Cherry Point MCAS / Cunningham Field/

Cherry Point, United States

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ICAO

29 ft

Elevation

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Marine Corps air station supporting East Coast aviation operations.

Opened

1941

Location

Cherry Point (Havelock), United States

Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, officially designated MCAS Cherry Point / Cunningham Field, is a major United States Marine Corps installation located near Havelock, North Carolina. It serves as the largest Marine Corps air station in the world by area and is home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and numerous aviation squadrons. The airfield is named in honor of Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine Corps aviator. In addition to military flight operations, the station hosts the Naval Air Depot Cherry Point (NADEP), one of the Navy's primary aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, supporting fixed-wing and rotary aircraft overhaul. As a restricted military installation, Cherry Point is not open to commercial passenger traffic. It plays a critical role in Marine Corps aviation readiness on the East Coast and has historically operated tactical jet aircraft, including the AV-8B Harrier and F/A-18 Hornet.

Notable facts

›Reported to be the largest Marine Corps air station in the world by land area.
›Named after Alfred A. Cunningham, the first Marine Corps aviator.
›Home to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW).
›Hosts Naval Air Depot Cherry Point (NADEP), a major military aircraft overhaul facility.
›Historically operated AV-8B Harrier II aircraft for Marine Corps tactical aviation.

Official website Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

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City & Place Guide

Gateway to coastal Carolina's military heritage and natural beauty.

Cherry Point is a small census-designated place in Craven County, North Carolina, best known as the home of Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, one of the largest Marine Corps air stations in the world. The community sits along the southern bank of the Neuse River estuary, offering visitors a glimpse into military life and the quiet character of coastal Eastern Carolina.

The surrounding area blends working waterfront culture with expansive natural landscapes, including marshes, forests, and waterways that attract outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby Havelock serves as the practical hub for dining, lodging, and services for those visiting the region. The area provides easy access to the Crystal Coast beaches and the historic city of New Bern, making Cherry Point a convenient base for exploring coastal North Carolina.

•MCAS Cherry Point — home to the NAVAIR depot and occasional air shows open to the public.
•Havelock Tourist and Event Center — regional history exhibits covering aviation and local heritage.
•Croatan National Forest — sprawling forest with hiking, fishing, and diverse wildlife just minutes away.
•Neuse River — scenic waterway ideal for kayaking, boating, and wildlife watching.
•New Bern Historic District — charming colonial-era city and birthplace of Pepsi-Cola, a short drive away.
•Cape Lookout National Seashore — pristine barrier islands and a historic lighthouse accessible by ferry.

Getting around: Cherry Point has no public transit of its own; a personal vehicle or rental car is essentially required to get around. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in the broader Havelock area with variable availability. Taxis are limited, so arranging transportation in advance is advisable.

Best time: Spring (March through May) offers mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities before summer heat and humidity set in.

Local food: Try fresh caught seafood staples like steamed blue crab, shrimp and grits, and Eastern Carolina-style pulled pork barbecue at local spots in nearby Havelock and New Bern.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.

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Entity data from open aviation datasets (OurAirports, OpenFlights) with AI-assisted editorial clearly marked. Always confirm time-sensitive details with the official airport website. Sources & verification