MCAS H & HS Beaufort

• Establishment: Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (MCAS Beaufort) was commissioned on June 15, 1943, and has served as a critical aviation facility for the US Marine Corps for decades. • H&HS Definition: Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) Beaufort acts as the backbone of the station, providing essential administrative, operational, and logistical support to all tenant commands. • Strategic Location: MCAS Beaufort is strategically located in Beaufort, South Carolina, offering proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and serving as a key training site for the Marine Corps’ aviation units. • “Fightertown East” Nickname: The station is often referred to as "Fightertown East" due to its role as home to several front-line Marine fighter squadrons, particularly those flying the F/A-18 Hornet and, more recently, the F-35B Lightning II. • Historic Squadrons: MCAS Beaufort has hosted legendary Marine squadrons such as VMFA-115 “Silver Eagles” and VMFA-312 “Checkerboards,” both with distinguished combat histories. • World War II Roots: The original airfield, known as Naval Air Station Beaufort, was vital for anti-submarine patrols and pilot training during World War II. • Hurricane Hugo: In 1989, MCAS Beaufort and its personnel played a significant role in disaster response and recovery when Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina. • Annual Air Show: The base hosts the popular MCAS Beaufort Air Show, attracting tens of thousands of spectators and featuring military and civilian aerial demonstrations, including the Blue Angels. • F-35B Integration: MCAS Beaufort is one of the premier training hubs for the F-35B Lightning II, the Marine Corps’ state-of-the-art stealth fighter with short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capability. • Community Partnership: The station and H&HS have forged strong ties with the local Beaufort community, supporting economic growth, education, and charitable initiatives while honoring the Lowcountry’s rich military heritage.