New River Air Station Information

Introduction to New River Air Station

New River Air Station, located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, is a United States Marine Corps air base that serves as the home of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The air station is situated near the city of Jacksonville and is approximately 20 miles northwest of the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. The base plays a critical role in supporting the Marine Corps’ mission by providing aviation support for training and operations.

History of New River Air Station

The history of New River Air Station dates back to 1943 when it was first established as Camp Lejeune Airfield. During World War II, the airfield served as a training facility for Marine Corps pilots. Over the years, the base has undergone several transformations and expansions to accommodate the growing needs of the Marine Corps. In 1968, the air station was officially designated as MCAS New River, and since then, it has continued to evolve to meet the changing requirements of the Marine Corps.

Units and Operations

New River Air Station is home to several units, including:

• HMLA-167: A light attack helicopter squadron that operates the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters.
• HMLA-269: A light attack helicopter squadron that operates the UH-1Y Venom and AH-1Z Viper helicopters.
• VMM-261: A medium tiltrotor squadron that operates the MV-22B Osprey.
• VMM-263: A medium tiltrotor squadron that operates the MV-22B Osprey.

These units provide a range of capabilities, including attack, transport, and reconnaissance support for Marine Corps operations.

Facilities and Infrastructure

New River Air Station has a range of facilities and infrastructure to support its operations, including:

• Runways: The air station has two runways, each approximately 7,000 feet long, which can accommodate a variety of aircraft.
• Hangars: The base has several hangars that provide maintenance and storage facilities for aircraft.
• Aircraft parking aprons: The air station has extensive aircraft parking aprons that can accommodate large numbers of aircraft.
• Support facilities: The base has a range of support facilities, including fuel storage, maintenance shops, and administrative buildings.

These facilities and infrastructure enable the air station to support a wide range of aviation operations.

Environmental Concerns

Like many military bases, New River Air Station has environmental concerns that need to be addressed. The base has a range of environmental programs in place to minimize its impact on the environment, including:

• Waste management: The base has a comprehensive waste management program that includes recycling, composting, and proper disposal of hazardous waste.
• Energy conservation: The air station has implemented various energy conservation measures, including the use of energy-efficient lighting and heating and cooling systems.
• Wildlife conservation: The base has a wildlife conservation program that aims to protect and preserve the natural habitat of local wildlife.

These programs help to minimize the base’s impact on the environment and ensure that it operates in a sustainable manner.

🌎 Note: The environmental concerns at New River Air Station are an ongoing issue, and the base is continually working to improve its environmental sustainability.

Community Involvement

New River Air Station is committed to being a good neighbor and engaging with the local community. The base has a range of community outreach programs, including:

• Volunteer programs: The air station has a volunteer program that allows personnel to participate in local community events and activities.
• Education programs: The base has education programs that provide support to local schools and students.
• Charitable donations: The air station makes charitable donations to local organizations and charities.

These programs help to foster positive relationships between the base and the local community.

Unit	Aircraft	Role
HMLA-167	UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper	Light attack helicopter squadron
HMLA-269	UH-1Y Venom, AH-1Z Viper	Light attack helicopter squadron
VMM-261	MV-22B Osprey	Medium tiltrotor squadron
VMM-263	MV-22B Osprey	Medium tiltrotor squadron

In summary, New River Air Station is a critical component of the Marine Corps’ aviation capabilities, providing support for training and operations. The base has a range of units and facilities that enable it to support a wide range of aviation operations. The air station is also committed to being a good neighbor and engaging with the local community, and it has a range of environmental programs in place to minimize its impact on the environment. As the Marine Corps continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, New River Air Station will play an important role in supporting its mission.