Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

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	$2,310	$1,824
E02	$2,310	$1,824
E03	$2,310	$1,824
E04	$2,310	$1,824
E05	$2,367	$2,097
E06	$2,634	$2,253
E07	$2,718	$2,307
E08	$2,808	$2,427
E09	$2,928	$2,499
W01	$2,652	$2,304
W02	$2,757	$2,424
W03	$2,865	$2,508
W04	$2,952	$2,652
W05	$3,060	$2,736
O01E	$2,730	$2,364
O02E	$2,847	$2,481
O03E	$2,967	$2,625
O01	$2,406	$2,250
O02	$2,631	$2,349
O03	$2,862	$2,535
O04	$3,093	$2,715
O05	$3,255	$2,766
O06	$3,282	$2,844
O07	$3,306	$2,892

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.