Marine Corps Base Hawaii: Base Guide, Mission & Resources

Marine Corps Base Hawaii at a glance

Marine Corps Base Hawaii supports Marine aviation, ground forces and their families on Oahu. Its installation mission combines facilities and services with the readiness needs of tenant commands. The Kaneohe Bay community includes the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment and Marine Aircraft Group 24, giving the base both ground and aviation identities within the Marine Corps presence in the Pacific.

The base also has a layered Army and Navy history. Fort Hase began as an Army coastal artillery position in 1918, and the Navy developed a seaplane base in 1939. Marines assumed the property in 1951; Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay was commissioned in 1952. Hawaii's Marine installations were consolidated under Marine Corps Base Hawaii in 1994.

Also searched as: MCBH, MCAS Kaneohe Bay, MCB Hawaii.

Sources: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS: MCB Hawaii overview; MCB Hawaii tenant commands

Mission and major activities

Supports the facilities and community needs of Marine tenant commands.
Hosts the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment and Marine Aircraft Group 24.

Sources: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS: MCB Hawaii overview; MCB Hawaii tenant commands

History and identity

Army Fort Hase, Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay and a Marine air station preceded the 1994 consolidated base identity.

Sources: MilitaryINSTALLATIONS: MCB Hawaii overview

Location and community

Kaneohe Bay is on Oahu. The Marine Corps' Hawaii tenant-command directory also covers the separate Camp H.M. Smith headquarters community.

Sources: MCB Hawaii tenant commands

Before you arrive

Planning for this location

Confirm whether a position is at Kaneohe Bay or Camp H.M. Smith; the same broader Marine community includes distinct work sites.

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: MCB Hawaii tenant commands

Resources for service members and families

Start with the official resources for Marine Corps Base Hawaii 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 contacts

Spouse employment

Review federal spouse hiring guidance and ask the local family support office about employment resources.

Review spouse hiring guidance

Health 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 locations

Relocation checklist

Prepare questions about paperwork, household goods and family needs with official moving resources.

Plan the move

From this mission to your next career

The mission at Marine Corps Base Hawaii 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.

Aviation maintenanceLogisticsFacilities managementTraining support

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 translator

Prepare your resume

Build a clear resume around skills, outcomes, credentials and the roles you want next.

Open Resume Studio

Plan your transition

Organize your separation timeline and discuss official requirements with your transition counselor.

Open the separation planner

Find federal opportunities

Search current announcements and read the location, hiring path and qualifications in each posting.

Search USAJOBS

Official transition resources Explore SkillBridge programs

Frequently asked questions

Where is Marine Corps Base Hawaii?

Marine Corps Base Hawaii is listed in this guide at Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, United States. The map point is approximate. For arrival and reporting information, use official resources and your orders.

What is Marine Corps Base Hawaii known for?

Supports the facilities and community needs of Marine tenant commands. Hosts the 3d Marine Littoral Regiment and Marine Aircraft Group 24.

What should I confirm before arriving?

Confirm whether a position is at Kaneohe Bay or Camp H.M. Smith; the same broader Marine community includes distinct work sites.

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.

MilitaryINSTALLATIONS: MCB Hawaii overviewSupports: overview, mission, history
MCB Hawaii tenant commandsSupports: overview, mission, 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.