Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina supports the operations of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, II MEF units, and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region. Known as “Fightertown East,” it accommodates four F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack squadrons, one F-35B Lightning II training squadron, and nearly 4,700 personnel.
Phone Number:
843-228-7322
Address:
Geiger Boulevard
Beaufort, SC 29904
What Kind of Base is Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort?
MCAS Beaufort, nestled in the South Carolina Lowcountry, sprawls across 6,900 acres and includes a 5,200-acre air-to-ground combat and bombing range in McIntosh County, Georgia. The air station is also associated with a vast air-to-air combat area off the South Carolina and Georgia coasts.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort History
Originally commissioned as Naval Air Station Beaufort, it was pivotal for anti-submarine patrol training during World War II. In 1960, the designation changed to MCAS Beaufort, and subsequently, in 1975, the airfield was named Merritt Field to honor Major General Lewie G. Merritt. The base has evolved over the years. It now supports all active-duty USMC F/A-18 air operations on the East Coast, Marine Aircraft Group 31, its associated squadrons, and tenant U.S. Navy strike fighter squadrons.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Housing
MCAS Beaufort offers a variety of housing options. The Military Housing Office manages the installation housing. Several residents and service members are accommodated in the Laurel Bay housing complex.
Off-station housing is also available in the Beaufort area.
How to Apply For Housing
To apply for housing at the military base, the first step is to contact the Military Housing Office at 843-228-6000. They will provide detailed information about the application process, including the necessary forms and documents. It’s important to have your medical records, official orders, school records, personnel file, training records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, vehicle titles, insurance papers, passports and prescriptions on hand.
PCS and TDY Lodging
At the military base, temporary lodging options are available for both Temporary Duty (TDY) and Permanent Change of Station (PCS) personnel. The Inns of the Corps at MCAS Beaufort offer these services. Reservations can be made by calling 843-522-1663.
What is the BAH for Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort?
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort varies depending on rank, years of service and dependency status. Visit the South Carolina state BAH page or see the chart below for more information.
BEAUFORT/PARRIS ISLAND, SC BAH Rates
Military Housing Area: SC258
| Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E01 | $2,367 | $1,905 |
| E02 | $2,367 | $1,905 |
| E03 | $2,367 | $1,905 |
| E04 | $2,367 | $1,905 |
| E05 | $2,448 | $2,148 |
| E06 | $2,829 | $2,286 |
| E07 | $2,874 | $2,367 |
| E08 | $2,919 | $2,526 |
| E09 | $3,036 | $2,634 |
| W01 | $2,847 | $2,352 |
| W02 | $2,892 | $2,523 |
| W03 | $2,955 | $2,649 |
| W04 | $3,072 | $2,835 |
| W05 | $3,219 | $2,883 |
| O01E | $2,877 | $2,445 |
| O02E | $2,943 | $2,610 |
| O03E | $3,093 | $2,820 |
| O01 | $2,499 | $2,283 |
| O02 | $2,826 | $2,424 |
| O03 | $2,952 | $2,688 |
| O04 | $3,267 | $2,868 |
| O05 | $3,492 | $2,892 |
| O06 | $3,522 | $2,934 |
| O07 | $3,552 | $2,985 |
For more information, look at BAH rates by state or calculate your exact BAH rate.
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Surrounding Area
The Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort is strategically located in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, in Beaufort County. It’s about an hour drive from Charleston, and about an hour from Savannah, Georgia.
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the region’s unique Lowcountry landscape, characterized by expansive marshlands, coastal waters and rural settings. It’s worth noting that Beaufort is susceptible to high tides, flooding and hurricanes.
Healthcare
On-post medical services are available at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort. Naval Hospital Beaufort offers medical and surgical care to active and retired military and their dependents in the Beaufort area, with additional Branch Health Clinics at MCRD Parris Island and MCAS Beaufort. Specialized cases beyond the hospital’s scope are referred to other military hospitals or TRICARE-covered facilities.
Childcare
MCAS Beaufort offers two Child Development Centers (CDCs). They offer full-day, part-day and hourly care for children. They offer services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-aged children.
Schooling
MCAS Beaufort offers two DoDEA schools on the installment. They are:
- Elliott Elementary School (preK-2)
- Bolden Elementary/Middle School (3-8)
There are no DoDEA high schools. So from 9th grade and on, children would attend a Beaufort County high school based on where they live.
It’s advisable to contact the School Liaison at 843-228-6128 to learn more about specific education options.
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Jon Rehagan covers financial topics and military news, aimed at helping those who've served our country and everyday civilians