Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 32°28′38″N 080°43′23″W / 32.47722°N 80.72306°W / 32.47722; -80.72306
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{{Short description|US Marine Corps base in Beaufort, South Carolina, United States}}
{{Use American English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox military installation
{{Infobox military installation
| name = Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
| name = Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
| ensign =
| ensign =
| ensign_size =
| ensign_size =
| native_name = Merritt Field
| native_name = Merritt Field
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| partof = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location =
| location =
| nearest_town = [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]], [[South Carolina]]
| nearest_town = [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]], [[South Carolina]]
| country = the [[United States]]
| country = the [[United States]]
| image = File:First F-35B Lightning II arrives at MCAS Beaufort 140717-M-UU619-780.jpg
| image = File:First F-35B Lightning II arrives at MCAS Beaufort 140717-M-UU619-780.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = A [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]] [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lighting II]] of [[VMFAT-501]] at MCAS Beaufort.
| caption = A [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]] [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lighting II]] of [[VMFAT-501]] at MCAS Beaufort
| image2 = [[File:Mcasbeaufort.jpg|175px]]
| image2 = [[File:Mcasbeaufort.jpg|175px]]
| alt2 =
| alt2 =
| caption2 =
| caption2 =
| type = Marine Corps Air Station
| type = Marine Corps air station
| coordinates = {{coord|32|28|38|N|080|43|23|W|region:US-SC_scale:10000|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|32|28|38|N|080|43|23|W|region:US-SC_scale:10000|display=inline,title}}
| gridref =
| gridref =
| image_map =
| image_map =
| image_mapsize =
| image_mapsize =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_alt =
| image_map_caption =
| image_map_caption =
| pushpin_map = USA
| pushpin_map = USA
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_mapsize =
| pushpin_map_alt =
| pushpin_map_alt =
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| pushpin_label = MCAS Beaufort
| pushpin_label = MCAS Beaufort
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_label_position =
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_mark =
| pushpin_marksize =
| pushpin_marksize =
| ownership = [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
| ownership = [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]]
| operator = [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]]
| operator = [[United States Marine Corps|US Marine Corps]]
| controlledby = [[2nd Marine Aircraft Wing]]
| controlledby = [[2nd Marine Aircraft Wing]]
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc. -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| site_other = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc. -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| site_area = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc. -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| code = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built = {{Start date|1943}} (as Naval Air Station Beaufort)
| built = {{Start date|1943}} (as Naval Air Station Beaufort)
| used = 1943 – 1946 and 1956 – 1960 ([[United States Navy|US Navy]])<br>1960 – present (US Marine Corps)<!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| used = 1943 – 1946 and 1956 – 1960 ([[United States Navy|US Navy]])<br>1960 – present (US Marine Corps)<!--{{End date|1946}} -->
| builder =
| builder =
| materials =
| materials =
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| height = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| length = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| fate = <!--changed from demolished parameter-->
| condition = Operational
| condition = Operational
| battles =
| battles =
| events =
| events =
| current_commander = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] Timothy P. Miller
| current_commander = [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] Mark D. Bortnem
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison = [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]]
| garrison = [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]]
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| occupants = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations =
| designations =
| website = {{Official URL}}
| website = {{Official URL}}
<!-- begin airfield information -->
<!-- begin airfield information -->| IATA = <!--not BFT, nor NBC-->
| ICAO = KNBC
| IATA = <!--not BFT, nor NBC-->
| ICAO = KNBC
| FAA = NBC
| FAA = NBC
| TC =
| TC =
| LID =
| LID =
| GPS =
| GPS =
| WMO = 722085
⚫
| elevation = {{Convert|11.2|m|0}}
| WMO = 722085
⚫
| r1-number = 05/23
⚫
| elevation = {{Convert|11.2|m|0}}
⚫
| r1-length = {{Convert|3719.1|m|0}}
⚫
| r1-number = 05/23
⚫
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|porous European mix]]
⚫
| r1-length = {{Convert|3719.1|m|0}}
⚫
| r2-number = 14/32
⚫
| r1-surface = [[Porous European Mix]]
⚫
| r2-length = {{Convert|2438.7|m|0}}
⚫
| r2-number = 14/32
| r2-surface = porous European mix
⚫
| r2-length = {{Convert|2438.7|m|0}}
| r2-surface = Porous European Mix
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-number =
| h1-length = <!-- {{Convert| |m|0}} -->
| h1-surface =
| h1-surface =
| airfield_other_label = Other airfield facilities
| airfield_other_label = Other airfield facilities
| airfield_other = 5x [[V/STOL]] pads and 1x simulated [[landing helicopter dock]]
| airfield_other = 5x [[V/STOL]] pads and 1x simulated [[landing helicopter dock]]
<!-- end airfield information -->| footnotes = '''Source:''' [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adip.faa.gov/agis/public/#/airportData/NBC|title=(NBC) BEAUFORT MCAS /MERRITT FIELD
<!-- end airfield information -->
| footnotes = '''Source:''' [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://aeronav.faa.gov/d-tpp/2006/00916ad.pdf#nameddest=(NBC)|title=Airport Diagram – Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Fld (KNBC) |date=21 May 2020|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=11 June 2020}}</ref>
|date=5 November 2020|website=Federal Aviation Administration|access-date=17 November 2020}}</ref>
}}
}}


