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While other nations have Marines who are aviators, only the United States Marine Corps has its own dedicated aviation arm.[1] Most squadrons have changed names and designations many times over the years so they are listed by their final designation.

Squadron designations[]

The basic tactical and administrative unit of United States Marine Corps aviation is the squadron. Fixed-wing aircraft squadrons (heavier than air) are denoted by the letter "V," which comes from the French verb "Voler" (to fly). Rotary wing (helicopter) squadrons use "H." Marine squadrons are always noted by the second letter "M." Squadron numbering is not linear as some were numbered in ascending order and others took numbers from the wing or the ship to which they were assigned. From 1920 to 1941, Marine flying squadrons were identified by one digit numbers. This changed on July 1, 1941 when all existing squadrons were redesignated to a three-digit system. The first two numbers were supposed to identify the squadrons parent group but with the rapid expansion during the war and frequent transfer of squadrons this system fell apart.[2]

Inactive squadrons[]

Squadrons are listed by their designation at the time they were decommissioned.

Preā€“World War II squadrons[]

Following World War I, Marine aviation was significantly reduced. Many of the squadrons were renamed and redesignated numerous times and many still exist today with other designations. The squadrons listed below reflect those squadrons that were deactivated prior to World War II and were never reconstituted in any form.

VS-14M flying past USS Saratoga

USMC O2U-2s flying past the USS Saratoga (CV-3), c. 1930.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VP-3M
Marine Patrol Squadron 3
No image
1931[3]
VO-6M
Marine Observation Squadron 6
No image
Hell Divers
1932[3]
VO-10M
Marine Observation Squadron 10
No image
April 1, 1931[3]
VS-14M
Marine Scouting Squadron 14
No image
July 1, 1933[3]
VS-15M
Marine Scouting Squadron 15
No image
July 1, 1933[3]
ZK-1M
1st Marine Barrage Balloon Squadron
No image
December 1929[4]

Marine Reserve Scouting Squadrons[]

The Marine Aviation Reserve was inactive from 1918 through 1928.[5] When reconstituted the names and aircraft used by these squadrons changed frequently but their home duty stations remained constant. The aircraft for these squadrons were assigned to the reserve bases themselves and were shared with co-located Navy Reserve squadrons.[6] The squadrons were absorbed into the 1st and 2nd Marine Aircraft Wings and their identities lost when they were mobilized in December 1940.[3]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Location Date Inactivated
VMS-1R
No image
Boston, Massachusetts
December 1940[6]
VMS-2R
No image
Brooklyn, New York
December 1940[6]
VMS-3R
No image
Anacostia, D.C.
December 1940[6]
VMS-4R
No image
Miami, Florida
December 1940[6]
VMS-5R
No image
Black Knights
Grosse Ile, Michigan
December 1940[7]
VMS-6R
No image
Minneapolis, Minnesota
December 1940[6]
VMS-7R
No image
Long Beach, California
December 1940[6]
VMS-8R
No image
Oakland, California
December 1940[6]
VMS-9R
No image
Seattle, Washington
December 1940[6]
VMS-10R
No image
Kansas City, Kansas
December 1940[6]
VMS-11R
No image
Brooklyn, New York
December 1940[6]

Marine Barrage Balloon Squadrons[]

Squadrons flying lighter than air vehicles (balloons), were indicated by the letter Z in naval squadron designation.[8] The first use of balloons by the Marine Corps was during World War I when they were used for artillery spotting.[9] After the outbreak of World War II, the Navy authorized the Marine Corps to create barrage balloon squadrons for the air defense of advanced naval bases.[10] Balloon training was cancelled in the summer of 1943 and the remaining units were deactivated by the end of the year.[11]

Barrage balloon at Parris Island in May 1942
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
ZMQ-1
No image
December 15, 1943
ZMQ-2
No image
August 21, 1942
ZMQ-3
No image
December 9, 1943[12]
ZMQ-4
No image
February 20, 1943[13]
ZMQ-5
No image
December 5, 1943[13]
ZMQ-6
No image
December 8, 1943[13]

Marine Scout Bombing Squadrons[]

