MCAS NEW RIVER
MARINES
Jacksonville, NC
United States
MCAS NEW RIVER
MARINES
Jacksonville, NC
United States
MCAS New River
Base Essentials
The hub of Marine Corps rotary-wing power, sharing a coastal community with Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC. Home of Marine Corps helicopter and MV-22 tiltrotor aviation, providing support to II Marine Expeditionary Forces and other tenant units on Camp Lejeune.
Base Details
Type
Marine Corps Base
Branch
MARINES
Command
MCICOM
Status
Active
Est.
1941
Acres
4,500
Active Duty
4,000
Civilian
1,500
Population
200,000
Economic Impact
—
MCAS New River History
Marine Corps Air Station New River in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was established in 1941 adjacent to Camp Lejeune. It is the East Coast hub for Marine rotary-wing and tiltrotor aviation, operating CH-53E Super Stallions, AH-1Z Vipers, UH-1Y Venoms, and MV-22 Ospreys. New River provides the assault support aviation for II Marine Expeditionary Force and will be central to fielding the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter.
Units Stationed
Unit
Nickname
Type
Marine Aircraft Group 26
—
—
Historic Timeline
Timeline events coming soon
Phone Directory
Key phone numbers for MCAS New River.
MCAS New River Base Gates
Entry points, hours, and access requirements for MCAS New River.
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 New River.
REAL ID Required
Visitor Pass 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
Summary is being prepared. See the official policy below.
Guest policy
All guests must either be escorted by a DoD ID cardholder through the Trusted Traveler Program or have a pre-approved visitor pass. The Trusted Traveler Program may be suspended at any time depending on base security needs.
Parking information
The Visitor Center provides parking up to one hour.
If you are visiting base amenities, you can utilize their adjacent surface lots without an enforced short-term limit.
Active duty service members, dependents, civilian employees and contractors are required to register their vehicle(s); retirees are highly encouraged but not required to register their vehicles.
Confirmed May 22, 2026
· Sources: official .mil sites, MilitaryOneSource, base guide
Latest News
Recent articles and updates from MCAS New River.
PCS & Newcomers
Everything you need to know for your move to MCAS New River.
Welcome center hours and contact details can change. We recommend confirming before you visit or call.
Marine Corps Family Services — Relocation Assistance Program
In-Processing
Marines arriving at MCAS New River (co-located with MCB Camp Lejeune) report to their gaining unit's administrative section during duty hours. MCAS New River and MCB Camp Lejeune share many support services and in-processing resources given their adjacent locations. The unit S1 initiates check-in and coordinates all required installation in-processing appointments.
The New River/Lejeune area in-processing covers Military Personnel, Finance, medical enrollment at Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune, housing through Liberty Military Housing, and the mandatory Newcomers Orientation. Marines and families are encouraged to attend the comprehensive welcome brief that covers both the air station and Camp Lejeune communities.
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Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Open PCS Checklist (14 Items)
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Sponsor Program Information
Temporary Lodging Details
Housing & BAH
On-post housing, cost of living, and BAH info for MCAS New River.
NC178
MHA
On-post family housing at MCAS New River is managed by Liberty Military Housing. New River's residential communities are co-located with the broader Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune housing complex, as the two installations share the Onslow County area. The communities offer 2–5 bedroom homes across several neighborhoods serving the combined base population. MCAS New…
Local Market
$1,550/mo
rent
/
$308,000
avg. home
2026 BAH Calculator
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Cost of Living Around MCAS New River
86
14% Below National Average
Housing
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Schools & Education
K-12 schools, colleges, and education resources near MCAS New River.
School Liaison Officer
School Liaison
7
Elementary Schools
View schools
5
Middle Schools
View schools
5
High Schools
View schools
3
Colleges & Universities
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3
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 New River is a helicopter and tiltrotor base collocated with Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Families at New River share the same community as Lejeune Marines, with Jacksonville as the primary off-post hub and Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, Hampstead, and Surf City providing coastal alternatives with access to the Topsail Island beaches.
