Camarillo Airport

CMA originated in 1942 as a landing strip for light planes, with 100 acres of farmland acquired by the U.S. Public Roads Administration. The California State Highway Department promptly constructed an auxiliary landing field with a 5,000-foot runway. The runway was extended to 8,000 feet in 1951 for the benefit of what had become Oxnard Air Force Base. Prominent at the base was the Aerospace Defense Command, which via the 414th Fighter Group, directed (in succession) the 354th, 437th, and 460th Fighter-Interceptor Squadrons. The Oxnard Air Force Base closed in 1970, which prompted the Ventura County government to pursue the purchase of the airport for commercial purposes actively. While there was some local opposition from residents concerned about the noise, the acquisition was approved in 1976 on the condition that the runway is shortened to 6,000 feet and that cargo and large commercial passenger flights be forbidden. This led to the airport being entirely managed by the Ventura County Department of Airports in 1985.

The airport is located three miles west of the central business district of Camarillo. 

• The Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and its museum are located on-site in three large hangars, featuring an extensive list of classic military aircraft, displays, artifacts, and more. 
• Chapter 723 of the Experimental Aircraft Association and its facilities are located in two hangars on site. 
• CMA is the site of the annual air show "Wings Over Camarillo," which is put on by the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. 
• There is a separate airfield in the southwest quadrant of the airport for the exclusive use of light-sport aircraft and ultralights.