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Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field

Beaufort, United States

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Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field

Beaufort, United States
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KNBC
ICAO
37 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Premier Marine Corps air station on the South Carolina coast.

Opened
1943
Location
Beaufort, United States
Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (ICAO: KNBC) is a United States Marine Corps air station located near Beaufort, South Carolina. It serves as the home of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, a major tactical jet training base that has operated since World War II. The installation is primarily a military facility and is not open to commercial airline operations. It is home to F/A-18 Hornet and F-35B Lightning II training squadrons, making it one of the most active tactical jet bases in the Marine Corps. Merritt Field supports fleet replacement squadrons that train pilots for carrier and expeditionary operations. The base plays a critical role in naval aviation readiness for the United States Marine Corps and occasionally hosts air shows and community engagement events.
Notable facts
  • ›Home to VMFAT-501, a key F-35B Lightning II training squadron.
  • ›The airfield is named Merritt Field in honor of a Marine Corps aviator.
  • ›Beaufort MCAS is one of the primary tactical jet training bases in the United States Marine Corps.
  • ›The base has been operational since World War II, established in the early 1940s.
  • ›No commercial airline service operates from this military airfield.
Official website Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
A storied Marine Corps airfield where military heritage meets coastal Carolina

Beaufort MCAS - Merritt Field (KNBC) is a United States Marine Corps Air Station located near Beaufort, South Carolina, serving as a primary training and operational base for Marine Corps aviation. The airfield has a long military history dating back to World War II and is home to F/A-18 Hornet squadrons and pilot training programs. It is a restricted military installation and does not serve commercial passenger traffic.

Terminals
  • Military Operations Terminal — A restricted military facility supporting Marine Corps flight operations, not open to the general public.
Ground Transport
  • Personal vehicle via US-21 from Beaufort
  • Military shuttle services for authorized personnel
  • Taxi services from Beaufort city center
  • Rental car agencies available in downtown Beaufort
Nearby Hotels
  • Holiday Inn Express Beaufort
  • Comfort Suites Beaufort
  • Hampton Inn Beaufort
  • Best Western Sea Island Inn Beaufort
Dining

On-base dining is restricted to authorized military personnel and includes mess hall facilities. Visitors and contractors will find a variety of restaurants and casual dining options in nearby Beaufort, including Southern cuisine and fresh Lowcountry seafood establishments along Bay Street.

Traveller Tips
  • MCAS Beaufort is a restricted military installation — access requires valid military ID or prior authorization.
  • Civilians should arrange base access passes well in advance through the appropriate military channels.
  • Beaufort city center is approximately 10 miles away and offers lodging, dining, and historic attractions.
  • Air shows occasionally open the base to the public — check MCAS Beaufort's official channels for event schedules.
Official website

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