USMC Air Station Beaufort South Carolina

• Established in 1943: Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort was commissioned during World War II on June 15, 1943, originally serving as Naval Air Station Beaufort. • Home of the "Fighting Bengals": MCAS Beaufort is best known as the home of Marine Aircraft Group 31, which includes the famous "Fighting Bengals" (VMFA-312), an F/A-18 Hornet squadron. • Strategic Atlantic Location: The air station's position in the Lowcountry of South Carolina provides convenient access to the Atlantic Ocean for training and operational deployments. • F-35B Lightning II Base: In 2014, MCAS Beaufort became one of the first bases in the U.S. to host the new F-35B Lightning II, the Marine Corps’ cutting-edge stealth fighter. • Annual Airshow Tradition: The base is known for its popular biennial airshow, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to see aerial demonstrations by the Blue Angels and other military aircraft. • Vietnam War Training Hub: During the Vietnam War, MCAS Beaufort served as a key training and deployment base for pilots and support units heading to Southeast Asia. • Support for NASA Space Missions: In the 1960s, the base provided recovery support and contingency plans for NASA’s manned space missions due to its proximity to Cape Canaveral. • Haunted Hangars Legend: Local lore claims some hangars and buildings on the air station are haunted by ghosts of World War II aviators, making it a subject of interest for paranormal enthusiasts. • Beaufort’s "Sound of Freedom": The sonic booms and roar of jet engines are a familiar part of life in Beaufort, earning the air station the nickname "The Sound of Freedom" among locals. • Community Connection: MCAS Beaufort is a major economic engine and community partner in the Beaufort area, supporting over 4,000 Marines and sailors and hosting numerous outreach and educational events with local schools and organizations.