History: Commissioned Naval Air Station Beaufort on June 15, 1943, the facility was home base for advanced training and operation of anti-submarine patrols operating along the United States' Southeastern seaboard during World War II. Deactivated in 1946, the facility was reactivated a Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield in 1956 and on March 1, 1960, the facility was re-designated Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. On September 19, 1975, the airfield was named Merritt Field in honor of Ridge Spring, S.C. native, Major General Louis G. Merritt, USMCR.
The Marine Corps Air Station is located in the southeast corner of South Carolina's Lowcountry within Beaufort County. MCAS Beaufort is situated 65 miles south of Charleston, South Carolina, and 50 miles north of Savannah, Georgia.
Today, MCAS Beaufort covers 6,900 acres within Beaufort County and controls an additional 5,200 acres at the Townsend Bombing Range in Macintosh County, Georgia.
The mission of the Marine Corps Air Station, Beaufort is to provide support as an operational base for MAG-31, their support units and two Navy F/A-18 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.
Air Station military members, their families and civilian employees number nearly 13,000 and have long been an integral part of the Lowcountry community. They are pleased to call Beaufort their "home".
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 out in town or living in government housing. A listing of Insurance Companies offering renters insurance is available at the Housing Office. The Marine Corps Family Team Building at the Marine Corps Community Services, Personal Services provides Hurricane Packets beginning in June. Beaufort is also very humid, which can affect exercise habits, hair, cooking, and those with breathing problems.
Sponsorship: If you are interested in a sponsor, please call your gaining command and request a sponsor. If you need additional assistance please call the Relocation Office.
Mail: To forward your mail you must call your gaining command/unit for the address.
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Joint Command Orientation Program (Newcomers brief) is held the first and third Wednesday of very month. The brief begins promptly at 0730, you must seated by 0720. It is held in building 596, room 114. A bus tour is required for E5 and below and is offered to all other ranks in the afternoon. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Lots of great information and speakers.
Temorary Lodging: The Detreville House is located on MCAS Beaufort and offers rooms with and without a kitchenette, also rooms with a king size bed. Your must call to make a reservation, rooms with a kitchenette - $60.00 and without a kitchenette - $50.00 per night - King Suites $65.00 per night. Make reservations early.
Area Temporary Housing:
All other questions can be referred to the Office of the Day or by calling the Installation Personnel Administration Center (IPAC).
Lending Locker: For household items while waiting for your TMO shipment, we have a great Lending Locker. We loan on a first come, first serve basis and its free of charge. We have air mattresses, TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, toaster, vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, highchairs, pack n' plays and much more. REMEMBER first come, first serve.