Scout bombing squadrons each had eighteen to twenty-four SBD Dauntless dive bombers and were tasked with conducting dive-bombing attacks and long range scouting and patrol missions. They also provided close air support, laid smoke screens and sprayed DDT around bases.[14] The majority of these squadrons were quickly deactivated following the end of World War II although three entered the Marine Air Reserve for a short period.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMSB-243
Vmsb243 insig
Flying Goldbricks
September 25, 1945[15]
VMSB-244
Vmsb244
Bombing Banshees
[16]
VMSB-245
VMSB-245
Red Mousie
November 17, 1945[17]
VMSB-342
VMSB-342 WWII Logo
Bats from Hell
October 10, 1944[18]
VMSB-343
VMSB-343 WWII Logo
Gregoryā€™s Gorillas
June 10, 1946[19]
VMSB-344
No image
October 10, 1944[20]
VMSB-474
No image
September 10, 1945[21]
VMSB-484
No image
September 10, 1945[22]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMSB-931
No image
January 31, 1946[23]
VMSB-932
VMSB-932 WWII Logo
Teufelhund
January 31, 1946[24]
VMSB-933
VMSB-933 WWII Logo
September 10, 1945[24]
VMSB-934
No image
October 15, 1945[24]
VMSB-941
No image
October 10, 1944[24]
VMSB-942
No image
October 10, 1944[24]
VMSB-943
VMTB-943 WWII Logo
January 31, 1946[24]
VMSB-944
No image
October 10, 1944[25]

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons[]

VMTBs were torpedo bomber squadrons that operated the TBF Avenger. They were in service with the Marine Corps during World War II and were deactivated shortly after the war. They were part of the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal, served on escort carriers during the campaign to retake the Philippines and provided close air support for Australian forces on Borneo and Marines during the Battle of Okinawa.[26]

HendersonTBF

Marine TBF on Guadalcanal, 1942

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMTB-151
VMSB-151
Ali Baba
March 20, 1946[27]
VMTB-341
Vmsb341 insig
Torrid Turtles
September 13, 1945[28]
VMTB-454
VMTB-454 WWII Logo
Helldivers
January 28, 1946[29]
VMTB-621
VMTB-621 WWII Logo
March 10, 1945[29]
VMTB-622
VMTB-622 WWII Logo
January 31, 1946[29]
VMTB-623
VMTB-624 WWII Logo
March 20, 1946[29]
VMTB-624
VMTB-624 -2 WWII Logo
March 10, 1946[29]

Marine Fighting Squadrons[]

Marine Fighting Squadrons were multirole squadrons responsible for air-to-air combat, combat air patrols, attacking enemy shipping, escorting bombers and close air support.[30] By far the most numerous of any type of Marine Corps squadron, they first made their mark flying the F4F Wildcat as part of the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal and finished World War II flying the venerable F4U Corsair. Many VMF squadrons continued to operate after the war with most in the Marine Air Reserve; however, with the retirement of the F-8 Crusader the VMF squadrons either became VMFAs or were deactivated.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMF-111
VMF111-DevilDogs
Devil Dogs
October 22, 1965[31][32]
VMF-113
VMF-113
Whistling Devils
October 22, 1965[31]
VMF(AW)-114
VMF114-deathdealers
Death Dealers
July 1, 1963[33]
VMF-123
Vmf123 insig
Eight Balls
Late 1950s[34]
VMF-132
Vmsb132
Crying Red Asses
Unknown
VMF-141
Vmsb141
[9]
VMF-155
VMF-155
Ready Teddys
October 15, 1945[9]
VMF-213
VMF-213
Hell Hawks
mid-1970[35][36]
VMF-215
Vmf215 insig
Fighting Corsairs
January 30, 1970[37]
VMF-216
VMF-216 insignia
Bull Dogs
March 10, 1945[38]
VMF-218
Vmf218 insig
Hellions
early 1960s[9]
VMF-221
VMF-221 Fighting Falcons
Fighting Falcons
June 1959[39]
VMF-222
Vmf222a insig
Flying Deuces
December 31, 1949[39]
VMF-236
VMSB-236
Black Panthers
Late 1960s[40]
VMF-313
VMF313
Lily Packinā€™ Hellbirds
1950s[41]
VMF-413
File:Vmb413insignia.jpg
Shamrocks
January 1963[42]
VMF-422
VMF-422
Flying Buccaneers
June 30, 1947[43]
VMF-441
VMF-441
Blackjacks
June 1959[39]
VMF-452
VMF-452 WWII Logo
Sky Raiders
December 31, 1949[44]
VMF-471
VMF-471
September 10, 1945[45]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMF-472
VMF-472
Flying Seahorses
December 24, 1945[46]
VMF-481
No image
September 10, 1945[46]
VMF-482
No image
October 10, 1944[46]
VMF-511
VMF-511insignia
August 31, 1972[47]
VMF-512
VMF512insignia
March 10, 1946[48]
VMF-514
Vmf514 insig
The Whistling Death
December 9, 1945[49]
VMF-521
No image
September 10, 1945[49]
VMF-522
No image
September 10, 1945[50]
VMF-523
No image
October 15, 1945[50]
VMF-524
VMF-524insignia
October 15, 1945[50]
VMF-541
VMF(N)-541
The Bat Eyes
early 1960s[51]
VMF-911
VMF-911
Devilcats
March 15, 1946[52]
VMF-912
No image
March 15, 1946[52]
VMF-913
No image
January 1946[53]
VMF-914
No image
January 31, 1946[53]
VMF-921
No image
October 10, 1944[53]
VMF-922
No image
October 10, 1944[53]
VMF-923
No image
October 10, 1944[53]
VMF-924
No image
October 10, 1944[53]

