Mc Entire JNGB

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ICAO Code /MMT
Last Validated 11-2011
City Eastover
Position 33°55'14"N 080°48'05"W
Runway(s) 05/23, 14/32
Elevation 252 ft

General

The United States Army began construction on an airfield on land north of Congaree to be an outlying base to the Columbia Army Airbase. The original designation of the airfield was Congaree Army Airport, then Fort Jackson Airdrome, and finally Congree Army Airfield. Construction was completed on January 31, 1943 with the completion of three 4,500 ft runways. In September 1945, after World War II, the only remaining Marine units were VMF-523 and Air Warning Squadron 14. By November 1945, all Marine aviation units had moved to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. The base was eventually turned over to the South Carolina Air National Guard and re-named McEntire ANG Base in October 1961. It was re-named McEntire Joint National Guard Station in 2005 to reflect the joint presence of Army and Air National Guard units. (source: wikipedia)

Layout

The airport has one main runway, 14/32, which is the preferential runway for the fighters and visitors. The other, smaller runway is only used by the army units. The aprons in the south are for the SC ANG fighters, while the apron in the west is used by the SC ArmyNG helicopters.

Getting There

The base is located about 15 km southeast of city of Columbia. From Columbia take Highway 378 towards Oakland, Eastover and Shaw AFB. When passing the very small town of Horrel Hill, take a right onto Route 769. At the next T junction take a left onto Congaree Road and pass the ANG base at the south.

Around the Airport

1Along the runway

On Congaree Road, when you see one of the gates of this base at your left, take the next left onto Gus Lane and drive along the fence to the corner. Here you are positioned along the runway for take-off and landing shots, although you will need a large lens, think 400mm. You will need some steps to picture above the NATO standard fence as well. Early morning, without heat waves, you will be able to spot some Vipers under their sun sheds as well as the preserved F-4. Standing at the fence will alert the various security departments. If needed, a more laid back approach slightly back at Gus Lane, or in the tree line, will increase your chances here.

2Along the runway, early morning

From spot 1, drive back onto Congaree Road and take a left. Follow it until there is a T Junction with Old Congaree Run at your left. Take this road, until there is a crossing with N Bellewood Lane to the left and US State Road S-40-68 at your right. Take a left and follow N Bellewood Lane, via a dirt road to the fence. Take your steps and get your shots. Only best in early morning.

3Gate guard

From Horrel Hill, continue on Highway 378 until you see the main gate and the F-16 Gate Guard. You can park next to the gate on the grass for a small moment.

Peter Nieuwkamp took this wonderful take-off shot of a local F-16 from spot 1.

Frequencies

127.625/233.700Ground
132.400/253.500 Tower
125.400/385.600Shaw Arr/Dep

Based Operators

157th FS SC ANGF-16C/D
A/2-149th AVN
SC ArNG		UH-60L
1-151st AVN
SC ArNG		AH-64D
A/2-151st AVN
SC ArNG		OH-58A+/C
det 1. B/2-238th AVN
SC ArNG		CH-47D
SC SFD/OSACOM det.4C-26E

Preserved

75-0746 F-16A, preserved at spot 3
51-6915/TR-915T-33A, preserved on ANG base
53-1064/FU-064F-86L, preserved on ANG base
53-1386F-86H, preserved on ANG base
56-0985F-102A, preserved on ANG base
70-1035/SCA-7D, preserved on ANG base
63-7455F-4C, preserved on ANG base
57-0920/FG-920F-104C, preserved on ANG base

Other Airfields

Mc Entire JNGB
Shaw AFB  

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