'''Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort''' or '''MCAS Beaufort''' {{airport codes||KNBC|NBC}} is a [[United States Marine Corps]] air base located three miles {{convert|5|km}} northwest of the [[central business district]] of [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]], a city in [[Beaufort County, South Carolina|Beaufort County]], [[South Carolina]], [[United States]]. About 4,700 personnel serve at the station, and it is home to six Marine Corps [[F/A-18 Hornet]] fighter-attack squadrons.
'''Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort''' or '''MCAS Beaufort''' {{airport codes||KNBC|NBC}} is a [[United States Marine Corps]] (USMC) air base located {{convert|5|km}} northwest of the [[central business district]] of [[Beaufort, South Carolina|Beaufort]], a city in [[Beaufort County, South Carolina|Beaufort County]], [[South Carolina]], [[United States]]. About 4,700 personnel serve at the station, and it is home to four Marine Corps [[F/A-18 Hornet]] fighter-attack squadrons and one [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lighting II]] training squadron.


Beaufort is served by the [[Beaufort County Airport]] {{airport codes|BFT<ref>[http://aviation-safety.net/database/airport/airport.php?id=BFT Aviation Safety Network: IATA: BFT, ICAO: KARW]</ref>|KARW|ARW}}, located {{convert|10|km}} southeast of MCAS Beaufort.
Beaufort is served by the [[Beaufort County Airport]] {{airport codes|BFT<ref>[http://aviation-safety.net/database/airport/airport.php?id=BFT Aviation Safety Network: IATA: BFT, ICAO: KARW]</ref>|KARW|ARW}}, located {{convert|10|km}} southeast of MCAS Beaufort.
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==History==
==History==
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2015}}
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2015}}
[[File:MCASBeaufotTower.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The watertower on the Air Station emblazoned with the base nickname "Fightertown."]]
[[File:MCASBeaufotTower.jpg|left|200px|thumb|The water tower on the air station, emblazoned with the base nickname "Fightertown"]]


Naval Air Station Beaufort was commissioned on June 15, 1943, for advanced training operations of anti-submarine patrols during [[World War II]]. It was then deactivated in 1946 and reactivated in 1956. On March 1, 1960, it was re-designated Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. On September 19, 1975, the airfield was named Merritt Field in honor of Major General [[Lewie G. Merritt]], USMC, a 1917 graduate of [[The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina]]. A native of [[Ridge Spring, South Carolina]] Merritt was a Marine Aviation pioneer who served in both World Wars and commanded several major flying units in the South Pacific during World War II, after retirement he also served as legal counsel to the South Carolina Legislature.<ref>https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=272140</ref>
Naval Air Station Beaufort was commissioned on 15 June 1943, for advanced training operations of anti-submarine patrols during [[World War II]]. It was deactivated in 1946 and reactivated in 1956.


On 1 March 1960, it was re-designated Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
⚫
The air station encompasses 6,900 acres (28&nbsp;km²). It is also associated with a large air-to-air combat area off the coast of [[South Carolina]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] as well as a 5,200 acre (21&nbsp;km²) air-to-ground combat and bombing range in [[McIntosh County, Georgia]]. Also attached to the base is the housing complex of [[Laurel Bay, South Carolina|Laurel Bay]], just 3 miles (5&nbsp;km) from the station, that provides family housing for area servicemembers.