Marine Night Fighter Squadrons[]

After witnessing the Royal Air Force's success using radar directed fighters at night in 1941,[9] the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics authorized eight Marine night fighter squadrons to be formed by 1945.[54] This timeline was brought forward considerably after the attack on Pearl Harbor and their need proven by the frustration of the Cactus Air Force's pilots not being able to engage Japanese bombers at night during the Battle of Guadalcanal. This led to the formation of the first VMF(N) in November 1942. After much deliberation the PV-1 Ventura was picked as the first choice of aircraft for these squadrons. The night fighting squadrons featured radar equipped aircraft, ground based radar and personnel that provided Ground-controlled interception (GCI). The VMF(N) designated squadrons were deactivated after the war as the night fighting mission was assumed by the fighter and attack communities.[55]

PV-1 night fighter VMF(N)-531 1943

PV-1 Ventura night fighter from VMF(N)-531, 1943.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMF(N)-532
VMF 532
Night Fighters
May 31, 1947[56]
VMF(N)-534
VMF(N)-534
May 31, 1947[56]
VMF(N)-544
VMFN544
April 20, 1946[56]

Marine Bombing Squadrons[]

The Marine Bombing Squadrons were formed during World War II to fill the need for a long range, land based bomber that could be used against enemy shipping and submarines. In the Pacific Theater, the squadrons served ashore as a garrison air force to attack bypassed Japanese bases and other installations. The VMBs flew the PBJ-1, which was the naval version of the B-25 Mitchell. Sixteen of these squadrons were commissioned with seven serving in combat, four never able to leave the U.S. due to the war ending and four others converted to VMTB squadrons.[57] The seven PBJ squadrons that saw combat in the Pacific suffered the loss of 45 aircraft, 26 in combat and 19 in non-combat operations, and 173 crew, 62 officers and 111 enlisted men.[58]

PBJ-1H USMC in flight c1944

PBJ-1

MarshallIslands

A convoy sails under the watchful eyes of three of VMB-613's crews

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMB-423
File:VMB-423insignia.jpg
Seahorses
November 30, 1945[59][60]
VMB-433
VMB-433 large insignia
Fork-Tailed Devils
November 30, 1945[61]
VMB-443
File:VMB-443 Insignia.jpg
Wildcats
November 30, 1945[62]
VMB-453
No image
March 20, 1946[57]
VMB-473
No image
March 20, 1946[57]
VMB-483
No image
March 15, 1945[57]
VMB-611
File:Official VMB-611 Insignia.jpg
Black Seahorse
November 30, 1945[63]
VMB-612
File:Vmb-612 Insignia.jpg
Cram's Rams
March 15, 1946[64]
VMB-613
File:VMB-613 Insignia.PNG
November 21, 1945[57]
VMB-614
VMB-614 WWII Logo
Ruptured Ducks
December 28, 1945