Jacksonville
Suburban
Onslow County's main city exists primarily to serve Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River and has a dense military-family infrastructure. Onslow County Schools operate throughout Jacksonville. The city is very affordable, has extensive rental housing, and the military community networks are excellent for PCS families. Western Boulevard and Lejeune Boulevard are the main commercial corridors. The city continues to grow and diversify its dining scene.
Commute: 8 min
Schools: Onslow County Schools
Families with kids
Single service members
Budget-friendly
Dual military
Most convenient to both bases, large military community, affordable housing, Marine Corps community resources, growing restaurant scene
Sneads Ferry / Surf City
Small Town
Small coastal communities south of Camp Lejeune along the New River and Topsail Island, Sneads Ferry and Surf City attract families who want beach access built into their daily lifestyle. Onslow County Schools serve Sneads Ferry; Pender County Schools serve the Surf City and Topsail Beach areas. The commute to MCAS New River or Lejeune runs 20–30 minutes. Home prices near the water are higher but Topsail Island's undeveloped character keeps it below comparable beach communities.
Commute: 25 min
Schools: Onslow County Schools / Pender County Schools
Families with kids
Outdoorsy types
Retirees
Pet owners
Beach lifestyle on Topsail Island, New River water access, fishing and boating culture, quieter than Jacksonville proper
Holly Ridge
Suburban
Holly Ridge is a growing community on NC-17 between Jacksonville and Wilmington.
Commute: 25 minutes
Hampstead
Suburban
Hampstead is a small community on NC-17 just north of Wilmington, NC.
Commute: 40 minutes
Schools: Pender County Schools
Taxes & Finance
State tax policy and financial info for service members at MCAS New River.
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.
Combat Zone Exclusion
The Combat Zone Tax Exclusion (CZTE) allows military members to exclude certain active-duty combat pay from their taxabl…
Additional Tax Notes
View full details below.
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Pet Policies at MCAS New River
Pet policies, vet services, and resources at MCAS New River.
Emergency Vet
9 mi
Coastal Veterinary Emergency Clinic
28 Office Park Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546(910) 455-3838On-Base Vet Clinic
Camp Lejeune Veterinary Treatment Facility (VTF)
Phone
(910) 450-1607Hours
Weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
View services
Restricted Breeds
3
Prohibited Animals
4
Dog Parks
2
Boarding & Kennels
7
Pet Guidance
2
Max Pets
/
$250 refundable
Pet Deposit
Leash Laws
Pet-Friendly Housing
Local Pet Notes
Required Vaccinations
Pet Shipping Tips
Temporary Lodging
Facilities & Services
On-base services and facilities at MCAS New River.
Commissary
1
New River MCAS Commissary
Click2Go Available
Exchange
MCX
Weekdays: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., Weekends: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Medical
3
MCAS New River Marine Centered Medical Homeport — 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 New River.
01
What are the visitor gate hours?
Main Gate (Curtis Road 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 New-River.
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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 New-River.
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06
Is there a public beach at MCAS New River?
No, MCAS New River does not have direct access to the beach, but it is very close to Onslow Beach on Camp Lejeune. This is the nearest beach access for most of Jacksonville, NC.
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07
Can I bring my horse with me to MCAS New River?
Yes! While MCAS New River does not have appropriate facilities, Camp Lejeune is one of the rare USMC bases to have a stable! The Scarlet and Gold Riding Club is a 501(c)3 organization that privately manages a self-board boarding facility on base. Servicemembers stationed at MCAS New River can access this facility.
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08
Can I hunt and/or fish at MCAS New River?
Yes, hunting, trapping, fishing, and other related activities are all allowed in designated areas on Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River with appropriate permits. See the Camp Lejeune Environmental Conservation Branch website for more information and to obtain permits.
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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.