Naval Air Station Beaufort was commissioned on 15 June 1943, for advanced training operations of anti-submarine patrols during World War II.

A native of Ridge Spring, Merritt was a Marine Aviation pioneer who served in both World Wars and commanded several major flying units in the South Pacific during World War II, after retirement he also served as legal counsel to the South Carolina Legislature.

Formerly home to USMC F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II operations, MCAS Beaufort currently hosts all active duty USMC F/A-18 air operations on the East Coast, said aircraft and squadrons being assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31).

The mission of the Marine Aircraft Group is to conduct anti-air-warfare and offensive air support operations in support of Fleet Marine Forces from advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, or aircraft carriers and conduct such other air operations as may be directed.

In April 2007, a fatal crash occurred involving an aircraft from the Blue Angels demonstration team during the show.

[4][5][6] Marine Corps Installations – East 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing 4th Marine Aircraft Wing The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is the local school district for the following people living on the property of MCAS Beaufort:[14] children of Department of Defense employees living in the permanent housing, and children of civilians working for the United States federal government living in the permanent housing.