Marine Operational Training Squadrons[]

All of these squadrons were activated at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina in February 1945 as medium bomber pilot training units. They instructed Marines learning to fly the PBJ-1. Following the end of the war they were quickly deactivated.[65]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
MOTS-811
MOTG-81 insignia
September 10, 1945[66]
MOTS-812
MOTG-81 insignia
September 10, 1945[66]
MOTS-813
MOTG-81 insignia
November 1945[66]
MOTS-814
MOTG-81 insignia
November 1945[66]

Marine Photographic Squadrons[]

Marine photographic squadrons were first formed in 1942 and went through numerous name changes while they were active. VMDs/VMPs flew photographic modified versions of the SBD Dauntless, PB4Y-1 Liberator, PB4Y-2 Privateer and F7F Tigercat. The main mission of these squadrons was to conduct long range, very high-altitude photographic reconnaissance.[67]

PB4Y-2 NAS Jax 1943

PB4Y-2 Privateer

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMD-154
Vmd-154insignia
Pathfinders
September 10, 1945[68]
VMP-254
No image
November 30, 1949[69]
VMP-354
Vmd-354insignia
December 8, 1949[70]
VMD-954
VMD-954 WWII Logo
January 31, 1946[25]

Marine Glider Squadron[]

The Marine Corps established a glider program in April 1942. Eventually they set goals of having 10,800 Marines qualified as glider infantry, with 1,371 gliders and 3,436 pilots.[71] They originally operated from Page Field on MCRD Parris Island but later moved to Marine Corps Air Station Eagle Mountain Lake outside Dallas, Texas.[72] The program was disbanded in 1943 when it was determined that glider assaults into small, heavily fortified, jungle islands would be tactically unfeasible.[73]

Marine Gliders in May 1942

Marine Gliders

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VML-711
No image
May 24, 1943

Marine Transport Squadrons[]

Flying the R4D and the R5C-1, these squadrons were responsible for movings troops and cargo,aerial resupply, delivery of Paramarines and medical evacuation.The last of these squadrons was deactivated in 1949.[74]

Marines boarding a R4D in WWII

A stick of Marines boards an R4D

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMR-152
Vmr152 1950 insig
1950s[75]
VMR-153
VMR-153 insignia
1949[75]
VMR-353
VMR-353
February 15, 1946[76]
VMR-952
VMR-952 WWII Logo
May 31, 1947[77]
VMR-953
VMR-953 WWII Logo
Puss in Boots
May 31, 1947[78]

Marine Scouting Squadrons[]

There were three Marine Scouting Squadrons prior to World War II; however, VMS-3 was the only squadron to retain the designation. The squadron served in Haiti from 1919 through 1934 and then spent its last ten years at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. During World War II they were the only Marine Corps squadron to operate east of the United States. They began the war flying the Grumman J2F Duck, transitioned to the OS2N Kingfisher and at the time of deactivation were flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers.[67]

SBD-5s VMS-3 in flight near Virgin Islands

SBD Dauntless aircraft from VMS-3

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMS-3
VMS-3 WWII Logo
Devilbirds
May 20, 1944[79]

Marine Target Towing Detachments[]

Marine Target Towing detachments were first formed at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa in October 1944. They were responsible for towing targets for antiaircraft gunnery and radar tracking practice. They flew JM-1 Marauders and the R5C-1 Commandos. The last of these detachments was deactivated in March 1946.[74]

JM-1 target sleeve F6F-5N NAN11-45

JM-1 Marauder

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMJ-1
No image
October, 1945
VMJ-2
VMJ-2insignia
March 6, 1946[80]
VMJ-3
VMJ-3 insignia
Red Asses
October 21, 1945[79]

Marine Observation Squadrons[]

The Marine observation squadrons were formed during the latter stages of World War II with the primary mission of forward air control of strike aircraft for close air support and air interdiction.[81] They saw extensive service during the Vietnam War flying the OV-10 Bronco. The Marine Corps began decommissioning the VMO squadrons following their participation in Operation Desert Storm as propeller driven aircraft were seen as too dangerous to fly on the modern battlefield. Their mission has been assumed by the VMFA(AW) squadrons.

