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Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

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Marine Corps Air Station Yuma

Located only two miles from the city of Yuma, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is responsible for aerial weapons training for the Atlantic and Pacific Fleet Marine Forces. The Air Station is also a base of operations for Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 and Third Marine Aviation Weapons units.

Find information about MCAS Yuma, including the main commercial and DSN numbers for the base, information on basic services, base transportation, lodging for TDY and PCSing personnel, and inprocessing.

Mission & Units

Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is home to AV-8B Harrier IIs and F-35B Lightning IIs operated by the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 (MAWTS-1), Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VMX-1) and Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401 (VMFT-401).

Important missions and units at the Air Station include:

  • 1st Force Service Support Group CLC 16
  •  Headquarters & Headquarters Squadron
  •  Marine Air Control Squadron MACS 1
  •  Marine Aircraft Group 13 MAG 13
  •  Marine All Weather Flight Aircraft VMFA 121 Temp
  •  Marine Attack Squadron VMA 211
  •  Marine Attack Squadron VMA 214
  •  Marine Attack Squadron VMA 311
  •  Marine Attack Squadron VMA 513
  •  Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 MALS 13
  •  Marine Aviation Weapons & Tactics Squadron 1 MAWTS 1
  •  Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401
  •  Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 4 VMU 4
  •  Marine Wing Support Squadron MWSS 371

History

The MCAS Yuma started in the late 1920s when the federal government acquired more than 600 acres, eventually becoming known as Fly Field. It was used for both military and civilian aviation until World War Two when the airfield was redesignated as Yuma Army Airfield. A military flying school for single-engine aircraft operated there from 1943 and flew AT-6 Texans.

Not long after, in 1945, flight training there ended and the base was handed over to the U.S. Department of the Interior, which used it as a headquarters for the Bureau of Land Reclamation.

The base would come under military control again in 1954 when the Air Force began using the area as a training base and redesignated the facility as Yuma Air Base. In 1956 it was renamed Vincent Air Force Base, to honor Brigadier General Clinton Vincent, who became a General at the tender age of 29. 

The mission there had shifted to air defense, but it wasn’t long until the U.S. Navy came along to give MCAS Yuma a different role in American military history.

Vincent Air Force Base was transferred to the Navy in 1959 and redesignated as a Marine Corps Air Station in 1962. The Air Force started building a “replacement Yuma” just over 10 miles down the road from the original installation, but the project was never brought to completion.

In the 21st Century, MCAS Yuma is said to be among the Marine Corps’ busiest air stations (if not THE busiest), with training missions for air-to-ground weaponry, Harrier training, F4 Phantoms, and others.

Contacts

Main Address and Phone Number

MCAS Yuma
Ave 3E Main Gate
Yuma, AZ 85369-9132

  • 928-269-6499
  • 928-269-5651

Important MCAS Yuma Contact Phone Numbers

  • Base Operator (928) 269-2011
  • Child Development Center (Annex) (928) 269-2349
  • Child Development Center (CDC) (928) 269-2350
  • EFMP Enrollment (928) 269-2425
  • EFMP Family Support (928) 269-2425
  • Navy-Marine Corps. Relief Society (928) 269-2373
  • Family Advocacy Program, Counseling Branch (928) 269-2561
  • Marine and Family Services/Family Center (928) 269-5615
  • New Parent Support Program (928) 269-2308
  • Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) (928) 269-2425
  • SARC Emergency Number (928) 941-3650
  • Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (928) 941-3601
  • Victim Advocate Emergency Number (928) 941-3650
  • BCAC Health Benefits Advisor (928) 269-2916
  • Branch Health Clinic  (928) 269-2772
  • Dental Clinic (928) 269-2353
  • Housing Assignments/Referrals (928) 269-2826
  • Lincoln Military Housing (928) 344-1240
  • Billeting Office (928) 269-3578
  • Dos Rios Inn (928) 269-2262
  • ID/CAC Card Processing (928) 269-3588
  • Pass & Registration (928) 269-2888
  • Citizenship and Immigration Services (928) 269-2481
  • Legal Assistance (928) 269-2481
  • Victim Advocate Services (928) 269-2561
  • Station Library (928) 269-2785
  • Family Child Care (FCC) (928) 269-3233
  • School Age Care / Youth Center (928) 269-3659
  • School Liaison Services (928) 269-5373
  • Household Goods/ Transportation INBOUND (928) 269-2313
  • Household Goods/ Transportation OUTBOUND (928) 269-2311

Surrounding Area

Yuma, Arizona sits roughly 150 miles from San Diego, California, and 156 miles from Phoenix, Arizona. PCSing and TDYing troops will find the nearest airport is Yuma International, with the next closest major airports more than 160 miles away. Those farther-away airports include Palm Springs International Airport and San Diego International.

Golf is big in Yuma. Ironwood Golf Course and Desert Hills Golf Course are just two of at least nine golf courses in the Yuma area. Fans of the outdoors will enjoy birdwatching at the Imperial Wildlife Refuge, and a visit to the western-style ghost town at the Castle Dome Mines Museum & Ghost Town is considered a must-see in some circles.

Local history buffs will want to see Yuma Territorial Prison State Historic Park, with a historic prison facility that’s been around since 1876. Yuma Crossing State Historic Park is another excellent option. Those interested in early America should visit the Century House Museum which features a collection of artifacts and exhibits focused on pioneer-era events.

