MCAS BEAUFORT
MARINES
Beaufort, SC
United States
MCAS BEAUFORT
MARINES
Beaufort, SC
United States
MCAS Beaufort
Fightertown
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
6,513
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.
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on MCAS Beaufort.
REAL ID Required
Visitor Pass Required
Day Passes Available
How are you entering the base?
I have a DoD ID / CAC
Active duty, civilian employee, retiree, or dependent.
I'm visiting someone
Sponsored visit — a DoD ID holder will vouch for you.
I need a day pass
No sponsor — process through the Visitor Control Center.
Commercial / Delivery
Truck drivers, contractors, and vendors.
Quick summary
Visitors need a sponsor present at the Visitor's Center (Building 2077, open Mon-Fri 0630-1200 and 1300-1530) to obtain a 14-day pass. You must provide a valid driver's license or government-issued photo ID. Visitors with local IDs receive only a 1-day pass unless pre-authorized.
Guest policy
Visitors to MCAS Beaufort must have a military sponsor and visit the Pass & ID Office adjacent to the main gate to procure a visitor pass.
Parking information
Park only in designated areas.
Latest News
Our coverage, local headlines, and upcoming events around MCAS Beaufort.
MyBaseGuide · Information
15 of the Best MCAS Beaufort Restaurants
Read
Nov 18
MyBaseGuide · Information
17 of the Best MCAS Beaufort Things To Do
Read
Oct 28
MyBaseGuide · Information
MCAS Beaufort: In-Depth Welcome Center
Read
Oct 22
MyBaseGuide · Information
MCAS Beaufort Schools: Daycare - High School
Read
Oct 20
MyBaseGuide · Information
MCAS Beaufort Housing: On-Base Options
Read
Oct 19
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCAS Beaufort.
Welcome Center
Coming soon
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.
For more information on check-in processes, including unit-specific contact information and check-in locations, see the MCAS Beaufort Welcome Aboard website.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
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-Base Housing
Hunt Military Communities
SC258
MHA
On-post family housing at MCAS Beaufort and the adjacent Marine Corps Air Station is managed by Hunt Military Communities. The residential communities offer 2–5 bedroom homes in three neighborhoods with convenient access to the flight line and base facilities: Freedom Sound (E1-E9) Legacy (E1-E9, O1-O4, WO1-WO3) Laurel Bay Circle (O5-O6)
Local Market
$1,500/mo
rent
/
$360,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
Dependency Status
With Dependents
$XX,XXX per year
E-5
Location
Select a grade and location above
Data Sources
BAH rates: Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), effective January 1, 2026. Rates set annually by DoD based on rental survey data.
View Full BAH Rates
Cost of Living Around MCAS Beaufort
90
10% Below National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
Open Calculator
Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCAS Beaufort.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Office
13
Elementary Schools
View schools
3
Middle Schools
View schools
4
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
2
K-12 Schools
View schools
Education Resources
Notes, tuition & more
Education Benefits
Check Your GI Bill Eligibility
Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, and more.
Where To Live
MCAS Beaufort is located on the South Carolina Lowcountry coast, adjacent to the historic town of Beaufort (population ~13,000). The Beaufort area offers off-post housing in a uniquely beautiful setting — a coastal community of Sea Islands, Spanish moss, and antebellum architecture. The broader Beaufort County housing market includes communities like Port Royal, Burton, and Lady's Island.
Beaufort is one of the military's most distinctive quality-of-life assignments, with a genuine Lowcountry coastal lifestyle. Hilton Head Island is 40 miles south; Savannah, Georgia is 45 miles southwest; and Charleston is 70 miles north. The area attracts many military retirees, which has driven housing appreciation in recent years.
Port Royal
Small Town
Port Royal is a highly desirable coastal city with a long history and a short commute.
Commute: 15m
Schools: Beaufort County Schools
Great restaurants, historic charm, beaches.
Beaufort
Small Town
Beaufort is a highly desirable coastal city with a long history like Port Royal. Slightly more expense and has a slightly longer commute.
Commute: 10m
Schools: Beaufort County Schools
Dual-military
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: 45m
Schools: Beaufort County Schools
Dual-military
Families
Retirees
Old Town Bluffton character, Hilton Head access, May River oyster culture, growing suburban development, retiree-popularity
Okatie
Suburban
Okatie is a quiet community known for it's relaxed suburban life-style and coastal charm. Though it has a longer commute and is more expensive, it has slightly better schools as long as you live on the Beaufort County side of town.
Commute: 40
Schools: Beaufort County Schools
Dual military
Families with Children
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
No
Military Pay Details
South Carolina fully exempts active duty military pay from South Carolina income tax for South Carolina legal residents.…
Spouse Income Tax
South Carolina exempts military and retirement pay. MSRRA applies.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates.
Property Tax
100% disabled veterans exempt from property tax.
Combat Zone Exclusion
No state tax on combat pay.
Pet Policies at MCAS Beaufort
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCAS Beaufort.
Emergency Vet
25 mi
Carolina Veterinary Critical Care
21 Buck Island Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910(843) 706-9200On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
8
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
5
Boarding & Kennels
5
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Pet-Friendly Housing
Local Pet Notes
Required Vaccinations
Pet Shipping Tips
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCAS Beaufort.
Commissary
1
Parris Island Commissary (nearest to MCAS Beaufort)
Exchange
MCX
Weekdays, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Weekends 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Medical
2
MCAS Beaufort Clinic — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
3
Fitness Center
Swimming Pool
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
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.
Read answer
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.
Read answer
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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06
Is there a veterinary clinic on base?
No. The nearest Veterinary Treatment Facility is located on MCRD Parris Island. Address: Bldg 517A Alaska Blvd. Phone: (843) 228-3317 Hours: Monday - Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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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.