MCAS Yuma
MCAS Yuma PCS Guide
Military Base History
Visitors and spectators view the U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey as it displays its capabilities during the 2019 Yuma Airhow hosted by Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma Ariz., March 9, 2019. The airshow is MCAS Yuma's only military airshow of the year and provides the community an opportunity...
MCAS Yuma began as Fly Field in 1928, operating as a modest civil airstrip in Arizona’s desert. The U.S. military saw its strategic location and expanded the site into Yuma Army Air Field in 1942 during World War II. Its original mission focused on training pilots for combat, using the region’s favorable flying weather and open terrain.
During WWII, the base became a major training center for Army Air Forces pilots, especially in gunnery and bombing. After the war, the airfield closed briefly, then reopened in 1954 as Yuma Air Force Base during the Cold War. The base soon transferred to the U.S. Navy and, in 1959, to the U.S. Marine Corps, becoming Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma.
MCAS Yuma has hosted key aviation units, including Marine Aircraft Group 13 and several squadrons specializing in attack, electronic warfare, and air control. The base played a vital role in supporting operations during the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, and ongoing global deployments.
Today, MCAS Yuma is a premier aviation training hub for the Marine Corps, supporting advanced weapons and tactics instruction, drone operations, and multinational exercises. Its proximity to vast ranges and clear skies makes it essential for year-round flight training, benefiting both the military and the local Yuma community.
Name Changes: The installation has undergone several official name changes:
- Fly Field (1928)
- Yuma Army Air Field (1942)
- Yuma Air Force Base (1954)
- Vincent Air Force Base (1956)
- Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (1959)
Major Units & Training Programs
A U.S. Airman with 48th rescue squadron, 563d rescue group, participates in a personnel recovery mission during Strike 3 as part of Weapons and Tactics Instructor course 2-25, near Rachel, Nevada, April 22, 2025. WTI is a seven-week training event hosted by MAWTS-1 which emphasizes operational...
Major Units
Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13)
MAG-13 provides combat-ready expeditionary aviation forces, primarily operating F-35B Lightning II and AV-8B Harrier aircraft, to support Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations and joint/combined missions.
Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1)
MAWTS-1 delivers advanced tactical training to aviation units through the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course, enhancing the combat effectiveness of Marine aviation forces.
Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 (MWSS-371)
MWSS-371 provides essential aviation ground support including airfield operations, engineering, and logistics to enable sustained aviation operations at MCAS Yuma and deployed locations.
Training Schools
Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) Course
Overview
The WTI Course is an intensive program that trains selected Marine aviators and support personnel in advanced tactics, techniques, and procedures for Marine aviation operations.
Course Length
7 weeks
Who Attends
Marine Corps aviators, aircrew, and aviation support personnel
Arrival & In-Processing
U.S. Marines from Marine Wing Support Squadron 371 push an AV-8B Harrier jet into a static display area on Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, June 7, 2021. The new display is located next to the main gate to help preserve Marine Corps aviation history and tradition. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by...
Welcome to MCAS Yuma! Arriving at a new duty station is an important milestone, and being prepared will help your transition go smoothly. Review the following steps to ensure you have everything you need for base access and in-processing. For more details, visit the official MCAS Yuma website.
MCAS Yuma’s main gate is the Avenue 3E Gate, which serves as the primary entry point for all personnel and visitors. The Avenue 3E Gate operates 24/7, ensuring access at any time. All adults must present a valid Military ID, CAC, or a state driver’s license compliant with the REAL ID Act. Non-compliant IDs will not be accepted for unescorted access. Expect 100% ID checks and random vehicle inspections as part of the base’s robust security posture. To obtain a visitor or family member pass, stop at the Visitor Control Center (VCC) near the main gate. Sponsors must be present or submit prior authorization for guest access.
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PCS Orders (multiple copies)
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Military ID/CAC
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Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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Birth Certificates (for dependents)
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Social Security Cards
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Vehicle Registration & Insurance
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Medical/Dental Records
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Proof of Housing (if arranged in advance)
MCAS Yuma offers a sponsor program to help new arrivals settle in. To request a sponsor, contact your gaining unit’s administrative office as soon as you receive your orders. They will assign a sponsor who can answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with your arrival.
In-processing at MCAS Yuma takes place at the Welcome Center, Building 852, located near the main gate for your convenience. The Welcome Center operates Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1630. You will check in with Personnel, Finance, Housing, and Medical offices, and complete unit check-in procedures. Plan for the process to take 2-3 business days, depending on your needs and documentation.
The Visitor Control Center (VCC) is located just outside the Avenue 3E Main Gate. The VCC is open Monday through Friday, 0600 to 1800. Services include issuing visitor passes, DBIDS registration, and processing guest sponsorship requests. Arrive early to avoid delays, especially during peak hours.
PCS & Relocation Essentials
A moving truck is unloaded as a family moves into their new home. The "Making the Right Move" workshop assists service members and their families by informing them of what to expect at their next duty station and how to prepare for their travels.
Arriving at MCAS Yuma starts with receiving your official PCS orders. Contact the base Transportation Office as soon as you have orders to begin planning your move. You will choose between a Household Goods (HHG) shipment, where the government arranges movers, or a Personally Procured Move (PPM), also known as a DITY move, where you handle the move and may be reimbursed. Both options have pros and cons, so review them carefully in the Defense Personal Property System (DPS).
DPS is your central hub for scheduling, tracking, and managing your move. Log in early to set up your move and upload required documents. You may be eligible for entitlements such as Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) to offset hotel costs (up to 10 days for CONUS moves) and Dislocation Allowance (DLA) to help with relocation expenses. Always keep receipts and stay in touch with your assigned counselor for guidance specific to MCAS Yuma.
Temporary Lodging Information
Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) allowance
PCS Tips
- Request a sponsor early to help with local info and support.
- Contact the MCAS Yuma Transportation Office as soon as you receive orders.
- Keep all important documents (orders, IDs, receipts) with you during travel.
- Understand your weight allowance to avoid excess charges.
- Label boxes with your name and room destination for easier unpacking.
- Take photos of valuable items before the movers arrive.
- Plan for Yuma’s hot climate; pack essentials like water and sun protection.
Important Forms & Links
Start, track, and manage your PCS move.
Get current rates for TLE, DLA, and other allowances.
Find checklists, planning tools, and expert support.
Base-specific arrival info and contacts.