Cherry Point MCAS
MCAS Cherry Point Relocation Information
Photo by NewBern.com
Welcome to MCAS Cherry Point!
This North Carolina duty station prides itself on being one of the best all-weather jet bases in the world. And the heart of this installation? Well, it’s the four-point runway system. Today, MCAS Cherry Point is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW). With a history that dates back to World War II and a presence all over the globe, the 2nd MAW holds significance, working to conduct air operations in support of the II Marine Expeditionary Force.
*Fun fact: the runways are so long, they served as an alternate emergency landing site for NASA when they maintained a space shuttle program.
Photo by MCAS Cherry Point Facebook Page
Around the base, you’ll see the F-35B Lightning II, F/A-18 Hornet, AV-8B Harrier II, KC-130J Hercules, AH-1Z Viper, UH-1Y Venom, CH-53 Super Stallion, MV-22B Osprey, and UAVs RQ-7 Shadow and Scan Eagle.
In addition to the everyday noise overhead, MCAS Cherry Point hosts the Cherry Point Air Show. And you can be sure, it does not disappoint!
Photo by MCAS Cherry Point Facebook Page
Frequently Asked Questions About MCAS Cherry Point
1) What cities are near MCAS Cherry Point?
Near MCAS Cherry Point, you’ll find smaller cities like Jacksonville and New Bern. However, if you’re looking for a major city, the closest one is Raleigh, about two hours northwest of the base.
2) How far is MCAS Cherry Point from Camp Lejeune?
MCAS Cherry Point is about 57 miles north of Camp Lejeune, or a little over an hour’s drive.
Photo by MCAS Cherry Point Facebook Page
3) How many Marines does MCAS Cherry Point have?
Between active-duty servicemembers, retirees, civilians and their families, there are approximately 53,000 people located at MCAS Cherry Point.
4) Is MCAS Cherry Point part of Camp Lejeune?
No, MCAS Cherry Point is not part of Camp Lejeune. While they’re close in proximity, this air station is entirely on its own.
5) What is the zip code for MCAS Cherry Point?
The zip code for MCAS Cherry Point is 28533. Nearby zip codes include 28532.
6) What is the BAH for MCAS Cherry Point?
BAH for MCAS Cherry Point ranges from $1,629 for E-1 to $2,220 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,701 for O-1 to $2,469 for O-7 with dependents. See housing section for more info.
Base Map from MCAS Cherry Point
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Base Location and Information
Nearby military installations:
The Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point is located in southeastern North Carolina, between New Bern and Morehead City, in Onslow County, adjacent to the city of Havelock, NC. There are six counties that surround MCAS Cherry Point; Craven, Carteret, Onslow, Pamlico, Jones, and Pender County.
MCAS Cherry Point offers life in tune with the great outdoors. Thirty minutes from Atlantic beach, a short drive from the Croatan National Forest, and nearly on top of the Neuse River, you gain access to hunting, fishing, a sandy beach to soak up the sun, and calm river waters to kayak and float on a Sunday afternoon.
Photo By Filip Mroz on Unsplash
Up the road is Raleigh—just over a two-hour drive away if you want access to big-city amenities or a romantic weekend getaway. Down the road, you’ll find MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune. Along with them, explore charming Wilmington (home to the Battleship North Carolina) and Jacksonville.
Both Raleigh and Wilmington offer beautiful destinations when you’re looking to escape and unplug for a weekend. With fun, local restaurants, bars, farmers markets, and bed and breakfasts, they make the perfect home away from home.
Photo by James Hose Jr. on Unsplash
The cost of living in this region is lower than the national average. To give you an idea, in Havelock the average home costs $132,500. In New Bern it’s $142,900. Take a look at the BAH rates for this area to get a feel for how much house you can afford.
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Arrival Lodging
Photo by MCCS Cherry Point
Cherry Point Inn handles lodging for incoming military families. It offers single rooms and suites with access to base amenities and is a great place to rest while you search for your next home to buy or a house to rent.
*Note: There are no pet-friendly rooms available here. And a Certificate of Non-Availability will not be issued due to pets.
Location:
Madison Drive
Bldg 487
Havelock, NC 28532
Contact: (252) 466-5169
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MCAS Cherry Point Housing
Photo by Atlantic Marine Corps Communities
Atlantic Marine Corps Communities manages on-base housing at MCAS Cherry Point. Housing consists of 1,700 homes located throughout five different neighborhoods. With proximity to amenities on base as well as local favorites like New Bern, the Croatan National Forest, and the coastal area, base housing sets the stage for a fun, outdoor-centered lifestyle.
