MCAS MIRAMAR
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
MCAS MIRAMAR
MARINES
San Diego, CA
United States
MCAS Miramar
The West-Coast Headquarters of Marine Corps Aviation
Base Essentials
Formerly known as 'Fightertown USA' and home of the Navy's TOPGUN program— Miramar is now home of the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing on 23,000 acres just north of San Diego, CA. A premier Marine aviation posting with 20,000+ active-duty service members, civilians, and contractors and prime Southern California coastal lifestyle.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1917
Acres
22,876
Active Duty
12,000
Civilian
3,000
Population
22,000
Economic Impact
$2 billion
MCAS Miramar History
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego, California, has served many purposes and hosted many different commands over its more than 100-year history. It was originally opened as a training site for the U.S. Army in 1917, before briefly changing hands to the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Beginning in 1947, Miramar was a Naval base. It came to be known as "Fightertown USA" because it was home to the Navy’s Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program, more commonly known as Top Gun, from 1969 to 1996. At various points throughout this time, Miramar hosted operations by the U.S. Airforce and NASA, before finally returning to the Marine Corps in 1997.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
—
—
Historic Timeline
1917
Camp Kearny Established on Kearny Mesa
1934
Marines Arrive at Miramar
1949
Naval Air Station Miramar Established
1969
Naval Fighter Weapons School "Top Gun" Founded
1986
"Top Gun" Film Filmed at Miramar
1997
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Commissioned
—
View Key Moments
(6)
1917
Camp Kearny Established on Kearny Mesa
Camp Kearny was established on the Kearny Mesa plateau north of San Diego as a World War I Army training camp, processing tens of thousands of soldiers through training before deployment to France with the American Expeditionary Forces.
1934
Marines Arrive at Miramar
In response to the need for additional training areas, the Marine Corps rented a portion of base and named it Camp Holcomb. Later, Camp Elliot was also established and became a center of Marine Corps activity until the end of World War II, even serving as a Fleet Marine Force Training Center from 1942.
1949
Naval Air Station Miramar Established
Though it was home to Naval and Marine Auxiliary airfields during World War II, the base was officially transferred to the Navy after the Marine air units relocated to MCAS El Toro in 1947. In 1949, Naval Air Station Miramar was commissioned as a jet aviation training facility, replacing earlier auxiliary facilities on the mesa. NAS Miramar became the Navy's premier West Coast jet aviation station, hosting successive generations of carrier-based fighter and attack aircraft.
1969
Naval Fighter Weapons School "Top Gun" Founded
The Naval Fighter Weapons School — universally known as "Top Gun" — was established at NAS Miramar on March 3, 1969, following analysis showing that Vietnam-era dogfighting kill ratios were dangerously low. Top Gun's rigorous air combat maneuvering curriculum dramatically improved Navy fighter performance.
1986
"Top Gun" Film Filmed at Miramar
The blockbuster film "Top Gun," starring Tom Cruise and shot extensively at NAS Miramar with full Navy cooperation, was released in May 1986. The film dramatically boosted Navy and Marine Corps recruiting across the country and made Miramar synonymous with elite fighter aviation worldwide.
1997
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Commissioned
Following the 1996 BRAC decision to transfer NAS Miramar to the Marine Corps, MCAS Miramar became the new home of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing with the official changeover occurring on October 1, 1997. The Top Gun school had relocated to NAS Fallon, Nevada, while Miramar took on its new Marine aviation mission.
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCAS Miramar.
MCAS Miramar Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCAS Miramar.
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 Miramar.
REAL ID Required
Sponsor Required
Trusted Traveler Suspended
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 to MCAS Miramar must obtain a pass at the Visitor and Registration Center (Building 6200, East Gate). Bring a valid, government-issued, REAL ID compliant identification.
Guest policy
All visitors without a DOD-issued ID must be sponsored and obtain a pass from the Visitor and Registration Center.
Parking information
All motorized vehicles operated aboard MCAS Miramar must be registered with the Vehicle Registration Section (Pass & ID) of the Provost Marshal's Office. Permanent decals are issued at Building 6200, 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; 7:30 a.m. to noon Thursday; and 8 a.m. to noon the first and third Saturday of each month. Vehicles registered in states not requiring smog certification must be inspected at the Base Service Station or any California inspection station. Military members under the age of 26 must present evidence of having completed the Driver Improvement Course.
Latest News
Our coverage, local headlines, and upcoming events around MCAS Miramar.
MyBaseGuide · Information
25+ Things to Do Near MCAS Miramar in San Diego, El Cajon, and Del Mar
Read
4d ago
MyBaseGuide · Information
Welcome to MCAS Miramar! Everything You Need to Know About Your New Duty Station
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4d ago
MyBaseGuide · Automotive
Five Tips for Choosing the Right Car Relocation Services
Read
Feb 8
MyBaseGuide · Information
Torrey Pines Golf Course Lives up to Its Reputation
Read
Jun 23
MyBaseGuide · Information
25 of the Best MCAS Miramar Restaurants
Read
Jan 28
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCAS Miramar.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC)
Phone
(858) 307-4722Hours
Weekdays, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Limited services from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
Location
Building 8380In-Processing
Marines reporting to MCAS Miramar will report to their gaining command’s S-1, after which point they may or may not need to report to the Regional Personnel Administration Center (RPAC) for additional in-processing.
