About this Unit
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, located in South Carolina, was originally commissioned in 1943 as Naval Air Station Beaufort during World War II, serving as a training base for naval aviators. After periods of closure and reactivation, it was transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956 and became an essential hub for Marine aviation operations on the East Coast. MCAS Beaufort is home to several F/A-18 Hornet squadrons of Marine Aircraft Group 31, supporting both training and deployment readiness. In recent years, the base has also become a center for the transition to the advanced F-35B Lightning II fighter, reinforcing its strategic importance to Marine Corps aviation.
Historical Facts
• Founding Year: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort was commissioned in 1943 during World War II, originally serving as Naval Air Station Beaufort before transitioning to Marine Corps control in 1959.
• Strategic Location: Situated in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, MCAS Beaufort provides vital access to the Atlantic Ocean, making it a prime location for marine aviation operations and training.
• Home of the "Fighting Tigers": MCAS Beaufort is home to several F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, including the famous VMFA-312 "Checkerboards" and VMFA-115 "Silver Eagles."
• F-35B Lightning II: The base is a primary training location for the cutting-edge F-35B Lightning II, hosting Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501).
• Annual Air Show: MCAS Beaufort hosts an annual air show that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, featuring performances by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other demonstration teams.
• Role in Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, MCAS Beaufort played a significant role by deploying its aircraft to support potential military action.
• Beaufort’s “Sound of Freedom”: Local residents affectionately refer to the frequent roar of jet engines as the “Sound of Freedom,” recognizing the base’s importance to national security.
• Training Ground: The air station’s nearby Townsend Bombing Range is one of the largest and most advanced air-to-ground training sites on the East Coast.
• Historic Hurricanes: MCAS Beaufort has weathered several major hurricanes, including Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016, with both events prompting large-scale evacuations and disaster response efforts at the base.
• Community Ties: The base maintains close relationships with the surrounding Beaufort community, regularly participating in local events, educational programs, and charitable activities.