Marine-observation-plane-okinawa

OY-1 Grasshopper

OV-10A USS Nassau 1983

OV-10 Bronco of VMO-1

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMO-1
Vmo1 insig
July 31, 1993
VMO-2
Vmo2b insig
Cherry Deuce
May 20, 1993
VMO-4
Vmo4 insig
Evil Eyes
March 31, 1994
VMO-6
Vmo6 insig
Tomcats
January 1, 1976[82][83]
VMO-7
No image
November 16, 1945
VMO-8
Vmo8 a insig
July 1976

Marine Attack Squadrons[]

In 1951, the Marine Corps began fielding the AD-1 Skyraider ground attack aircraft which had as its main role close air support for the Marines on the ground. Thus many squadrons had their designation changed from VMF to VMA to reflect this ground attack role. 13 squadrons were equipped with the Skyraider until they were finally phased out in 1958.[84] Follow on VMA squadrons operated the A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam War through their retirement just after Operation Desert Storm. The VMA tradition is carried on today by squadrons flying the AV-8B Harrier II.

AD-6 VMA-331 1959

AD-6 Skyraiders of VMA-331

A4D-2 VMA-324 CVA-43 1960

A-4B Skyhawks of VMA-324

OA-4M MAG-32 1990

OA-4M Skyhawk of MAG-32

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMA-124
Vma124 insig
Whistling Death
1996
VMA-131
Vma-131
Diamondbacks
December 5, 1998[85]
VMA-133
Vma133 insig
Dragons
1992
VMA-143
Vmsb143
Rocket Raiders
VMA-144
Vmsb144 insig
Hensagliska
VMA-217
Vmf217 insig
Maxā€™s Wild Hares
1964
VMA-233
VMSB-233 WWII Logo
Flying Deadheads
1969
VMA-241
VMSB-241insignia
Sons of Satan
VMA-322
VMA322
Fighting Gamecocks
June 27, 1992[86]
VMA-324
Vma324 insig
Devildogs
29 August 1974[87]
VMA-331
VMA-331
Bumblebeess
October 1, 1992
VMA-543
VMF-543
Night Hawks
April 1, 1974

Marine Reconnaissance Squadron[]

Marine Reconnaissance Squadron 4 was the only reserve photographic reconnaissance squadron in the Marine Corps. Initially based in Naval Air Station New Orleans, Louisiana they moved to Naval Air Station Olathe, Kansas May 1, 1967 and then again to Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas in 1970 when the reserves where reorganized. They flew RF-8A until 1969 when all the planes where replaced with the RF-8G.[47]

F3D-2Q F8U-1P VMCJ-3 NAN1-76

RF-8A and EF-10B of VMCJ-3.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMJ-4
No image
1973

Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons[]

Following the Korean War Marine Composite Squadron 1 (VMC-1) and Marine Photographic Squadron 1 (VMJ-1) were combined to form VMCJ-1. The new squadron was responsible for both Photoreconnaissance and Electronic Warfare. In its early years it flew the RF-8A Crusader and EF-10B Skyknight but these were later replaced by the RF-4B Phantom II and the EA-6A Electric Intruder. The squadron was deactivated following the end of the Vietnam War and the reorganization of the Marine Corps' composite community in 1975.[88]

EF-10B VMCJ-1 DaNang

EF-10B Skyknight of VMCJ-1

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMCJ-1
Vmcj1
Golden Hawks
September 1975

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron[]

Upon the decommissioning of the Marine Composite Squadrons (VMCJs), VMFP-3 became the lone photographic reconnaissance squadron in the Marine Corps.[89] They flew the RF-4B Phantom II and operated from 1975 until being decommissioned in 1990. Their capability has since been replaced by various targeting pods used on Marine aircraft and the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System which is found in some of the F/A-18 Hornet squadrons.[90]

VMFP-3 aircraft in flight

RF-4B Phantoms

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMFP-3
Vmfp3eyes of the corps
Eyes of the Corps
September 3, 1990

Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons[]

