where We Work
Townsend Bombing Range
Photo by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin
Photo by Cpl. Isabella Renaud
Townsend Bombing Range (TBR) is the East Coast’s premier training range designed for air-to-ground ordnance training. Located in southeast, coastal Georgia, TBR is 82 miles southwest of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort. It is the primary air-to-ground training range for aviation units stationed at MCAS Beaufort. TBR is a critical facility as it allows squadrons to conduct realistic training. While TBR is the primary air-to-ground training range for aviation units stationed at MCAS Beaufort it is also used by other military services.
CLF is working with MCAS Beaufort to protect lands adjacent to TBR through REPI. Protection of the range will ensure that critical air-to-ground training can continue to occur, while conserving open space that supports wildlife and other natural resources.
Land surrounding TBR have the highest documented number of rare plants and animals in Georgia. The gopher tortoise and other rare species are present due to the area’s wetlands, longleaf pine forests, and sandhills. The public is shielded from noise and potential safety risks. This enables the military to perform large force exercises, taking advantage of airspace that spans 10 counties. However, incompatible development in the special use airspace could degrade training or conflict with uses of the range. This includes obstruction of low-level flight, lighting of the night sky, electromagnetic interference, loss of habitat for protected species, or noise concerns for proposed residences.