The Commander's Welcome Aboard Orientation is mandatory for E-1 through E-6, WO-1 through CWO-2, and O-1 through O-2, held at The Hub (Building 5305).
MCCS Miramar operates the Information, Referral and Relocation (IR&R) office, also at The Hub, which provides relocation counseling, area orientation, lending locker household items, and connections to on- and off-base resources.
Trusted Base Intel. Since 1966.
Join 200,000+ personnel for base news, PCS tips, exclusive discounts, and critical benefits info.
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Open PCS Entitlements Estimator
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
Download Full Base Guide PDF
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 Miramar.
CA038
MHA
On-post housing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is managed by Liberty Military Housing, which operates communities on the installation in northern San Diego and in adjacent neighborhoods, offering 2- to 4-bedroom homes with access to modern community amenities and Lincoln's on-site resident services team. San Diego's exceptional climate, beaches, and quality of…
Local Market
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 Miramar
160
60% Above National Average
Housing
Calculate Your Buying Power
See what you can afford using your rank, BAH, and local market data.
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCAS Miramar.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison Officer (SLO)
24
Elementary Schools
View schools
8
Middle Schools
View schools
3
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
View colleges
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 Miramar is located just north of downtown San Diego. There are plenty of fantastic neighborhood options in San Diego. Keep in mind that the closer to the coast you live, the more expensive things will be. There are significant price jumps based solely on whether looking East or West of the I-5 freeway. Keeping housing costs in mind, some great San Diego neighborhoods are listed below, in addition to the nearby cities of La Mesa and El Cajon.
Mira Mesa, San Diego
Suburban
Mira Mesa is a beautiful San Diego suburb with great local amenities, great schools, and access to nearby nature preservers. It is the nearest neighborhood to MCAS Miramar, located just north of base.
Commute: 15 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
Nature Lovers
Families with Children
Del Cerro, San Diego
Suburban
Del Cerro is a very nice suburb of San Diego. It’s safe, has good schools, beautiful views, and is still close to base.
Commute: 20 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
City Heights, San Diego
Urban
This is a highly diverse and densely populated area, with more reasonably priced housing. It is close to lots of social amenities, and has good public transportation; however, the schools are not as competitive as others in the district.
Commute: 20 minutes
Schools: San Diego Unified School District
La Mesa, California
Small Town
La Mesa is a picturesque and highly walkable city east of San Diego. It’s got the perfect mix of small-town charm with access to big-city amenities. However, schools in this area are lower quality than nearby districts.
Commute: 25 minutes
Schools: La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
El Cajon, California
Urban
El Cajon is a small but richly diverse city with a thriving local food and cultural scene. However, schools in this area are generally lower quality than nearby districts.
Commute: 25 minutes
Schools: Cajon Valley Union School District
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCAS Miramar.
State Income Tax
Has state income tax
Military Pay
Fully taxed
Retirement Pay
Fully taxed
Vehicle Tax Exempt
No
Spouse Income Tax
California taxes military pay if stationed in CA. Spouses may claim domicile elsewhere under MSRRA.
Vehicle Registration
Non-resident military can keep home-state plates but may owe use tax on vehicle purchase.
Property Tax
Disabled veterans may qualify for property tax exemption. Prop 13 limits assessment increases.
Combat Zone Exclusion
A servicemember who serves, or has served, in a combat zone can exclude up to 100% of combat pay from income.
Additional Tax Notes
View full details below.
Pet Policies at MCAS Miramar
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCAS Miramar.
Emergency Vet
12 mi
VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center
7675 Mission Valley Rd, San Diego, CA(619) 299-2400On-Base Vet Clinic
Coming soon
Restricted Breeds
5
Prohibited Animals
2
Dog Parks
3
Boarding & Kennels
4
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
Leash Laws
Pet-Friendly Housing
Pet Shipping Tips
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCAS Miramar.
Commissary
1
MCAS Miramar Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Medical
1
Naval Branch Health Clinic, MCAS Miramar — 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 Miramar.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
East Gate (Main Gate / Miramar Way Gate) is the primary visitor access gate, open 24/7. See the Gates section for the full schedule of all 3 gates and their access requirements.
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02
Is there temporary lodging on base?
Yes, MCAS Miramar 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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03
What school district serves the base?
San Diego Unified School District (rated B- (Niche)) serves most military families at MCAS Miramar. Visit sandiegounified.org for enrollment info and the school finder tool.
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04
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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05
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 Miramar.
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06
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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07
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 Miramar.
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08
Can I live on base without children?
Active-duty with dependents (spouses OR children) are permitted to live in base housing. For more information, contact the San Diego Housing Services Center (HSC).
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09
Can I live on base if I'm not married?
Single Marines at the E-5 rank and below are required to live on base in assigned barracks.
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10
Can I live with my pets on base?
Yes! Two pets are allowed per home in base housing, subject to breed restrictions. Pets must be properly registered with Liberty Military Housing. For more information regarding rules and restrictions, contact the leasing office directly.
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11
Is there a veterinary clinic on base?
Yes, MCAS Miramar’s Veterinary Treatment Facility provides routine wellness checks, vaccinations, and minor sick call services right on base. Address: 6360 Bauer Rd, Bldg. 6360, San Diego, CA 92145 Phone: (858) 307-6552 Hours: Weekdays, 7 a.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.