The first Marine Corps squadron to be redesignated a VMFA was in June 1962 upon receipt of the first F-4 Phantom II aircraft. VMF and VMA squadrons were redesignated because the new Phantoms could be both fighter aircraft and ground attack aircraft.[91] These squadrons were heavily deployed during the Vietnam War. Most of these squadrons would eventually convert to the F/A-18 Hornet with the last F-4 Phantom leaving service in 1992.[92] The end of the Cold War saw the deactivation of some VMFA squadrons as part of the overall drawdown of the US Military[93]

F-4N VMFA-531 CV-43 Apr80

F-4 Phantom of VMFA-531

FA-18A VMFA-321 2004

F/A-18A of VMFA-321

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMFA-134
VMFA-134logo
Smoke
April 1, 2007[94]
VMFA-142
Vmfa142
Gators
July 2008[95]
VMFA-212
VMFA-212
Lancers
March 11, 2008[96]
VMFA-235
Vmfa-235 squadron insignia
Death Angels
June 14, 1996[97]
VMFA-321
Vmfa-321 unit insignia
Hells Angels
September 30, 2004[98]
VMFA-333
File:Vmfa-333 patch.jpg
Fighting Shamrocks
March 31, 1992[99]
VMFA-334
Vmfa-334
Falcons
December 30, 1971[47]
VMFA-351
Vmfa-351
1978[100]
VMFA-531
VMFA-531
Grey Ghosts
April 27, 1992[101]

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron[]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMFA(AW)-332
VMFA-332-2
Moonlighters
March 30, 2007[102]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons[]

CH-53A153295HMH-769ELPJan79

CH-53A of HMH-769

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
HMH-769
Hmh769logo
Titan
August 2, 2008
HMH-777
HMH-777 insignia
Flying Armadillos
1980[103]

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons[]

The original Marine Medium Helicopter squadrons flew the UH-34D Sea Horse, which shortly after its inception saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War.[104] Beginning in 1966 they began to be replaced with the CH-46 Sea Knight which was faster, could carry more troops and is still in service today.[105] The decommissioned HMM squadrons reflect the UH-34D training squadron and various reserve squadrons.

H-34 in Vietnam

UH-34D Sea Horse

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
HMM-761
No image
August 31, 1962
HMM-762
No image
December 31, 1962[103]
HMM-763
No image
September 30, 1962
HMM-766
HMM-766
Beavers
October 1, 1976
HMM-768
Hmm-768 insignia
1976

Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons[]

UH-1N-2

UH-1N Huey from HML-770

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
HML-765
Hml-765 squadron insignia
June 30, 1976
HML-767
HML-767
Nomads
August 1, 1994
HML-770
HMM-770
1980/81
HML-771
HML-771 insignia
Hummers
August 1, 1994[106]
HML-776
HML-776 insignia
Gangsters
July 1, 1994

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons[]

The Marine Corpsā€™ light attack squadrons (HMLAs) are composite squadrons usually made up of 12 AH-1W Cobras and 6 UH-1N Hueys. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort,[107] while the Huey provided airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation. These squadrons were first formed during the Vietnam War with the fielding of the AH-1 Cobra gunship and its being combined in the same squadron with the UH-1H Iroquois that initially belonged to the Marine Corps' VMO squadrons. The majority of these squadrons are still active today in the Opearting Forces today[108]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
HMLA-775
HMLA-775
Coyotes
September 6, 2008

Training squadrons[]

TF-9J VMT-103 El Toro 1965

A TF-9J Cougar of VMT-103 at MCAS El Toro in 1965.

A-4M VMAT-102

A-4M of VMAT-102

TC-4C VMAT(AW)-202 at MCAS Cherry Point 1978

TC-4C from VMAT(AW)-202

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated
VMAT-20
Marine Attack Training Squadron
VMAT-20 insignia
[109]
VMAT-102
Marine Attack Training Squadron
Vmat102a
Skyhawks
VMT-103
Marine Training Squadron
Vmt103
Sky Chickens
VMFAT-201
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron
VMFAT-201 squadron insignia
Hawks
September 30, 1974[110]
VMAT(AW)-202
Marine All-Weather Attack Training Squadron
VMAT AW-202 squadron insignia
Double Eagles
1990[111]
VMGRT-253
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron
Vmgrt253
Titans
September 14, 2006[112]
HMT-301
Marine Helicopter Training Squadron
Hmt301 insig
Windwalkers
June 3, 2005[113]
HMHT-401
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron
HMHT-401 insignia
May 1, 1972
HMMT-402
Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron
Hmmt-402 insignia
May 1, 1972

