Cherry Point MCAS
MCAS Cherry Point Relocation Information
Welcome to MCAS Cherry Point
This North Carolina duty station is recognized as one of the world’s premier all-weather jet bases, featuring a four-point runway system. MCAS Cherry Point is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), which has a distinguished history dating back to World War II and maintains a global operational presence. The 2nd MAW plays a critical role in conducting air operations in support of the II Marine Expeditionary Force. In addition, the runways serve as an alternate emergency landing site for NASA.
The base is home to 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About MCAS Cherry Point
1. What cities are near MCAS Cherry Point?
Smaller cities like Jacksonville and New Bern are near MCAS Cherry Point. The closest major city 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.
3. How many Marines are at MCAS Cherry Point?
Between active-duty service members, 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, though they're in close proximity.
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 $1,806 for E-1 to $2,502 for E-9 with dependents, and from $1,884 for O-1 to $2,919 for O-6 with dependents. See the BAH section for more info.
Base Location and Information
MCAS Cherry Point Address:
100 Roosevelt Boulevard
MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina 28533
Photo by James Hose Jr. on Unsplash
Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point is located in southeastern North Carolina. It's between New Bern and Morehead City in Onslow County, near the city of Havelock, NC. Six counties surround MCAS Cherry Point: Craven, Carteret, Onslow, Pamlico, Jones, and Pender County.
MCAS Cherry Point is thirty minutes from Atlantic Beach, a short drive from the Croatan National Forest, and near the Neuse River. Locals have access to hunting, fishing, beaches, and calm river waters to kayak and float. Raleigh is about a two-hour drive away for access to big-city amenities or a weekend getaway. MCAS New River and Camp Lejeune are also nearby, as are Wilmington (home to the Battleship North Carolina) and Jacksonville.
The cost of living in this region is lower than the national average. Check the BAH rates in this area to know your housing budget.
Military Installations near MCAS Cherry Point
Arrival Lodging
Cherry Point Inn handles lodging for incoming military families, offering single rooms and suites with access to base amenities. Note that there are no pet-friendly rooms available here.
MCAS Lodging Info
Madison Drive
Bldg 487
Havelock, NC 28532
Contact: (252) 466-5169
MCAS Cherry Point Housing
Hunt Military Communities manages on-base housing at MCAS Cherry Point. The housing consists of 1,700 homes located in five different neighborhoods. Base housing is close to amenities on base and local favorites like New Bern, the Croatan National Forest, and the coastal area.
MCAS Cherry Point Housing Location and Contact Info
MCAS Cherry Point Housing
Bldg 298 E Street
Havelock, NC 28532
Contact
(888) 883-0980
(252) 463-8420
For additional questions and information, contact the military housing office.
MCAS Cherry Point Off-Base Housing
Homes for sale and houses for rent near MCAS Cherry Point: MCAS Cherry Point Homes
Havelock, New Bern, Cedar Point, and Swansboro are the most popular neighborhoods near MCAS Cherry Point. Each offers its own culture and perks as far as proximity to the base, the coastline, and other amenities. Havelock is the closest to Cherry Point, and New Bern is a popular inland town to call home. Cedar Point and Swansboro are closer to the coast, and they both offer greater convenience if life on the water is the priority.
Base Search
City Search
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. Sample MCAS Cherry Point BAH rates for zip code 28533:
- E-1 with dependents: $1,806
- E-1 without dependents: $1,683
- E-9 with dependents: $2,502
- E-9 without dependents: $1,944
- O-1 with dependents: $1,884
- O-1 without dependents: $1,755
- O-6 with dependents: $2,919
- O-6 without dependents: $2,403
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Area Weather and Climate
Photo by Clint Patterson on Unsplash
The region’s subtropical climate is comfortable year-round. While summers are hot and humid, winters are mild, allowing for a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year. Aside from occasional springtime thunderstorms, the primary weather consideration near the North Carolina coast is hurricanes. Hurricane season spans June through November, with storms capable of producing winds of 70 mph or higher.
MCAS Cherry Point Area Schools
School-aged children residing in the area will attend schools in either 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).
For families considering private education, Private School Review is a helpful resource for researching local options. Those interested in homeschooling should adhere to the regulations outlined by the North Carolina Department of Administration. For guidance or questions, families can contact the MCAS Cherry Point School Liaison.
Support for Military and Families
Employment near MCAS Cherry Point offers a variety of options for military families, including positions in healthcare, education, retail, and government, as well as opportunities directly on base. Many roles are suitable for flexible schedules or part-time work, and remote positions are increasingly available, providing adaptability for military spouses. Craven County’s labor force enjoys a low 3.4% unemployment rate (2024), with short commutes to Havelock, New Bern, and surrounding towns, making the area accessible and practical for both military and civilian careers.
Volunteer opportunities include United Way of Coastal Carolina, Coastal Women's Shelter, Food Bank CENC of New Bern, and Promise Place. Where lifestyle and family fun are concerned, the options are endless. On base, there's the 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.
Helpful links for MCAS Cherry Point:
Things to Do near MCAS Cherry Point
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash
- North Carolina History Center: interactive exhibits designed to educate guests on the local history that formed North Carolina.
- The New Bern Firemen's Museum: historic firemen’s museum. Talk to New Bern’s famous fire horse, “Fred,” and explore the hands-on exhibits designed to share this unique story.
- Kidsville Playground: fort-like structure for climbing, sliding, twisting, swinging, and jumping.
- Fort Macon State Park: North Carolina state park with a long reputation for defending American soil, last used during WWII.
More Area Info
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Base Address:
100 Roosevelt Boulevard
MCAS Cherry Point
,
28533-0003