During Fort Ord’s 20+ years as a barren maneuvers area and 50+ years as an active U.S. Army installation, its personnel, facilities, and equipment were a visible presence throughout the Monterey Peninsula. From its activation in 1940 until it was shut down in 1994, Fort Ord was primarily a basic training base and later home of the service’s Seventh Infantry Division (Light).

Most travelers coming to the area for Monterey Car Week and its showcase event, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, will fly into Monterey Regional Airport. Upon arrival, many of the airline passengers will probably have a different experience than what they have experienced at other airports due to Monterey’s facility being smaller in size along with its remaining throwback touches that include a dedicated observation deck.