Contact the Military Housing Office at 843-228-6000 or DSN 312-335-6000 for information regarding housing options on base and/or the surrounding area.
It is important to hand carry your medical/dental records, copy of official orders, school records (for you and your children), personnel file, training records, birth certificates, Social Security cards, pink slips/titles for vehicles, resumes, insurance papers, passports, warranties, road hazard insurance papers, and prescriptions. Do not pack these items with your household goods. Keep them in a safe and easily accessible location while traveling.
Beaufort is susceptible to high tides, flooding, and hurricanes, although, they seldom cause severe damage. It is wise to have renter's insurance if renting off-base or living in government housing. A list of insurance companies offering renters insurance is available at the Military Housing Office.
Cost of community housing (off-base housing) is relatively high in the Beaufort area. Families choosing to resdie off base and require two or more bedrooms, should anticipate greater out-of-pocket expenses.
Information regarding pets:
South Carolina law requires you to turn on your car headlights when there is a restriction to visibility while driving. This includes rain, fog, smoke, as well as at dawn and dusk.
Defense Service Network (DSN) Dialing Instructions
The DSN is the provider of long-distance communications service for the Department of Defense (DoD). Every installation has a special DSN number and the numbers vary by world-wide location. To place a call using DSN, the caller must be using a military phone on an installation. Cell phones cannot dial DSN numbers. When dialing a DSN number from a United States installation to another United States installation, it is unnecessary to dial the DSN 312 area code. When dialing a DSN number to/from overseas locations, the DSN area code must be included. For additional information, please contact the telephone office at 843-228-7036 or DSN 312-335-7036.
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.
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).
Beaufort County, South Carolina: 198, 979
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.
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
Travel I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) heading South. When I-526 ends, take a right at the stop light. This will put you on US17 South. Upon arrival to Jacksonboro, South Carolina, you will veer to the left (still on US17 South) and follow signs to Beaufort, South Carolina. Travel on US17 for approximately 50 miles. Turn left onto HWY 21 South towards Beaufort. You will arrive at MCAS Beaufort upon approach to the second stoplight.
Beaufort from Savannah International Airport or from I-95 Northbound to MCAS
Travel on I-95 North. Turn onto Exit 8 (Beaufort/Hilton Head). Drive five (5) miles on Highway 278. Turn left towards Beaufort. Drive approximately three (3) miles until you reach a four way intersection. Turn left onto HWY 278. Travel one mile and turn right on Hwy 170. Travel approximately 10 miles until arrival at an intersection of Hwy 170 and 802. Turn left. Turn left onto HWY 21 North. Travel for approximately two miles to arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
From Charleston International Airport To MCAS-BeaufortProceed to I-526 (Mark Clark Expressway) heading South. When I-526 ends, turn right at the stop light. This will put you on US17 South. When arrive in Jacksonboro, South Carolina, veer left (still on US17 South) and follow traffic signs to Beaufort. Travel on US17 for approximately 50 miles. Turn left on Hwy 21 South towards Beaufort. MCAS Beaufort is on the left at the second stoplight.
From Savannah International Airport or from I-95 Northbound to MCASProceed to I-95 North. Take Exit 8, Beaufort/Hilton Head. Drive five (5) miles on HWY 278. Turn left towards Beaufort. Travel on HWY 170, which will turn into Robert Smalls Parkway. Turn left. Turn left on Hwy 21 North. Travel approximately two miles and you will arrive at MCAS Beaufort.
Base Operator Phone: 843-228-7100
Release 2024.03.06.1