Marine Corps Air Station Yuma at a glance
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is an aviation operations and training installation in southwestern Arizona. Its public mission supports aerial weapons training for Marine and Navy forces. Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One and Marine Aircraft Group 13 are named mission organizations. The station also supports visiting aviation units, making its training environment broader than its permanently based formations.
Yuma's military airfield began as an Army aviation training base in 1941 at the earlier Fly Field site. Flight activity ended after World War II and resumed under the Air Force in 1951. The facility transferred to the Navy in 1959 and became a Marine Corps auxiliary air station. It received the Marine Corps Air Station designation in 1962.
Also searched as: MCAS Yuma, Yuma Army Air Base.
Sources: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
Mission and major activities
- Aerial weapons training for Marine and Navy aviation.
- Support to MAWTS-1 and Marine Aircraft Group 13.
- Support to visiting aviation training units.
Sources: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
History and identity
The station transitioned to Marine aviation in 1959 and received its current air station designation in July 1962.
Sources: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
Location and community
Yuma is in southwestern Arizona near California and Mexico. Yuma International Airport is adjacent to the military aviation community.
Sources: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
Before you arrive
Separate a resident aviation assignment from a visiting training detachment when planning a stay at Yuma.
Use these questions with your sponsor or gaining organization. They are a starting point for planning, including assignments, courses and training periods that differ from a routine permanent change of station.
- Confirm the organization, duration and reporting instructions shown on your orders. Ask which office handles your arrival.
- Clarify lodging and housing arrangements before booking. Ask about availability, required approvals and how to handle a late arrival.
- Before choosing a home, compare the commute, lease terms, school needs and your household budget. Ask the housing office about the options that apply to your situation.
- Coordinate household goods and personal travel with the appropriate transportation office. Keep orders, receipts and important family records together.
- Make a short list of contacts for medical care, schools, childcare and family support, where applicable to your assignment.
Official PCS planning resources Housing allowance information
Sources: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS
Resources for service members and families
Start with the official resources for Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and ask which services your household can use. For a training site, rotational location or Reserve component assignment, confirm arrangements with your unit rather than assuming the services of a large residential installation are available.
Housing and family support
Find housing, relocation assistance, childcare and school liaison contacts for the correct installation or support community.
Find official contactsSpouse employment
Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.
Review spouse hiring guidanceHealth care and benefits
Locate VA facilities near the community where you plan to live after service. Confirm your eligibility and appointments with the provider.
Find VA locationsRelocation checklist
Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.
Plan the moveFrom this mission to your next career
The mission at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma suggests the following areas to consider when describing your experience. These are LockLeed career suggestions based on the public mission, not a list of vacancies or qualifications held by everyone assigned here.
Write down the equipment, systems, processes and teams you personally supported. Add a specific result you can discuss publicly, then match that evidence to the civilian role you want. Keep operational details and sensitive information out of your application.
Translate your experience
Turn your MOS, AFSC or rating into civilian job titles and resume language. Adjust the result to reflect your actual work.
Use the MOS translatorPrepare your resume
Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.
Open Resume StudioPlan your transition
Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.
Open the separation plannerFind federal opportunities
Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.
Search USAJOBSFrequently asked questions
Where is Marine Corps Air Station Yuma?
Marine Corps Air Station Yuma is listed in this guide at Yuma, Arizona, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.
What is Marine Corps Air Station Yuma known for?
Aerial weapons training for Marine and Navy aviation. Support to MAWTS-1 and Marine Aircraft Group 13.
What should I confirm before arriving?
Separate a resident aviation assignment from a visiting training detachment when planning a stay at Yuma.
How can I prepare for a civilian career from here?
Start with your own military occupation and experience. Use the MOS translator, resume builder and separation planner, and discuss your timeline with the official transition counselor. LockLeed helps candidates pursue direct-hire civilian roles at no cost to the candidate.
Sources and editorial notes
Installation facts above are drawn from the official sources below. Career suggestions and planning questions are LockLeed editorial guidance. Use official offices for current policies, eligibility and arrangements.
- Marine Corps Air Station Yuma overview: MilitaryINSTALLATIONSSupports: overview, mission, history, local context, planning note
Shared planning and career resources
- MilitaryINSTALLATIONS · Official installation profiles and program contacts
- Military OneSource PCS planning · Moving checklists and relocation resources
- Military OneSource overseas move planning · Overseas moving and family logistics
- USAJOBS · Official federal job announcements
- USAJOBS military spouse hiring guidance · Federal spouse hiring path information
- Transition Assistance Program · Official transition planning resources
- VA facility locator · Find VA health care and benefit offices
- Basic Allowance for Housing · Official housing allowance information
Reviewed 2026-09-30. This independent guide is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense. Map points are approximate and are not routing or reporting instructions.