List of decommissioned United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

From Wikipedia the free encyclopedia

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[edit]

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 1 July 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]

Decommissioned squadrons[edit]

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

Pre–World War II squadrons[edit]

Following World War I, Marine aviation was significantly reduced from 8 to 3 squadrons. Many of the squadrons were renamed and re-designated numerous times and many still exist today with other designations. The squadrons listed below reflect those squadrons that were decommissioned prior to World War II and were never reconstituted in any form.

USMC Vought O2U-2 Corsairs flying past the USS Saratoga (CV-3), c. 1930.
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Sources
VP-3M
Marine Patrol Squadron 3 		1931 [3]
VO-6M
Marine Observation Squadron 6
 		Hell Divers 1932 [3]
VO-10M
Marine Observation Squadron 10
 		1 April 1931 [3]
VS-14M
Marine Scouting Squadron 14 		1 July 1933 [3]
VS-15M
Marine Scouting Squadron 15 		1 July 1933 [3]
ZK-1M
1st Marine Barrage Balloon Squadron 		31 December 1929 [4]

Marine Reserve Scouting Squadrons[edit]

The Marine Aviation Reserve was inactive from 1918 through 1928.[5] When it was 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 Decommissioned Source
VMS-1R Boston, Massachusetts December 1940 [6]
VMS-2R Brooklyn, New York December 1940 [6]
VMS-3R Anacostia, D.C. December 1940 [6]
VMS-4R Miami, Florida December 1940 [6]
VMS-5R Black Knights Grosse Ile, Michigan December 1940 [7]
VMS-6R Minneapolis, Minnesota December 1940 [6]
VMS-7R Long Beach, California December 1940 [6]
VMS-8R Oakland, California December 1940 [6]
VMS-9R Seattle, Washington December 1940 [6]
VMS-10R Kansas City, Kansas December 1940 [6]
VMS-11R Brooklyn, New York December 1940 [6]

Marine Barrage Balloon Squadrons[edit]

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 decommissioned by the end of the year.[11]

Barrage balloon at Parris Island in May 1942
Barrage balloon at Parris Island in May 1942
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
ZMQ-1 15 December 1943 [12]
ZMQ-2 21 August 1943 [12]
ZMQ-3 9 December 1943 [13]
ZMQ-4 20 February 1943 [12]
ZMQ-5 5 December 1943 [12]
ZMQ-6 8 December 1943 [12]

Marine Balloon Observation Squadron[edit]

ZK-1M was formed in 1924 and disbanded in 1929.

Marine Scout Bombing Squadrons[edit]

Scout bombing squadrons each had eighteen to twenty-four Douglas 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 decommissioned following the end of World War II although three entered the Marine Air Reserve for a short period.

  • SBD Dauntless
    SBD Dauntless
  • SB2C Helldiver
    SB2C Helldiver
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMSB-243 Flying Goldbricks 25 September 1945 [15]
VMSB-244 Bombing Banshees 10 June 1946 [16]
VMSB-245 Red Mousie 17 November 1945 [17]
VMSB-342 Bats from Hell 10 October 1944 [18]
VMSB-343 Gregory's Gorillas 10 June 1946 [19]
VMSB-344 10 October 1944 [20]
VMSB-474 10 September 1945 [21]
VMSB-484 10 September 1945 [22]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned
VMSB-931 31 January 1946 [23][24]
VMSB-932 Teufelhund 31 January 1946 [25][24]
VMSB-933 10 September 1945 [25][24]
VMSB-934 15 October 1945 [25][24]
VMSB-941 10 October 1944 [25]
VMSB-942 10 October 1944 [25]
VMSB-943 31 January 1946 [25]
VMSB-944 10 October 1944 [26]

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons[edit]

VMTBs were torpedo bomber squadrons that operated the Grumman TBF Avenger. They were in service with the Marine Corps during World War II and were decommissioned 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.[27]

Marine TBF on Guadalcanal, 1942
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMTB-151 Ali Baba 20 March 1946 [28][24]
VMTB-341 Torrid Turtles 13 September 1945 [29]
VMTB-454 Helldivers 28 January 1946 [30]
VMTB-621 10 March 1945 [31]
VMTB-622 31 January 1946 [31]
VMTB-623 20 March 1946 [31]
VMTB-624 10 March 1946 [32]

Marine Fighting Squadrons[edit]