Location:
MCAS Cherry Point
Bldg 298 E Street
Havelock, NC 28532
Contact:
(888) 883-0980
(252) 463-8420
For additional questions and information, contact the military housing office.
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MCAS Cherry Point Off-Base Housing
View homes for sale and houses for rent near MCAS Cherry Point: MCAS Cherry Point Homes
Photo by Obi Onyeador on Unsplash
When you search for housing near MCAS Cherry Point, you’ll see a handful of neighborhoods populate your search, with Havelock, New Bern, Cedar Point, and Swansboro being the most popular. They each offer their own culture and perks as far as proximity to the base, the coastline, and stores are concerned. Havelock is the closest to Cherry Point, and New Bern is a fun inland town to call home. Cedar Point and Swansboro are closer to the coast and offer greater convenience if life on the water is of greatest priority.
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MCAS Cherry Point BAH Information
The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a U.S. based allowance determined by geographic duty location, pay grade, and dependency status. It provides uniformed service members compensation based on housing costs in local civilian housing markets when government quarters are not provided. Learn more about your Basic Allowance for Housing.
MCAS Cherry Point is near Jacksonville, NC with many options to buy or rent. Some sample Cherry Point BAH rates for zip code 28533:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,629
- E-1 without dependents: $1,473
- E-9 with dependents: $2,220
- E-9 without dependents: $1,749
- O-1 with dependents: $1,701
- O-1 without dependents: $1,581
- O-7 with dependents: $2,469
- O-7 without dependents: $2,193
Area Weather & Climate
Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash
If you’re a fair-weather person, you’re in luck! The region’s subtropical climate makes this duty station comfortable year-round. The summers are, yes, hot and humid, but they’re countered with mild winters making your favorite outdoor activities accessible 12 months out of the year (although you might save sun-bathing for the summer months!).
Minus a few thunderstorms in the springtime, the biggest concern living near the North Carolina coast is hurricanes. Hurricane season is June to November, and can bring storms packing 70 miles-per-hour winds or more.
For more information, take a look at the MCAS Cherry Point Hurricane Resources and NC 2-1-1.
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MCAS Cherry Point Area Schools
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Depending on where you choose to live, your school-age kids will fall under the Craven County School District (Havelock, New Bern, Bridgeton, Cove City, and Vanceboro) or Carteret County School District (Atlantic Beach, Morehead City, Newport, Cape Carteret, and Beaufort).
Craven County School District:
Image by Zip Data Maps
Carteret County School District:
Image by Zip Data Maps
If you’re looking for a private school education for your children, Private School Review is a great tool to help you find the right fit for you and your family.
Families interested in homeschooling should follow the North Carolina Department of Administration homeschool regulations. For any questions or concerns, contact the School Liaison Program.
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Support for Military & Families
Photo by Les Anderson on Unsplash
For military spouses moving to MCAS Cherry Point who are looking for work, the most in-demand jobs in the area are in the fields of healthcare, administrative , and education as well as jobs at the Air Station.
If you’re looking for opportunities to volunteer, whether by yourself or with the family, United Way of Coastal Carolina, Coastal Women's Shelter, Food Bank CENC of New Bern, Promise Place, and more are always looking for an extra set of hands to help out.
And as far as lifestyle and family fun is concerned, the options are endless! On base alone, you have Hancock Marina, camping at Bartlett Pond, Duck Pond, and Lone Tree Point, swimming pools, a library, the Two Rivers Theater, Sound of Freedom Golf Course, and Devil Dog Dare Paintball Park.
And don’t miss the opportunity to get involved with organized sports.
Some helpful links:
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Things to Do Near MCAS Cherry Point
Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
North Carolina History Center: Watch history come to life with interactive exhibits designed to educate guests on the local history that formed the North Carolina you know today.
The New Bern Firemen's Museum: A kid’s dream come true, this historic fireman’s museum is the perfect outing for the whole family. Talk to New Bern’s famous firehorse “Fred” and explore the hands-on exhibits designed to share this unique story.
Kidsville Playground: Feed your kid’s imagination at this incredible interactive park! They’ll no doubt enjoy running through the fort-like structure as they climb, slide, twist, swing, and jump.
Fort Macon State Park: Last used during WWII, this North Carolina state park has a long-standing reputation defending American soil. Where history buffs and outdoor adventurers collide, this trip out of the house will be an adventure for the whole family!
More Area Info
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Base Address:
100 Roosevelt Boulevard
MCAS Cherry Point
,
28533-0003