MCAS Yuma Arizona

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About MCAS Yuma Arizona

Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, located in Yuma, Arizona, was originally established during World War II as Yuma Army Air Field in 1942, serving as a training base for pilots. After a brief period of deactivation post-war, the airfield was reactivated and transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps in 1959, becoming MCAS Yuma. Over the decades, it has developed into one of the premier aviation training bases for Marine Corps aviation units, supporting both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Today, MCAS Yuma is renowned for hosting large-scale exercises such as Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) courses and supporting the Marine Corps’ premier aviation training and operational readiness.

Unit Members

Bart Cormier

U.S. Marine Corps

MCAS Yuma ArizonaView Profile

Ben Mathews

U.S. Marine Corps

MCAS Yuma ArizonaView Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About MCAS Yuma Arizona

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Established in 1928: The origins of MCAS Yuma date back to 1928, when it served as Fly Field, an airstrip for civilian and military aircraft. • World War II Use: During World War II, the field was expanded and became Yuma Army Air Field, training thousands of pilots for the war effort. • Desert Training: The base's location in the Sonoran Desert provides ideal conditions for year-round flight training and is known for its reliable flying weather. • Transition to Marine Corps: After a brief period as a civilian airport post-WWII, it was reactivated in 1956 as a Marine Corps base, becoming MCAS Yuma in 1962. • Home of WTI: MCAS Yuma hosts the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1), which conducts the renowned Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course, often called the "Top Gun" of the Marine Corps. • Unmanned Aircraft Systems: MCAS Yuma is a hub for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations, supporting training and development of drone technology. • Harrier Jump Jets: The base has long been associated with the AV-8B Harrier, a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, and is transitioning to support the F-35B Lightning II. • Strategic Location: Located near the US-Mexico border, MCAS Yuma is strategically positioned for deployments and joint exercises with allied nations. • Largest Air Station in Arizona: MCAS Yuma is one of the busiest air stations in the Marine Corps and the largest military aviation installation in Arizona. • Cultural and Community Impact: The base is a major economic driver in Yuma, employing thousands and participating in community outreach, air shows, and veterans' events.