MCAS BEAUFORT
MARINES
Beaufort, SC
United States
MCAS BEAUFORT
MARINES
Beaufort, SC
United States
MCAS Beaufort
Base Essentials
Home of Marine Corps F/A-18 and F-35C strike fighter squadrons in the South Carolina Lowcountry — a highly desirable posting with beach proximity, Beaufort's historic charm, and a strong aviation community.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1943
Acres
6,800
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
2,000
Population
185,000
Economic Impact
$700 million
MCAS Beaufort History
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort, South Carolina, was established in 1943. It is home to Marine Aircraft Group 31, which operates the F/A-18 Hornet and is transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II and F-35C. The station's coastal location provides excellent flying weather and access to training ranges. MCAS Beaufort is central to the Marine Corps' tactical aviation readiness on the East Coast.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Aircraft Group 31
—
—
Historic Timeline
1943
MCAS Beaufort Established for WWII Training
1956
Jet Aircraft Operations Begin
2012
First F-35B Squadron Declared Operational
—
View Key Moments
(3)
1943
MCAS Beaufort Established for WWII Training
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort was established in 1943 on the South Carolina coast to train Marine aviators for WWII combat operations. The installation was built on a site previously used as a Civil War encampment.
1956
Jet Aircraft Operations Begin
Beaufort transitioned to jet aircraft operations in the mid-1950s as the Marine Corps modernized its aviation fleet. The installation became a primary East Coast fighter base hosting F-4 Phantoms, F/A-18 Hornets, and later F-35B Lightning IIs.
2012
First F-35B Squadron Declared Operational
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 (VMFA-121) at Beaufort was the first F-35B squadron declared operational in the Marine Corps in 2012, marking a landmark transition to fifth-generation aviation for the Marine Corps.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCAS Beaufort.
MCAS Beaufort Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCAS Beaufort.
Gate hours can change suddenly during special exercises, holidays, and operational periods. We always recommend confirming details before you travel.
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCAS Beaufort.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCAS Beaufort.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Marine Corps Family Services — Relocation Assistance Program / Personal and Professional Development
Phone
(843) 228-6136Hours
Mon–Fri, 0730–1630
In-Processing
Marines arriving at MCAS Beaufort report to their gaining unit's administrative section (S1) during duty hours in the uniform of the day. The unit S1 initiates check-in, provides the installation in-processing checklist, and coordinates all required appointments. Marines without a confirmed sponsor should contact Marine Corps Family Services (MCFS) at (843) 228-6136.
In-processing at MCAS Beaufort covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at the Branch Medical Clinic, and housing through the Housing Services Office. The mandatory Newcomers Orientation is coordinated through MCFS and covers installation resources, Beaufort community information, and programs available to Marines and families.
MCAS Beaufort is home to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (F/A-18 Hornet, F-35B) and is located near Beaufort, South Carolina — a charming coastal city in the Lowcountry. The area offers beautiful scenery, a low cost of living relative to coastal areas, and proximity to Hilton Head Island and Savannah, GA.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
Always free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCAS Beaufort.
On-post family housing at MCAS Beaufort and the adjacent Marine Corps Air Station is managed by Lincoln Military Housing under the Marine Corps' MHPI program. The residential communities offer 2–5 bedroom homes in neighborhoods convenient to the flight line and base facilities. MCAS Beaufort is located on the South Carolina Lowcountry coast, adjacent to the historic…
Local Market
$1,500/mo
rent
/
$360,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around MCAS Beaufort
90
10% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCAS Beaufort.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
3
High Schools
View schools
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
MCAS Beaufort sits on the South Carolina Lowcountry coast south of Beaufort, home to F/A-18 tactical air operations. Beaufort County is one of South Carolina's most sought-after communities, with a historic antebellum town center, Lowcountry coastal beauty, and Hilton Head Island nearby. Families enjoy a genuinely spectacular setting with warm weather nearly year-round.
Beaufort
Small Town
The historic city of Beaufort sits 10 minutes north of the air station and is one of South Carolina's crown jewels — antebellum mansions, Spanish moss, tidal creeks, and a vibrant Bay Street restaurant and gallery scene. Beaufort County Schools and Beaufort County School District serve the area. Home prices have risen significantly with the discovery of Beaufort by retirees and remote workers, but BAH remains competitive.
Commute: 12 min
Schools: Beaufort County School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Single service members
Historic antebellum character, Bay Street dining scene, kayaking and sailing, Marine Corps heritage, Lowcountry beauty
Bluffton
Suburban
West of Hilton Head Island and south of Beaufort on US-278, Bluffton has grown dramatically with planned communities and retiree-oriented development. Beaufort County Schools serve the area. The Old Town Bluffton district on the May River is charming, and proximity to Hilton Head's beaches (15 minutes) is a major draw. Newer construction is plentiful and prices are moderate compared to Hilton Head proper.
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Beaufort County School District
Families with kids
Retirees
Dual military
Pet owners
Old Town Bluffton character, Hilton Head access, May River oyster culture, growing suburban development, retiree-popular
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCAS Beaufort.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully exempt
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
Yes
Military Pay Details
South Carolina fully exempts active duty military pay from South Carolina income tax for South Carolina legal residents.…
Spouse Income Tax
Under MSRRA, military spouses may maintain their legal domicile outside South Carolina for South Carolina income tax pur…
Vehicle Registration
South Carolina charges a 5% Infrastructure Maintenance Fee (IMF) on vehicle purchases, capped at $500. Military members…
Property Tax
South Carolina property taxes are set at the county level. Legal resident homeowners receive a favorable 4% assessment r…
Pet Policies at MCAS Beaufort
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCAS Beaufort.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
—
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCAS Beaufort.
Commissary
1
Parris Island Commissary (nearest to MCAS Beaufort)
Exchange
MCX
Mon–Fri 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sat–Sun 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Medical
1
Branch Health Clinic MCAS Beaufort — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
MWR & Recreation
1
Fitness Center
Employment & Education
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCAS Beaufort.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (POV Gate) is the main visitor access gate and is open 24 hours a day. Other gates are restricted to military and DoD ID holders — see the Gates section for full schedules.
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02
How do visitor passes work?
Visitors must be sponsored by someone with base access and should contact the installation's Visitor Control Center in advance with their government-issued ID and vehicle info. Day passes are issued at the gate; extended access may require additional coordination.
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03
What is BAH and how is it calculated?
BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) is a monthly stipend based on your pay grade, dependency status, and the duty station ZIP code — it is not counted as taxable income. Rates are updated each January; use the BAH Calculator in the Finance section to see current figures for MCAS Beaufort.
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04
What should I do first after receiving PCS orders?
Contact the gaining installation's housing office and military transportation office (TMO/PPSO) immediately after orders are issued. Apply for on-base housing right away — waitlists at many installations run 6–18 months.
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05
Does TRICARE cover local providers?
TRICARE covers both the on-base military treatment facility and authorized civilian providers in the surrounding community. Use the provider finder at tricare.mil to confirm in-network options near MCAS Beaufort.
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Question
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Data & Methodology
How we source this −
Information is compiled from DoD publications, official installation websites, and reviewed by military personnel. Independent publication — not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Defense.