On 19 September 1975, the airfield was named Merritt Field in honor of Major General [[Lewie G. Merritt]], USMC, a 1917 graduate of [[The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina]]. A native of [[Ridge Spring, South Carolina|Ridge Spring]], Merritt was a [[United States Marine Corps Aviation|Marine Aviation]] pioneer who served in both World Wars and commanded several major flying units in the South Pacific during World War II, after retirement he also served as legal counsel to the South Carolina Legislature.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=272140|title = Merritt, Lewie Griffith, MGen &#124; TWS}}</ref>
⚫
Formerly home to USMC [[F-8 Crusader]] and [[F-4 Phantom II]] operations, MCAS Beaufort currently hosts all active duty USMC [[F/A-18]] air operations on the East Coast, said aircraft and squadrons being assigned to [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]] (MAG-31). The mission of MCAS Beaufort is to provide support as an operational base for [[MAG-31]] and its associated squadrons, Marine Corps support units and tenant Navy strike fighter squadrons. The mission of the Marine Aircraft Group (MAG-31) is to conduct anti-air-warfare and offensive air support operations in support of Fleet Marine Forces from advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, or aircraft carriers and conduct such other air operations as may be directed. An additional Navy F/A-18 strike fighter squadron under the claimancy of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic at [[NAS Oceana]], Virginia is also homeported at MCAS Beaufort. The population of the on-base "city" includes nearly 4,000 active-duty servicemembers and more than 700 civilian workers.

⚫
The air station encompasses 6,900 acres (28&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>). It is also associated with a large air-to-air combat area off the coast of [[South Carolina]] and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] as well as a 5,200 acre (21&nbsp;km<sup>2</sup>) air-to-ground combat and bombing range in [[McIntosh County, Georgia]]. Also attached to the base is the housing complex of [[Laurel Bay, South Carolina|Laurel Bay]], three miles (5&nbsp;km) from the station, that provides family housing for area servicemembers.

⚫
Formerly home to USMC [[F-8 Crusader]] and [[F-4 Phantom II]] operations, MCAS Beaufort currently hosts all active duty USMC [[F/A-18]] air operations on the East Coast, said aircraft and squadrons being assigned to [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]] (MAG-31). The mission of MCAS Beaufort is to provide support as an operational base for MAG-31 and its associated squadrons, Marine Corps support units and tenant [[U.S. Navy]] strike fighter squadrons. The mission of the Marine Aircraft Group is to conduct anti-air-warfare and offensive air support operations in support of [[Fleet Marine Force]]s from advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, or aircraft carriers and conduct such other air operations as may be directed. Two Navy F/A-18 strike fighter squadrons under the claimancy of [[Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic]] at [[NAS Oceana]], Virginia were also previously homeported at MCAS Beaufort. The population of the on-base "city" includes nearly 4,000 active-duty servicemembers and more than 700 civilian workers.


As is the case with many air bases, MCAS Beaufort hosts a bi-annual air show open to the public. In April 2007, a [[2007 Blue Angels South Carolina crash|fatal crash]] occurred involving an aircraft from the [[Blue Angels]] demonstration team during the show.
As is the case with many air bases, MCAS Beaufort hosts a bi-annual air show open to the public. In April 2007, a [[2007 Blue Angels South Carolina crash|fatal crash]] occurred involving an aircraft from the [[Blue Angels]] demonstration team during the show.


MCAS Beaufort's nickname is "Fightertown East". [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar|MCAS Miramar]] in [[San Diego, California]] is the more commonly known "Fightertown", also called "Fightertown USA", the latter having acquired the nickname when it was under Navy control as [[NAS Miramar]].
MCAS Beaufort's nickname is "Fightertown East". [[Marine Corps Air Station Miramar|MCAS Miramar]] in [[San Diego, California]] is the more commonly known "Fightertown", also called "Fightertown USA", the latter having acquired the nickname when it was under Navy control as NAS Miramar.


MCAS Beaufort's Dental Clinic shares a building with the Medical Clinic. The Dental Clinic has five to seven dentists who support the squadrons' oral health care needs.
⚫
The 1979 film ''[[The Great Santini]]'', based upon a novel written by [[Pat Conroy]] which centered on MCAS Beaufort in the early 1960s, was filmed on base and in the local area.

⚫
The 1979 film ''[[The Great Santini]]'', based on a novel written by [[Pat Conroy]] which centered on MCAS Beaufort in the early 1960s, was filmed on base and in the local area.