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ā†‘ Shettle USMC Air Stations of WWII, p.9.
  2. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.397.
  3. ā†‘ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.387.
  4. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.399.
  5. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.386.
  6. ā†‘ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 Ghormley, Robert (1940). "Organization and Designation of Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Aircraft Squadrons" (PDF). Naval Aeronautic Organization - Fiscal Year 1940 - Change No. 1.. Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. http://www.history.navy.mil/a-record/nao23-52/fy-1940.pdf. Retrieved 2007-03-08. 
  7. ā†‘ "The Depression Years". The Depression years at NASGI. United States Navy Historical Society. http://www.nasgi.org/depress.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-01. 
  8. ā†‘ "Bats in Military Service". Bathead. Scott Pedersen. http://biomicro.sdstate.edu/pederses/insignia.html. Retrieved 2007-03-16. 
  9. ā†‘ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in WWII. Washington: Combat Forces Press. pp. 4ā€“5. ISBN 0-933852-58-4. 
  10. ā†‘ Shettle USMC Air Stations of WWII, p.19.
  11. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.410.
  12. ā†‘ "Chapter VIII: Cactuc Bound". HyperWar: The Amphibians Came to Conquer. Dyer, George C.. http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ACTC/actc-8.html. Retrieved 2007-03-25. 
  13. ā†‘ 13.0 13.1 13.2 Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.450.
  14. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.405.
  15. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.65.
  16. ā†‘ "1st Marine Airwing - Mag 24 - VMSB-244 - Bombing Banshees". http://www.vmsb244.com/. Retrieved 2007-03-17. 
  17. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.66.
  18. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.79.
  19. ā†‘ Burkholder VMSB-343, p.19
  20. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.88.
  21. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.93.
  22. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.94.
  23. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.109.
  24. ā†‘ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 24.4 24.5 Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.110.
  25. ā†‘ 25.0 25.1 Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.111.
  26. ā†‘ "John Lally's TBM Avenger". Adam Lewis. www.adamsplanes.com. http://www.adamsplanes.com/John%20Lally%27s%20TBM.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  27. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.40.
  28. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.78.
  29. ā†‘ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 "United States Marine Corps VMTBs list". http://pacific.valka.cz/airunits/usmc_vmtb.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-25. 
  30. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.404.
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  32. ā†‘ "Unofficial Command Chronology - VMF-111". Commanding Officer - Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. http://www.tmqg.com/~usmc/mcaset/e-pubs/VMF-111/mcaset.cc.VMF-111.txt. Retrieved 2007-03-17. [dead link]
  33. ā†‘ Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.33.
  34. ā†‘ "Chronological Narrative and History of Marine Fighting Squadron, VMF-123 (1942-1945)". http://www.uss-bennington.org/airgroups-vmf-123.html. Retrieved 2007-03-17. 
  35. ā†‘ "VMF - 213, The Hellhawks". http://dwp.bigplanet.com/johnl123/vmf1213/. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  36. ā†‘ "Marine Fighting Squadron 213". http://members.cox.net/~vmf-213/. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  37. ā†‘ Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.75.
  38. ā†‘ "The Story, the History, the Marines of VMF-216". http://www.vmf216.com/. Retrieved 2007-03-25. 
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  41. ā†‘ Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.123.
  42. ā†‘ Albright, Steven. "The History of Marine F-8 units". http://www.cloudnet.com/~djohnson/usmc.htm. Retrieved 2007-12-18. 
  43. ā†‘ "A Tale of Heroes". www.grunt.com. http://www.grunt.com/scuttlebutt/corps-stories/heroes/tale.asp. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  44. ā†‘ "Unofficial Command Chronology - VMF-452". Commanding Officer - Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. http://www.tmqg.com/~usmc/mcaset/e-pubs/VMF-452/mcaset.cc.VMF-452.txt. Retrieved 2007-03-17. [dead link]
  45. ā†‘ Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.153.
  46. ā†‘ 46.0 46.1 46.2 Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.543.
