MCAS CHERRY POINT
MARINES
Havelock, NC
United States
MCAS CHERRY POINT
MARINES
Havelock, NC
United States
MCAS Cherry Point
Home of the Corps' largest air station on the Carolina coast
Base Essentials
Home of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Fleet Readiness Center East — the Marine Corps' all-weather East Coast jet base in Havelock, NC. About 26,000-strong community across active-duty, civilians, contractors, and families with eastern NC coastal lifestyle.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
15,345
Active Duty
8,000
Civilian
4,000
Population
130,000
Economic Impact
$1.6 billion
MCAS Cherry Point History
Named AfterCherry Point — attributed to a small 19th-century settlement of fishermen, hunters and trappers on a nearby creek bank thick with wild cherry trees; the Cherry Point post office operated there from 1890 to 1935.
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point near Havelock, North Carolina, was established in 1941 and is the Marine Corps' largest air station on the East Coast. It is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and Marine Aircraft Group 14. Cherry Point also hosts Fleet Readiness Center East, a major aviation depot that performs heavy maintenance on Marine and Navy aircraft. The station supports a range of fixed-wing and rotary-wing operations and is a key element of II Marine Expeditionary Force's aviation capability.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
—
—
Fleet Readiness Center East
—
—
Marine Aircraft Group 14
—
—
Historic Timeline
1941
MCAS Cherry Point Construction Begins
1942
First Flight Operations at Cherry Point
1943
Naval Air Rework Facility Established
1984
AV-8B Harrier II Squadrons Arrive
—
View Key Moments
(4)
1941
MCAS Cherry Point Construction Begins
Construction began on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in eastern North Carolina during the WWII military buildup. The 11,800-acre site in Craven County was selected for its inland location, flat terrain, and proximity to the Atlantic coast for overwater training, making it one of the largest WWII airfield construction projects on the East Coast.
1942
First Flight Operations at Cherry Point
MCAS Cherry Point conducted its first flight operations in 1942, rapidly growing into one of the largest Marine Corps air stations on the East Coast with multiple runways, hangars, and support facilities to handle the expanding wartime Marine aviation mission.
1943
Naval Air Rework Facility Established
The Naval Air Rework Facility (NARF) Cherry Point — later redesignated Fleet Readiness Center East — was established in 1943. NARF Cherry Point grew into one of the largest military aircraft maintenance and overhaul depots in the world, employing thousands of civilian workers who kept naval aircraft mission-ready.
1984
AV-8B Harrier II Squadrons Arrive
AV-8B Harrier II attack squadrons began arriving at MCAS Cherry Point in 1984, making it the center of Marine Corps V/STOL (vertical and short takeoff and landing) aviation. Cherry Point became home to the largest concentration of Harrier aircraft in the world, a distinction it held for decades.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCAS Cherry Point.
MCAS Cherry Point Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCAS Cherry Point.
Main Gate
Hours coming soon
Visitor Center Gate
Hours coming soon
Back Gate
Hours coming soon
Visitor Access
What you need to know to get on MCAS Cherry Point.
REAL ID Required
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 valid original ID and must obtain a sponsor pass from a base resident or military personnel, or request one at the Main Gate after noon. Beginning May 7, 2025, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses or identification cards are required for all visitors and non-permanent party personnel age 18+.
Confirmed May 24, 2026
· Sources: official .mil sites, MilitaryOneSource, base guide
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCAS Cherry Point.
Information
20 of the Best Restaurants Near MCAS Cherry Point
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Information
MCAS Cherry Point: In-Depth Welcome Center
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Information
15 of the Best Things To Do Near MCAS Cherry Point
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Information
MCAS Cherry Point Housing: 12 On-Base Options
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Military News
Cherry Point Firefighters read to local elementary school students
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PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCAS Cherry Point.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Phone
(252) 466-5921In-Processing
All permanent party Marines and Sailors arriving at MCAS Cherry Point during duty hours report to the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC) in Building 298 on E Street, Monday through Friday, 0800–1630 (closes at 1300 on Thursdays for staff training). IPAC processes your endorsement and join audit. Personnel arriving after hours report to the Command Duty Officer at Building 1 (Christian F. Schilt Building) for an after-hours reporting endorsement, then check in with IPAC the next business day. Contact IPAC at (252) 466-5019 or (252) 466-8146.
In-processing typically takes several duty days and includes check-in stops at IPAC, Pass & ID (Building 251 at the Main Gate), DEERS/ID Cards, Dental and Medical (Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point), Marine & Family Programs (Building 4335), and your gaining unit's S-1. The Commander's Welcome Aboard Brief, held monthly at the Public House, is mandatory for E-1 through E-6, WO through CWO2, and O-1 through O-2 within 90 days of arrival; all other ranks are encouraged to attend. Contact Information & Referral at (252) 466-4201 for upcoming brief dates.
The Information, Referral & Relocation office in Building 4335 serves as a one-stop resource hub, connecting service members and families with on- and off-station programs including a lending locker with household essentials, Plan Your Move seminars, financial readiness counseling, and school liaison services. Family members are encouraged to attend the Welcome Aboard Brief for information on MCCS recreation, youth programs, and community services. For housing referrals, contact the Military Housing Office at (252) 466-2071.