Inprocessing and Check-In

Policy at MCAS Yuma for check-in and inprocessing is quite simple. Your gaining unit will direct you and provide any applicable checklists, appointment times, etc. or direct you to where you need to obtain them. All personnel reporting or checking in during normal duty hours will report to the gaining unit.

All those checking in after normal duty hours should report to Station Headquarters, Building 980. Call 928-269-2252 for more information or assistance.

Services

Health Care

Limited on-base healthcare options are available from the Branch Health Clinic. This facility is outpatient only and all inpatient services are referred to local area providers.

There are also military care options at the Naval Hospital at Camp Pendleton (230 miles away) or in San Diego (roughly 192 miles away). Call the Branch Health Clinic at 928-269-2772 for more information.

Child Care

On-base child care is provided by MCAS Yuma Child Development Centers. The following types of care are offered:

  • Full Day: For those six weeks to five years old. 50 hours of child care maximum are allowed each week
  • Part Day: For children three to five years old but not for children in kindergarten. This care is provided Monday through Thursday from 0900-1200. 
  • Hourly/Drop-In: For those six weeks to five years old. Reservations are allowed a week in advance, and this care is managed on a space-available basis. 

Make reservations, or learn about waiting list requirements by calling 928-269-2350/2349.

Household Goods

Track and manage your household goods shipments to Yuma via the Defense Personal Property System at Move.mil. You can also get assistance from MCAS Yuma Inbound TMO by calling (928) 269-2313.

Dependent And Retiree ID Card Renewal, Replacement, New Issue

ID card services at MCAS Yuma are scheduled by the MCAS Yuma RAPIDS site. Appointments are required for certain ID card services and DEERS updates, no walk-ins are allowed for certain services. Two forms of unexpired ID are required for most services and your photo ID may have an additional requirement to be REAL ID Act compliant.

Schools

All school-age children in elementary, middle, and high school will attend classes in the local community, off-base. Available districts include:

  • Crane
  • Yuma School District One
  • Yuma Union High School

School attendance requirements are based on location. There are a dozen or so local elementary schools in the area, five middle schools, and there are separate school districts for high schools including Yuma Union High School District No. 70 which is responsible for six area schools.

For active-duty troops who live in “Lincoln” on base, transportation is offered for the school-age dependents attending:

  • Elementary School, grades K-5: 
  • Middle School, grades 6-8: Woodard Junior High School
  • High School, grades 9-12: Kofa High School 

For those living in on-base housing in “16th Street Military Housing,” schools available include the following:

  • Ronald Reagan Elementary School(K-6)
  • Middle School, grades 7 and 8: Centennial Middle School
  • High School, grades 9-12: Cibola High School

Transportation to these locations is not offered as these schools are within a two-mile distance. As mentioned above, those living off base will send their children to schools based on address.

Housing

On-post housing is available, but limited. Housing operations are privatized and managed by Lincoln Military Housing. Waiting lists apply, though some are surprised by how quickly the lists can move depending on PCS season and other variables.

Call Lincoln Military Housing call 928-344-1240, but if you need help with applications, navigating waitlist requirements, or other issues, call 928-269-2826. Unaccompanied service members assigned to MCAS Yuma should know that on-base housing is not mandatory, but “recommended” for troops assigned to their very first duty station, and those troops who are E5 and below.

Call Bachelor Housing, Enlisted Quarters (BEQ):  Reservations at 928-269-2591 or Bachelor Housing, Officers Quarters (BOQ): Reservations at 928-269-3578.

PCS and TDY Lodging

Those who need temporary lodging at MCAS will find it two blocks inside the main gate. The MCAS Yuma TLF accepts reservations from those on PCS orders up to a year in advance, otherwise, reservations are accepted 90 days out. Those traveling with pets should discuss their needs in advance as you may be required to stay off-post. Make reservations by calling 928-269-2262. Those traveling on PCS orders get top booking priority.

Transportation

The usual ride-sharing and commercial transportation options may be available from the airport depending on the time of day you arrive and other variables. Travelers to the area may fly into Yuma International Airport (the closest and roughly 35 miles away from the Air Station) and you should make arrangements in advance if you must fly into the area elsewhere. Your sponsor may be able to give you advice as to the best alternative airport to Yuma International.

Remember to get a Certificate of Non-Availability if you must stay off-post due to a lack of rooms on-post in TLF or Army Lodging.

Vehicle Registration And Driver’s License

All privately owned vehicles are required to conform to Arizona state law including minimum insurance requirements. New arrivals are permitted to drive in Arizona using a valid drivers’ license from another country where applicable.

Privately owned vehicles registered in another state must be registered in the State of Arizona as soon as the owner becomes an Arizona resident. You may be able to register for one or two years depending on factors including whether your vehicle can pass emissions tests required by the state.

MCAS Yuma policy requires registration of all privately owned vehicles operating on base. Report to Pass and Registration within 30 days of check-in. All drivers must bring the following unexpired paperwork:

  • Armed Forces identification card
  • State registration for the vehicle OR current title if paid in full
  • Valid state operator’s license Or state ID
  • Proof of valid insurance obtained in Arizona
  • If under 26 years of age must show verification of Driver’s Improvement Course

The State of Arizona allows a military exemption for vehicles driven by active duty troops. Contact the base Legal Office to learn what paperwork you will need.