== Based units ==
== Based units ==
Flying and notable non-flying units based at MCAS Beaufort.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kaminski|first=Tom|date=2019|title=Aircraft of the US Marine Corps|url=|magazine=US Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Yearbook 2019|publisher=Key Publishing|page=|pages=88–92|doi=|pmid=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Units|url=https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/Unit-Home/Units/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=13 June 2020|website=MCAS Beaufort|publisher=US Marine Corps}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Buss|first=Kevin|date=|title=VMFAT-502 Activation and Re-designation|url=https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/CommStrat/News/Press-Releases/Article/2230065/vmfat-502-activation-and-re-designation/|access-date=28 June 2020|website=www.marines.mil|publisher=United States Marine Corps|quote=}}</ref>
Flying and notable non-flying units based at MCAS Beaufort.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Kaminski|first=Tom|date=2019|title=Aircraft of the US Marine Corps|magazine=US Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Yearbook 2019|publisher=Key Publishing|pages=88–92}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Units|url=https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/Unit-Home/Units/|access-date=13 June 2020|website=MCAS Beaufort|publisher=US Marine Corps}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Buss|first=Kevin|title=VMFAT-502 Activation and Re-designation|url=https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/CommStrat/News/Press-Releases/Article/2230065/vmfat-502-activation-and-re-designation/|access-date=28 June 2020|website=www.marines.mil|publisher=United States Marine Corps}}</ref>


=== United States Marine Corps ===
=== United States Marine Corps ===
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* [[Marine Air Control Group 28]]
* [[Marine Air Control Group 28]]
** [[Marine Air Control Squadron 2|Marine Air Control Squadron 2 (MACS-2) (Detachment A)]]
** Marine Air Control Squadron 2 (MACS-2) (Air Defense Company Bravo and Kilo Company)
* [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]]
* [[Marine Aircraft Group 31]]
**[[VMFA(AW)-224|Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VFMA(AW)-224)]] – F/A-18D Hornet
**[[VMFA(AW)-224|Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 224 (VMFA(AW)-224)]] – F/A-18D Hornet
** [[VMFA(AW)-533|Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VFMA(AW)-533)]] – F/A-18D Hornet
** [[VMFA(AW)-533|Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 533 (VMFA(AW)-533)]] – F/A-18D Hornet
** [[Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31|Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31)]]
** [[Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31|Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31 (MALS-31)]]
**[[VMFA-115|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VFMA-115)]] – [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18A/C Hornet]]
**[[VMFA-115|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115)]] – [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet|F/A-18A/C Hornet]]
**[[VMFA-312|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VFMA-312)]] – F/A-18C/D Hornet
**[[VMFA-312|Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312)]] – F/A-18C/D Hornet
**[[VMFAT-501|Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501)]] – [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning II]]
**[[VMFAT-501|Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501)]] – [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35B Lightning II]]
**[[VMFAT-502|Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502)]] – F-35B Lightning II
** [[Marine Wing Support Detachment 273|Marine Wing Support Detachment 273 (MWSD-273)]]
** [[Marine Wing Support Detachment 273|Marine Wing Support Detachment 273 (MWSD-273)]]
* Marine Aviation Training Support Group 42
** Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT-501) Squadron Augment Unit – F-35B Lightning II


==Aircraft on Display at the Entrance==
==Aircraft on display at the entrance==
*135841 - [[North American FJ-3 Fury]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f86registry/fj3-135841.html "FJ Fury/135841."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMF-312]]<ref>[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*135841 - [[North American FJ-3 Fury]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f86registry/fj3-135841.html "FJ Fury/135841."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMF-312]]<ref name="center guards">[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*147772 - [[Douglas A-4C Skyhawk]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/a4-147772.html "A-4C Skyhawk/147772."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[MALS-31]]<ref>[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*147772 - [[Douglas A-4C Skyhawk]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/a4-147772.html "A-4C Skyhawk/147772."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[MALS-31]]<ref name="center guards"/>
*146963 - [[Vought F-8C Crusader]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f8-146963.html "F8U Crusader/146963."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMF-122]]<ref>[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*146963 - [[Vought F-8C Crusader]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f8-146963.html "F8U Crusader/146963."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMF-122]]<ref name="center guards"/>
*152270 - [[McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/phantomregistry/phantom-152270.html "F-4 Phantom II/152270."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMFA-251]]<ref>[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*152270 - [[McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II]]<ref>[http://www.warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/phantomregistry/phantom-152270.html "F-4 Phantom II/152270."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMFA-251]]<ref name="center guards"/>
*163157 - [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]]<ref>[http://warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f18-163157.html "F/A-18 Hornet/163157."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMFA-115]]<ref>[http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/701-800/walk701_MCAS-Beaufort-Gateguards_Henthorn/walk701.htm "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards."] ''Aircraft Resource Center.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref>
*163157 - [[McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet]]<ref>[http://warbirdregistry.org/jetregistry/f18-163157.html "F/A-18 Hornet/163157."] ''Warbird Registry.'' Retrieved: 23 September 2014.</ref> representing [[VMFA-115]]<ref name="center guards"/>

