MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Most service members stationed here know every October Marines and sailors are tasked to be part of the station’s biggest event of the year, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show.

This year’s air show, held Oct. 2, 3 and 4, was no exception, and those who worked the event made it possible for more than 750,000 visitors to enjoy their time aboard the air station.

The young Marines directing visitors from the station’s gates to the flight line were where the first Marines visitors encountered. These Marines posted themselves at their designated area every day during the air show before sunrise until after nightfall.

The Marines, dressed in yellow and orange road-guard vests, armed themselves with whistles and lights and used arm signals to coordinate all vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

The Marines on the roads told the visitors where they needed to go for things such as parking lot entrances and exits, explained Lance Cpl. John Catena, a communication navigation assistant technician with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352 and a traffic control Marine for the air show.

By doing their job they prevented a lot of accidents that could happen with all the lost people turning around on roads, continued Catena.

Along the flight line, visitors encountered Marines posted at all flight line gate entrances. The Marines at the entrances checked all bags coming onto the flight line and continued to guide visitors to different areas of the show.

“We’re here by 5 a.m., get briefed and are on post by 7:30 a.m.,” said Sgt. Jeffrey Neely, a bulk fuel specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron and a flight line security Marine for the air show. “We’re on post throughout the whole air show. We’re here to make sure the civilian population is safe and that no problems arise.”

Throughout the day, visitors could also find Navy corpsmen walking around in case visitors needed medical assistance and golf-cart drivers who shuttled people to the flight line gates and parking lots. Marines and civilians also controlled admission at all of the tent chalets along the flight line.

“Our job is important because without security there would be a lot of havoc,” said Lance Cpl. Oscar Estrada, a personnel clerk with the Installation Personnel Administration Center and a security Marine at a flight line chalet.

At the end of each day, the same Marines directed spectators off the flight line. Many of the Marines remained until after 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Although these Marines are often overlooked, the air show could not exist without them.

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