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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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 Cherry Point.
On-Base Housing
Lincoln Military Housing
NC178
MHA
On-post housing at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is managed by Lincoln Military Housing, which operates family communities on the installation in coastal North Carolina's Craven County with 2- to 4-bedroom homes near the flight line, schools, and base amenities. Lincoln provides 24/7 maintenance support, an online portal for applications and maintenance requ…
Local Market
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around MCAS Cherry Point
82
18% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCAS Cherry Point.
School Liaison Officer
Coming soon
1
Elementary Schools
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2
Middle Schools
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1
High Schools
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4
Colleges & Universities
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2
Other Schools
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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
Craven County communities near MCAS Cherry Point include Havelock and New Bern. Havelock is situated at the edge of the Croatan National Forest, approximately 16.85 square miles with about 20,000 residents. Its cost of living is more than 10 percent below the national average, with a median rent of $1,029 and average mortgage costs of $1,142 per month; mean commute time to the base is approximately 17 minutes.
New Bern, the county seat and North Carolina's original state capital, sits 19 miles north of MCAS Cherry Point at the junction of the Neuse and Trent rivers. The city covers 28.23 square miles with a population of about 30,113. Median rent is $844 and average mortgage costs are $1,256 per month; mean commute time is approximately 19 minutes. New Bern offers a pedestrian-friendly downtown with restaurants, boutiques, and a popular riverwalk.
Havelock
Small Town
Havelock is the town directly outside MCAS Cherry Point and the most convenient community for Marines stationed there. It's a small, functional military town with all the basics — a Walmart, a few chain restaurants, and affordable rental housing — without much pretension. For families who prioritize gate proximity and low cost, Havelock is the straightforward choice.
Commute: 5–10 min
Gate: Main Gate (US-70)
Schools: Craven County Schools
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Families with kids
Dual military
Croatan National Forest is literally adjacent to the base and town, giving excellent hiking, paddling, and hunting access. The Crystal Coast beaches (Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle) are 30 min away. A functional but underrated posting for outdoor lovers.
New Bern
Small Town
New Bern is a beautiful historic city about 35 miles west of MCAS Cherry Point that's become increasingly popular with Marine families who want a higher quality of life and are willing to commute. It sits at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers with a charming colonial downtown, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene. It's where the better-off Cherry Point families tend to gravitate.
Commute: 35–45 min
Gate: Main Gate (US-70)
Schools: Craven County Schools
Families with kids
Retirees
Outdoorsy types
Historic downtown New Bern has first-rate restaurants, galleries, and a vibrant waterfront scene. Tryon Palace is a major historical attraction. Boating and fishing on the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, oddly enough.
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCAS Cherry Point.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully exempt
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Military Pay Details
North Carolina taxes active duty pay at 4.5% flat rate.
Spouse Income Tax
MSRRA applies. NC is a common PCS state with moderate tax burden.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military may keep home-state plates. No personal property tax on vehicles.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exclusion up to $45,000 of value.
Resources
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Pet Policies at MCAS Cherry Point
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCAS Cherry Point.
Emergency Vet
Coming soon
On-Base Vet Clinic
Cherry Point Veterinary Treatment Facility
Phone
(252) 466-2166Hours
Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Restricted Breeds
3
Prohibited Animals
11
Dog Parks
1
Boarding & Kennels
—
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Local Pet Notes
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCAS Cherry Point.
Commissary
1
MCAS Cherry Point Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Medical
8
Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point — Clinic
Childcare & Youth
CDC Available
Youth Programs
MWR & Recreation
4
Fitness Center
Golf Course
Employment & Education
3
Education Center
Spouse Employment
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MCAS Cherry Point.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Roosevelt 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
Is there a commissary on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point Commissary is on-base and open to all authorized DoD ID card holders. Call (252) 466-0800 for current hours.
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03
Is there a MCX on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point has a MCX (Marine Corps Exchange) offering tax-free shopping for authorized ID card holders.
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04
What is the base hospital or clinic?
Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point is the primary military treatment clinic serving MCAS Cherry Point. Call (252) 466-0284 for appointments or the nurse advice line.
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05
Is there a childcare center on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point has a Child Development Center (CDC) offering full-day and part-day programs. Waitlists fill quickly — register at MilitaryChildCare.com as soon as orders are received.
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06
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point has on-post temporary lodging available for incoming PCS personnel and TDY visitors. Reserve early — spaces fill fast during peak PCS season (May through August).
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07
What school district serves the base?
Craven County Schools (rated C+) serves most military families at MCAS Cherry Point. Visit https://www.cravenk12.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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08
Are there pet breed restrictions on base?
Yes, on-base housing at MCAS Cherry Point restricts certain breeds including Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Wolf Hybrid. Contact the housing office or review your lease addendum for the full restricted breeds list.
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09
Is there a dog park on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point Dog Park is a fenced off-leash dog park available to residents at MCAS Cherry Point.
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10
Is there a gym on base?
Yes, MCAS Cherry Point has a fitness center available free of charge to active-duty, Reserve, and retired members and their eligible family members. Contact MWR for current hours and locations.
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11
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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12
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 Cherry Point.
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13
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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14
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 Cherry Point.
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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.