Miramar base. In silent movie form, the Marine and his girl in white lace walk to the edge of their driveway lined by a white picket fence (:14). She bids Jim, a goodbye (:20). Jim starts off on foot down a long dirt road passing Presidio Park (1:00). He pauses at the water’s edge (1:15). Edwards Scripps is mentioned (1:32). In 1890 Scripps purchased land and constructed a ranch on what is now the community of Scripps Ranch as well as Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. This air station is now home to 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. Images appear of many tents (1:38). Another photograph shows shirtless marines in physical training (1:44). Camp Kearny. The film switches to modern footage (2:18) of the air base. Radar screens (2:20). Old time photographs show the YMCA building (2:38) behind a line of marine’s lodges, marines with horse and cannon (2:43). Livestock pens are pictured (2:57). The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom appears (3:10). It is mentioned that the Navy had recently experienced downsizing (3:32). The camera pans over Miramar (3:50). The McDonnell F-4B Phantom II takes off (4:15). A pair flies in formation (4:23). An aerial view captures on of the aircraft carriers of the Pacific Fleet (4:33). A good shot shows the blues waters between the F-4B and an aircraft carrier (4:45). Desert lands and mountains surround the crafts (4:52). A Marine enjoys dinner with his family (5:01). Once at work he prods subordinates for materials such as air pack booklets (5:55). Two Marines discuss upcoming flight plans (6:23). Marines roll dice for entertainment during down time (6:44). The flight manual appears (7:10). Two other Marines go over a map for flight plans (7:17). Marines sip coffee (8:52) and discuss the Packers game. Photographs are to be taken during the operation as the pilots go over plans (9:18). A pilot cleans his cockpit window (9:30). Ground crew work on the plane (9:35). Graduate aviators, radar intercept officers, air crewmen and maintenance men are trained here (9:58). A technician climbs from the Crusader Sharkmouth (10:08). The pilot checks out notes on his craft (11:07). He conducts pre-flight checks (11:36) testing the wings first. He sets his helmet on (12:15). He checks his controls (12:35) and switches the ignition on (12:53) as the control panel lights up. The Vought F-8 Crusader moves on the runway (13:13). Other pilots settle into their cockpits (13:22). A pair takes off (14:46) and soar side by side (15:10). Air to air refueling is conducted mid-flight (15:31). A good shot shows the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk reaching to connect for refueling (15:34). Two other F-8’s appear for refueling (15:59). All crafts peel off once refueling is completed (16:31). Two Crusaders bend at the wind with one another (17:43). Landing gear is extended (17:53). Pilots perform simulated carrier deck landings (17:59) on Miramar’s runways. An aerial view of the base follows (18:30). Clouds are seen the co-pilots seat (19:02). The pilot communicates with radar men on the ground (19:27). The craft touches down (20:30). The parachute is extended (20:36). Jet engines are checked (21:22). Navy men work to clean the outside of the crusader (22:12). The film mentions the air station contributes greatly to the city of San Diego’s economy (22:27). Another aerial shot shows hangars (22:35) at the growing base. Sites of new construction follow (22:42). The nostalgic Red Barn is pictured (22:53) situated at the center of the air station. Today it is a modern recreation center (23:04). The film switches back to sepia toned footage (23:20) and mentions the empty land at this base plays an important role in the open spaces program. A wildlife preserve is set up here (23:32). A marine horse guard saddles up (23:46) to patrol the wildlife preserve. The film was produced for the Naval Air Station Miramar California (24:54). It was narrated by Jack White (25:01) and produced by the Pacific Fleet Combat Camera Group (25:03).

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