==Education==
The [[Department of Defense Education Activity]] (DoDEA) is the local school district for people living on the property of MCAS Beaufort.<ref name=BeaufortCoSchZon>{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st45_sc/schooldistrict_maps/c45013_beaufort/DC20SD_C45013.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Beaufort County, SC|publisher=[[U.S. Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2022-07-05}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st45_sc/schooldistrict_maps/c45013_beaufort/DC20SD_C45013_SD2MS.txt Text list] - "Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station School District" refers to the DoDEA schools</ref> It operates Elliott Elementary School (PreKindergarten-Grade 2) and Bolden Elementary/Middle School (grades 3-8).<ref name=Beaufortschoolinfo>{{cite web|url=https://www.beaufort.marines.mil/Unit-Home/Welcome-Aboard/School-Liaison/Schools/|title=Base Schools|publisher=Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort|accessdate=2022-07-05}}</ref>

[[Beaufort County School District]] operates public high schools serving MCAS Beaufort,<ref name=BeaufortCoSchZon/> and in sum has the highest number of students, of any school system, affiliated with MCAS Beaufort.<ref name=Beaufortschoolinfo/>


==See also==
==See also==
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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.beaufort.marines.mil/ Official website of MCAS Beaufort]
* [http://www.beaufort.marines.mil/ Official website of MCAS Beaufort]
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/beaufort.htm/ MCAS Beaufort] at GlobalSecurity.org
* [https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/facility/beaufort.htm MCAS Beaufort] at GlobalSecurity.org
* [http://beaufort.sc.marinecorpsusa.org/ USMC Air Station Beaufort Overview & PCS Information] (MarineCorpsUSA.org)
* {{FAA-diagram|00916}}
* {{FAA-diagram|00916}}
{{US-airport-mil|NBC|BFT}}
{{US-airport-mil|NBC|BFT}}

Latest revision as of 09:06, 12 April 2024

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort
Merritt Field
Near Beaufort, South Carolina in the United States
A US Marine Corps F-35B Lighting II of VMFAT-501 at MCAS Beaufort
MCAS Beaufort is located in the United States
MCAS Beaufort
MCAS Beaufort
Location in the United States
Coordinates32°28′38″N 080°43′23″W / 32.47722°N 80.72306°W / 32.47722; -80.72306
TypeMarine Corps air station
Site information
OwnerDepartment of Defense
OperatorUS Marine Corps
Controlled by2nd Marine Aircraft Wing
ConditionOperational
Websitewww.beaufort.marines.mil Edit this at Wikidata
Site history
Built1943 (1943) (as Naval Air Station Beaufort)
In use1943 – 1946 and 1956 – 1960 (US Navy)
1960 – present (US Marine Corps)
Garrison information
Current
commander		Colonel Mark D. Bortnem
GarrisonMarine Aircraft Group 31
Airfield information
IdentifiersICAO: KNBC, FAA LID: NBC, WMO: 722085
Elevation11.2 metres (37 ft) AMSL
Runways
Direction Length and surface
05/23 3,719.1 metres (12,202 ft) porous European mix
14/32 2,438.7 metres (8,001 ft) porous European mix
Other airfield facilities5x V/STOL pads and 1x simulated landing helicopter dock
Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1]

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort or MCAS Beaufort (ICAO: KNBC, FAA LID: NBC) is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) air base located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) northwest of the central business district of Beaufort, a city in Beaufort County, South Carolina, United States. About 4,700 personnel serve at the station, and it is home to four Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet fighter-attack squadrons and one F-35B Lighting II training squadron.

Beaufort is served by the Beaufort County Airport (IATA: BFT[2], ICAO: KARW, FAA LID: ARW), located 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) southeast of MCAS Beaufort.

History[edit]

The water tower on the air station, emblazoned with the base nickname "Fightertown"

Naval Air Station Beaufort was commissioned on 15 June 1943, for advanced training operations of anti-submarine patrols during World War II. It was deactivated in 1946 and reactivated in 1956.

