Location
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island is an 8,095 acres military installation located within Port Royal, South Carolina approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Beaufort.
History
Marines were first stationed on Parris Island in 1891. They formed a small security detachment headed by First Sergeant Richard Donovan. His unit was attached to the Naval Station, Port Royal, the forerunner of Parris Island. Donovan’s unit was highly commended for preserving life and property during hurricanes and tidal waves that swept over the island in 1891 and 1893.
On November 1, 1915, Parris Island was officially designated a Marine Corps Recruit Depot and training was continued from then on. Enlisted male training began here in November 1915 while enlisted female training began here in February 1949.
DSN Prefix 335
Beaufort Area Code 843
Base Operator 228-2111
Mission
We make Marines who are committed to our core values in service to the country. We are guided by our Core Values of honor, courage and commitment. We are committed to pursuing quality, being good stewards of resources and the environment, ensuring the professional development of our people, fostering positive community relations, promoting an atmosphere that relies on teamwork and integration, fostering an environment of decentralized decision making, achieving a balance between our mission and quality of life, and being accountable for mission accomplishment, our people, and ourselves.
Population Served
A population of over 21,000 and housing 261 families makes up the Recruit Depot Parris Island Facilities.
Transportation
A bus service is available to the Greater Beaufort area. Inquiries for scheduled service may be directed to: Greyhound Bus Lines (843) 524-4646. Also available is the local Amtrack Station (YEM) address is 9 Main Street, Yemassee, SC 29945. The Amtrak Station is approximately 30 minutes from Parris Island. For schedule information, call 1-800-USA-RAIL
Critical Installation Information
Most visitors come to attend the recruit Graduation Ceremony.Visitors to graduations at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island can find lodging, dining, tours and attractions in nearby Beaufort, Port Royal and Bluffton. Please view detailed listings at the following link or contact the Beaufort Regional Chamber of CommerceVisitor Center at 1-800-638-3525.As the headquarters of the Eastern Recruiting Region and recruit training for all females and males east of the Mississippi River, we expect to provide only the best experiences possible for our visitors.Parris Island also extends its hospitality to Community Organizations that may wish to visit as a group.Vehicle operators must possess:
- A valid driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Proof of automobile insurance
The nearest major airports to Parris Island are the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) and the Hilton Head Airport (HHH). The next closest airport is the Charleston International Airport (CHS).
Transportation from these airports is not provided, however both airports have rental car agencies.For those traveling by car, please refer to our Driving Directions.
To see a listing of all base directories, click here.