MCAS New River, NC Installation Guide

COMMANDING OFFICER ATTN:RELOCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM MCAS NEW RIVER PSC BOX 21001 JACKSONVILLE NC 28545-1001

Welcome Aboard New River Air Station.

The Air Station New River is located 4 miles south of downtown Jacksonville on Hwy 17, South.

The major commands are: Marine Corps Air Station Headquarters, Marine Aircraft Group 26 and 29, H&HS, MWSS-272.

The mission of Marine Corps Air Station New River is to provide the necessary support for its tenant units; MAG-26 and 29. Both groups play a major role with their troop transport helicopter, and heavy lift capability in support of the Second Marine Aircraft Wing and Second Marine Division. H&HS is responsible for garrison activities aboard the station; MWSS-272 provides the logistical support to both MAGs.

Population assigned-served: 7499, Active Duty Officer: 595, Active Duty Enlisted: 6610, Family Members: 1750, Retirees: 10,660 Civilian Employeees: 294,

Telephone Access: 451-3100 (DSN) 449-6554

HISTORY:

Marine Corps Air Station New River was commissioned as Peterfield Point in April 1944. New River was redesignated as an air station on September 1, 1968. The station comprises some 2,600 acres - of which about 560 acres are swamp lands suitable only for wildlife ranges. Marine Aircraft Group-26 commissioned June 16, 1952 at Cherry Point, moved to New River Air Facility in July 1954. The group is comprised of about 2,100 Marines assigned to 8 squadrons. A major reorganization occurred on May 1, 1972 when Marine Helicopter Training Group-40 was deactivated and Marine Aircraft Group-29 was born. MAG-29 is comprised of 2,100 Marines assigned to 7 squadrons. Other commands at New River include H&HS, responsible for garrison activities aboard the station; MWSS-272, which provides the logistical support to both MAGs; and MWCS-28 (Det B). In 1983, New River Marines experienced their first combat since Vietnam. New River-based squadrons flew combat missions while a part of the Multi-National Peacekeeping Forces in Lebanon during the October 1983 invasion of Grenada, as well as during Operation Desert Storm.