California Air National Guard to leave O.C.

On Sept. 9 the California Air National Guard will leave Orange County after 43 years in Costa Mesa.

At 11 a.m., the 222nd Combat Communications Squadron will prepare its flag for transfer to Beale Air Force Base, north of Sacramento, where it will become part of the 222nd Intelligence Squadron. The site, formerly known as the Santa Ana Army Air Base during World War II, sits on 8 acres of land that during its heyday stretched for more than 500 acres and was home to thousands of G.I.’s before they were sent overseas.

During the Korean War in 1950, the entire squadron was mobilized to a radar installation in Oklahoma City, Okla., for 21 months.

Unit members mobilized in support of exercise Desert Shield in 1990 and Operation Desert Storm in 1991. During 9/11 units were mobilized to protect John Wayne Airport. In 2003 members were deployed to the Middle East as part of the Air Expeditionary Force, and in 2005 units were sent to Louisiana in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

— Joseph Serna