Do you ever wonder which military installations are the best? You’ve undoubtedly heard of the worst places to get stationed across the military branches. Many can easily rattle off all the places they've heard military spouses share they would never return to (Minot AFB cough, cough), but most couldn’t tell you which installations they hoped to go.
When it comes to the Marine Corps aviation community, the choice is clear. Most put these three duty stations at the top of their list.
1) MCAS Miramar
MCAS Miramar is a beloved duty station. It sits on the north side of San Diego, about 40 minutes south of Camp Pendleton. It’s become a favorite among families for its versatility. The Historic Downtown District, authentic Mexican cuisine, the beach, beautiful hikes at Torrey Pines, wineries in Temecula, desert camping, and some of the best shopping districts are just a few miles away. The culture here encourages a healthy lifestyle, and the picture-perfect weather gets the community outside.
Marine Air Ground Task Force Demo 2018 MCAS Miramar Air Show. Two F/A-18 Hornets with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 fly over Southern California during the 2018 Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Air Show on Sept. 28. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jesula Jeanlois) from MCAS Miramar Facebook Page
But this duty station offers more than a great backyard. With San Diego International Airport within minutes of the base, military members have the advantage of frequent and relatively inexpensive flights home. And if you’re looking for a weekend destination, Los Angeles, Disney World, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, and more are within a few hours’ drive.
Aircraft and Units at MCAS Miramar
Aircraft
F/A-18, F-35B, F-35C, MV-22, CH-53E, UC-35, UC-12
Headquarters Squadron
3rd MAW Units at MCAS Miramar:
- MAG-11: VMFA-232, VMFA-314, VMFA-311, VMFA-323, VMGR-352, MALS-11, VMFAT-502
- MAG-16: HMH-361, HMH-462, HMH-465, HMH-466, VMM-161, VMM-163, VMM-165, VMM-362, MALS-16
- MACG-38: MWCS-38, MWSS-373, MWSS-372, MWSS-371, MACS-1 3rd LAAD BN, MASS-3
Why the Military Community Loves MCAS Miramar
This region has a nearly endless supply of resources. Where some duty stations experience a long delay in receiving parts for broken aircraft, Miramar often doesn’t. Additionally, ranges and training sites like ITX at 29 Palms and WTI in Yuma are near home.
While deployments are regular, the day-to-day keeps aviators closer to home versus other locations that require overnight stays to operate similar exercises. Plus, it’s home to the annual MCAS Miramar air show that generates excitement on the West Coast.
2) Marine Corps Base Hawaii
Who could say no to paradise? In Kailua, on the windward side of Oahu, MCBH is a tropical haven for Marine aviators and their families. The beaches, soul-warming sunshine, and endless opportunities for adventure are just a few reasons that make K-Bay a favorite among the Marine aviation community. Kailua offers a small-town feel on an otherwise heavily populated island.
Photo from Marine Corps Base Hawaii Facebook Page
Base living here offers another layer of popularity to this duty station. The offering of larger homes close to the beach in on-base housing gives you the most from your Hawaii BAH and is the more popular option here. Kids can play outside from sun up to sun down.
While big road trips aren’t an option here, camping, stay-cations in Waikiki, and island hopping to Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island offer a reprieve from the day-to-day routine.
Aircraft and Units at MCBH
Aircraft
MV-22B, RQ-21A, KC-130J
Aviation Units
1st MAW
MAG-24: MALS-24, MWSS-174, VMM-363, VMM-268, VMU-3, VMGR-153
Why the Military Community Loves MCBH
While island life sometimes sends the aviation community to the Big Island or back to the mainland for training exercises and equipment, the island fosters a tight sense of community for the families here. Not to mention, the views from above never grow old.
3) NAS Pensacola
It’s no wonder NAS Pensacola is a popular selection among the aviation community. The “Cradle of Naval Aviation,” home to the Naval Aviation Museum, is the primary training ground for the Blue Angels and a large part of the community’s history.
Training Squadron TEN (VT-10) conducts a routine formation training event over the Pensacola operating area. Photo from Training Air Wing Six /NAS Pensacola
The Florida panhandle offers residents access to pristine white sandy beaches, incredible fishing, and a vibrant downtown. It's also a budget-friendly location, stretching most Marine Corps Basic Housing Allowance. The local community here is active, often hosting events and getting residents outside. You'll find events like Mardis Gras, the downtown monthly art walk, and McGuire’s 5K.
Aircraft and Units at MCBH
Aircraft
T-6A, F/A-18, C-130T, T-2, T-39, UH-3H
Aviation Units
Training Air Wing 6: VT-10, VT-4, VT-86
Why the Military Community Loves NAS Pensacola
Since this is a Navy base, there are fewer flying opportunities for Marine aviators. All aviators come here to become pilots or air traffic controllers, and many request orders to return and instruct more junior pilots. It’s particularly appealing to the community because it often offers reprieve after a rigorous fleet tour and allows for a more relaxed season for the family.
NAS Whiting Field, 30 minutes northeast of Pensacola, offers the same appeal but different aircraft. Those stationed at Whiting Field are rotary pilots flying the TH-57 versus the fixed-wing T-6.
As with any platform in the military, each duty station is what you make of it. While these gorgeous destinations top the list, other, less requested locations like MCAS Futenma in Okinawa, Japan, and MCAS New River in North Carolina easily become a favorite for Marine Corps families.
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