On 1 March 1960, it was re-designated Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

On 19 September 1975, the airfield was named Merritt Field in honor of Major General Lewie G. Merritt, USMC, a 1917 graduate of The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina. A native of Ridge Spring, Merritt was a Marine Aviation pioneer who served in both World Wars and commanded several major flying units in the South Pacific during World War II, after retirement he also served as legal counsel to the South Carolina Legislature.[3]

The air station encompasses 6,900 acres (28 km2). It is also associated with a large air-to-air combat area off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia as well as a 5,200 acre (21 km2) air-to-ground combat and bombing range in McIntosh County, Georgia. Also attached to the base is the housing complex of Laurel Bay, three miles (5 km) from the station, that provides family housing for area servicemembers.

Formerly home to USMC F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II operations, MCAS Beaufort currently hosts all active duty USMC F/A-18 air operations on the East Coast, said aircraft and squadrons being assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31). The mission of MCAS Beaufort is to provide support as an operational base for MAG-31 and its associated squadrons, Marine Corps support units and tenant U.S. Navy strike fighter squadrons. The mission of the Marine Aircraft Group is to conduct anti-air-warfare and offensive air support operations in support of Fleet Marine Forces from advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, or aircraft carriers and conduct such other air operations as may be directed. Two Navy F/A-18 strike fighter squadrons under the claimancy of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic at NAS Oceana, Virginia were also previously homeported at MCAS Beaufort. The population of the on-base "city" includes nearly 4,000 active-duty servicemembers and more than 700 civilian workers.

As is the case with many air bases, MCAS Beaufort hosts a bi-annual air show open to the public. In April 2007, a fatal crash occurred involving an aircraft from the Blue Angels demonstration team during the show.

MCAS Beaufort's nickname is "Fightertown East". MCAS Miramar in San Diego, California is the more commonly known "Fightertown", also called "Fightertown USA", the latter having acquired the nickname when it was under Navy control as NAS Miramar.

MCAS Beaufort's Dental Clinic shares a building with the Medical Clinic. The Dental Clinic has five to seven dentists who support the squadrons' oral health care needs.

The 1979 film The Great Santini, based on a novel written by Pat Conroy which centered on MCAS Beaufort in the early 1960s, was filmed on base and in the local area.

Based units[edit]

Flying and notable non-flying units based at MCAS Beaufort.[4][5][6]

United States Marine Corps[edit]

Marine Corps Installations – East

2nd Marine Aircraft Wing

Aircraft on display at the entrance[edit]

Education[edit]

The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is the local school district for people living on the property of MCAS Beaufort.[13] It operates Elliott Elementary School (PreKindergarten-Grade 2) and Bolden Elementary/Middle School (grades 3-8).[14]

Beaufort County School District operates public high schools serving MCAS Beaufort,[13] and in sum has the highest number of students, of any school system, affiliated with MCAS Beaufort.[14]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "(NBC) BEAUFORT MCAS /MERRITT FIELD". Federal Aviation Administration. 5 November 2020. Retrieved 17 November 2020.
  2. ^ Aviation Safety Network: IATA: BFT, ICAO: KARW
  3. ^ "Merritt, Lewie Griffith, MGen | TWS".
  4. ^ Kaminski, Tom (2019). "Aircraft of the US Marine Corps". US Navy & Marine Corps Air Power Yearbook 2019. Key Publishing. pp. 88–92.
  5. ^ "Units". MCAS Beaufort. US Marine Corps. Retrieved 13 June 2020.
  6. ^ Buss, Kevin. "VMFAT-502 Activation and Re-designation". www.marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  7. ^ "FJ Fury/135841." Warbird Registry. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e "MCAS Beaufort, SC gate guards." Aircraft Resource Center. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  9. ^ "A-4C Skyhawk/147772." Warbird Registry. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  10. ^ "F8U Crusader/146963." Warbird Registry. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  11. ^ "F-4 Phantom II/152270." Warbird Registry. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  12. ^ "F/A-18 Hornet/163157." Warbird Registry. Retrieved: 23 September 2014.
  13. ^ a b "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Beaufort County, SC" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved 5 July 2022. - Text list - "Beaufort Marine Corps Air Station School District" refers to the DoDEA schools
  14. ^ a b "Base Schools". Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. Retrieved 5 July 2022.

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
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