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  48. ā†‘ "VMF-512". www.adamsplanes.com. http://www.adamsplanes.com/VMF-512.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-25. 
  49. ā†‘ 49.0 49.1 Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.159.
  50. ā†‘ 50.0 50.1 50.2 Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.160.
  51. ā†‘ Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.173.
  52. ā†‘ 52.0 52.1 Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.176.
  53. ā†‘ 53.0 53.1 53.2 53.3 53.4 53.5 Crowder USMC Aviation Squadron, p.177.
  54. ā†‘ Shettle USMC Air Stations of WWII, p.34.
  55. ā†‘ "Ownership of the Night". Major Bron Madrigan. www.globalsecurity.org. http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1989/MB.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  56. ā†‘ 56.0 56.1 56.2 Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.446.
  57. ā†‘ 57.0 57.1 57.2 57.3 57.4 "Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen - Background". Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen Association. http://www.vmb-613.com/background.html. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
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  59. ā†‘ Carey, Alan C.. "VMB-423". http://www.militarybooks.freeservers.com/photo3.html. Retrieved 2007-03-24. 
  60. ā†‘ "The VMB-423 Reunion Homepage". http://www.vmb423.com/. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  61. ā†‘ "Marine Bombing Squadron Four Thirty Three". http://www.vmb433.com/. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  62. ā†‘ Carey, Alan C.. "VMB-443". http://www.militarybooks.freeservers.com/photo5.html. Retrieved 2007-03-25. 
  63. ā†‘ Carey, Alan C.. "VMB-611". http://www.militarybooks.freeservers.com/photo6.html. Retrieved 2007-03-24. 
  64. ā†‘ Carey, Alan C.. "VMB-612". http://www.militarybooks.freeservers.com/photo3.html. Retrieved 2007-03-24. 
  65. ā†‘ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.454.
  66. ā†‘ 66.0 66.1 66.2 66.3 Shettle USMC Air Stations of WWII, p.59.
  67. ā†‘ 67.0 67.1 Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.406.
  68. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.41.
  69. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.69.
  70. ā†‘ "Post 1945". http://www.usmarinecorpsvmd-354.com/finale.html. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  71. ā†‘ Swain, Craig. "Gliders for the Navy Department: 1940-45". www.microworks.net. http://www.microworks.net/PACIFIC/aviation/gliders.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  72. ā†‘ Freeman, Paul. "Abandoned & Little-Known Airfields:85/60Texas - Northwestern Fort Worth area". Eagle Mountain Lake Marine Corps Air Station (4TA2), Pecan Acres, TX. http://www.airfields-freeman.com/TX/Airfields_TX_FtWorth_NW.htm#eaglemtn. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  73. ā†‘ McKillop, Jack. "Piper NLP, Piper NE Grasshopper". www.microworks.net. http://www.microworks.net/pacific/aviation/piper_ne.htm. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
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  75. ā†‘ 75.0 75.1 "Marine Air Group - 25". DC3 Aviation Museum. http://www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/stories?1916. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  76. ā†‘ "VMJ/VMR-353 of MAG 15". DC3 Aviation Museum. http://www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/story?1371. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  77. ā†‘ "Marine Aviation in the Marianas, Carolines, and at Iwo Jima". Historical Branch - Headquarters Marine Corps. http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USMC/IV/USMC-IV-V-2.html. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  78. ā†‘ Rehbock, Alan. "China Expedite" (PDF). Marine Corps Air Transport Association. http://www.mcata.com/March%202001%20Newsletter.pdf. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
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  80. ā†‘ Millstein USMC Aviation Unit Insignia, p.13.
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  82. ā†‘ "VMO-6 MAG 36-PMAG 39 1stMAW - Vietnam Service". http://www.vmo6rocks.homestead.com/. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  83. ā†‘ "Brief History of Marine Observation Squadron Six". Valor Remembered Foundation. http://www.valorremembered.org/SWP_VMO6History.htm. Retrieved 2007-03-23. 
  84. ā†‘ "USMC AD Skyraider Squadrons". The Able Dogs - site for Navy and Marine Corps aviators who flew all models of the Douglas AD Skyraider.. http://www.abledogs.com/. Retrieved 2007-02-28. 
  85. ā†‘ Burkholder VMSB-343, p.321
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References[]

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