Mission
The Mission of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is to continue supporting establishment operations for 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, attached II MEF units, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island/Eastern Recruiting Region in order to set the conditions for the enduring success of our supported commands and their missions.
History
MCAS Beaufort was originally opened as Naval Air Station Beaufort in 1943 during WWII. At the conclusion of the war, it was deactivated. However, in January 1955, it was
activated as Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield. The area was redesignated as a Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station in June 1956. On March 1, 1960, the auxiliary air station was
redesignated a Marine Corps Air Station. The airfield at MCAS Beaufort was named Merritt Field in honor of Maj. Gen. Lewie Merritt, USMC (retired), on Sept. 19, 1975. Merritt was famous for fighting in the battle of Belleau Wood in WWI and flying combat missions in WWII.
Personnel assigned to MCAS Beaufort, Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron operate the facilities that provide a home and base of operations to Fleet Marine Force (FMF) tenant units of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and 2nd Marine Logistics Group. Marine Aircraft Group 31 is the primary tenant command and consists of fighter attack squadrons, which fly and maintain active duty East Coast Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets, an F-35B Squadron and includes Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31).
Population
Beaufort County, South Carolina: 201,811
Location
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort is located in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, and is among the United States military's most important and historical installations. The Marine Corps Air Station is located in the southeast corner of the state, within Beaufort County. MCAS Beaufort is situated 65 miles south of Charleston and 50 miles north of Savannah, Georgia.
The base covers 6,900 acres, of which 5,800 are located east of Highway 21 and include operational facilities. The remaining acres contain the Laurel Bay military family housing area located four miles west of the Air Station main gate. Another 5,200 acres at the Townsend Bombing Range in McIntosh County, GA also belong to MCAS Beaufort. The Georgia Air National Guard, through an agreement, carries out day-to-day management of the range. The base telephone operator's phone number is 843-228-7100, DSN 312-335-7100.
Directions
There are no shuttles or public transportation from Charleston International Airport or Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to MCAS Beaufort. Provide advance notice to your unit of your anticipated arrival location and time. If you need transportation from either airport upon arrival, please contact the Operations Duty Officer at 843-228-7301, 843-228-7302, 843-228-7303 or at DSN 312-335-7301, 312-335-7302, 312-335-7303.
From Charleston International Airport To MCAS-Beaufort
Proceed to I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) heading South. When I-526 ends, turn right at the stop light. This will put you on US-17 S travel approximately 50 miles and follow traffic signs to Beaufort. Take US-21 Ramp to Beaufort at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto US-21. Travel US-21 for approximately 10 miles and turn left at the traffic light onto Geiger Blvd and you will arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
Beaufort from Savannah International Airport or from I-95 Northbound to MCAS
Proceed to I-95 North. Take Exit 8, Beaufort/Hilton Head onto US-278E (Independence Blvd) for 5 miles. Turn left onto Argent Blvd (SC-141) for 3 miles. Turn left onto N Okatie Hwy (SC-170) which will turn into Robert Smalls Parkway for 14 miles. Turn left at traffic light onto Parris Island Gtwy (US-21) for 1 mile. Turn left at traffic light onto Trask Pkwy (US-21) for 1 mile. Travel approximately two miles and turn right at the traffic light onto Geiger Blvd and you will arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
From Charleston International Airport To MCAS-Beaufort
Proceed to I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) heading South. When I-526 ends, turn right at the stop light. This will put you on US-17 S travel approximately 50 miles and follow traffic signs to Beaufort. Take US-21 Ramp to Beaufort at the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit onto US-21. Travel US-21 for approximately 10 miles and turn left onto Geiger Blvd and you will arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
From Savannah International Airport or from I-95 Northbound to MCAS
Proceed to I-95 North. Take Exit 8, Beaufort/Hilton Head onto US-278E (Independence Blvd) for 5 miles. Turn left onto Argent Blvd (SC-141) for 3 miles. Turn left onto N Okatie Hwy (SC-170) which will turn into Robert Smalls Parkway for 14 miles. Turn left onto Parris Island Gtwy (US-21) for 1 mile. Turn left onto Trask Pkwy (US-21) for 1 mile. Travel approximately two miles and turn right at the traffic light onto Geiger Blvd and you will arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
Contact Information
Base Operator
Phone: 843-228-7100
