Press/Media

3 November 2009

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Helo on Display at Fun Bike Center

San Diego — The dynamic partnership between the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum took another exciting step Friday, October 30, 2009, when the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum's (FLAM) Bell 47 HTL-4 “Baby Bell” helicopter was delivered to Fun Bike Center (FBC) in Kearny Mesa to join the mega-store's Marine-themed vehicle display.

The Baby Bell, most familiar to viewers of the television series M*A*S*H, is a veteran of the Korean War where it was utilized for front-line medical evacuation, search and rescue, and observation.

The FLAM helo, built in 1964, had been displayed at the museum until undergoing several years' loving restoration by museum volunteer Mike Sherlock. Since restoration, it was displayed only in special occasions, such as the FLAM static display at the annual Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show.

Working with Fun Bike Center General Manager Dave Waugh, Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Curator Steve Smith received permission for the long-term display and arranged transportation. Early Friday morning, the carefully loaded and thoroughly secured helicopter made an uneventful trip from MCAS Miramar to FBC just a few miles away. Upon the helo's arrival, FBC staff kicked into high gear, moving inventory to make way for the warhorse.

The Baby Bell joins a CAN AM Spyder decked out in the 2009 Miramar Air Show theme, "A Salute to Teamwork," and actor and former Marine R. Lee Ermey's Marine Corps-decorated custom chopper in the military display.

"We've been working with FLAM for several months now. I cannot express the quality these folks bring to the relationship. They have been true to their word at every turn and an absolute pleasure to work with," FBC's Dave Waugh stated. "We intend to grow our relationship and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership."

"We are excited to have the display as it lends credibility to our support for the military community, and we look forward to hosting future events to benefit the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum," Waugh concluded.

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, excepting major holidays, from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. The museum is located in the 8600 block of Mirmar Road, between Camino Ruiz and Cabot Drive. Admission is free. Entrance to the museum is through its Miramar Road gate, proudly flanked by U.S. and Marine Corps flags. There is no entrance from MCAS Miramar.

Semper Fidelis

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