Marine Fighting Squadrons were multirole squadrons responsible for air-to-air combat, combat air patrols, attacking enemy shipping, escorting bombers and close air support.[33] By far the most numerous of any type of Marine Corps squadron, they first made their mark flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat as part of the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal and finished World War II flying the venerable Vought F4U Corsair. Many VMF squadrons continued to operate after the war with most in the Marine Air Reserve; however, with the retirement of the Vought F-8 Crusader the VMF squadrons either became VMFAs or were decommissioned.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Sources
VMF-111 Devil Dogs 22 October 1965 [34]
VMF-113 Whistling Devils 22 October 1965 [34]
VMF(AW)-114 Death Dealers 1 July 1963 [35]
VMF-123 Eight Balls 1965 [36]
VMF-132 Crying Red Asses Unknown
VMF-155 Ready Teddys 15 October 1945 [9]
VMF-213 Hell Hawks mid-1970
VMF-215 Fighting Corsairs 30 January 1970 [37]
VMF-218 Hellions 30 September 1962 [38]
VMF-221 Fighting Falcons 31 October 1965 [39]
VMF-222 Flying Deuces 31 December 1949 [40]
VMF-313 Lily Packin’ Hellbirds 1950s [41]
VMF-413 Shamrocks January 1963 [42]
VMF-422 Flying Buccaneers 30 June 1947 [43]
VMF-441 Blackjacks 31 October 1965 [44]
VMF-452 Sky Raiders 31 December 1949
VMF-471 10 September 1945 [45]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned
VMF-472 Flying Seahorses 24 December 1945 [46]
VMF-481 10 September 1945 [47]
VMF-482 10 October 1944 [47]
VMF-511 31 August 1972
VMF-512 10 March 1946 [48]
VMF-514 The Whistling Death 9 December 1945 [49]
VMF-521 10 September 1945 [49][24]
VMF-522 10 September 1945 [50][24]
VMF-523 15 October 1945 [50][24]
VMF-524 15 October 1945 [50][24]
VMF-541 The Bat Eyes early 1960s [51]
VMF-911 Devilcats 15 March 1946 [52][24]
VMF-912 15 March 1946 [52][24]
VMF-913 31 January 1946 [52][24]
VMF-914 31 January 1946 [53][24][54]
VMF-921 10 October 1944 [53][55]
VMF-922 10 October 1944 [53][56]
VMF-923 10 October 1944 [53][57]
VMF-924 10 October 1944 [53][58]

Marine Night Fighter Squadrons[edit]

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.[59] 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 VMF(N)-531 in November 1942. After much deliberation the Lockheed 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 decommissioned after the war, those that weren't were re-designated VMF(AW).[60]

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura night fighter from VMF(N)-531, 1943.
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMF(N)-532 Night Fighters 31 May 1947 [31]
VMF(N)-534 31 May 1947 [31]
VMF(N)-544 20 April 1946 [31]

Marine Bombing Squadrons[edit]

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 North American PBJ-1 Mitchell, which was the naval version of the U.S. Army Air Forces' 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.[61] 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.[62]

North American PBJ-1 Mitchell
A convoy sails under the watchful eyes of three of VMB-613's crews
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMB-423 Seahorses 30 November 1945 [63]
VMB-433 Fork-Tailed Devils 30 November 1945 [64][63]
VMB-443 Wildcats 30 November 1945 [63]
VMB-453 20 March 1946 [30]
VMB-473 20 March 1946 [30]
VMB-483 15 March 1945 [65]
VMB-612 Cram's Rams 14 March 1946 [66][24]
VMB-613 21 November 1945 [63]
VMB-614 Ruptured Ducks 28 December 1945 [31]

Marine Operational Training Squadrons[edit]

All of these squadrons were activated as Marine Training Squadrons (MTS) at Marine Corps Air Station Edenton, North Carolina in January 1944 and were redesignated as Marine Operational Training Squadrons (MOTS) and transferred to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina in February 1945 as medium bomber pilot training units. They instructed Marines learning to fly the North American PBJ-1 Mitchell. Following the end of the war they were quickly decommissioned.[67]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
MOTS-811 10 September 1945 [68][24]
MOTS-812 10 September 1945 [68][24]
MOTS-813 23 November 1945 [68][24]
MOTS-814 30 November 1945 [68][24]

Marine Photographic Squadrons[edit]

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 Douglas SBD Dauntless, Consolidated PB4Y-1 Liberator, Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer and Grumman F7F Tigercat. The main mission of these squadrons was to conduct long range, very high-altitude photographic reconnaissance.[69]

Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMD-154 Pathfinders 10 September 1945 [70][24]
VMP-254 30 November 1949 [71]
VMP-354 8 December 1949
VMD-954 31 January 1946 [26][24]

Marine Glider Squadron[edit]

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.[72] They originally operated from Page Field on MCRD Parris Island but later moved to Marine Corps Air Station Eagle Mountain Lake outside Dallas, Texas.[73] The program was disbanded in 1943 when it was determined that glider assaults into small, heavily fortified, jungle islands would be tactically unfeasible.[74]

Marine Gliders
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VML-711 24 May 1943 [75]

Marine Transport Squadrons[edit]

Flying the Douglas R4D Skytrain and the Curtiss R5C-1 Commando, these squadrons were responsible for moving troops and cargo, aerial resupply, delivery of Paramarines, and medical evacuation.

A stick of Marines boards a Douglas R4D Skytrain
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMR-152 31 January 1959
VMR-216 Bull Dogs 21 December 1972 [76]
VMR-353 15 February 1946 [77]
VMR-952 31 May 1947 [78]
VMR-953 Puss in Boots 31 May 1947 [32]

Marine Scouting Squadrons[edit]

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 Naval Aircraft Factory/Vought OS2N Kingfisher and at the time of deactivation were flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers.[69]

VMS-3 Douglas SBD Dauntless
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMS-3 Devilbirds 20 May 1944 [79]

Marine Target Towing Detachments[edit]

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 Martin JM-1 Marauders and the Curtiss R5C-1 Commandos. The last of these detachments was decommissioned in March 1946.[80]

Martin JM-1 Marauder
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMJ-1 October 1945
VMJ-2 6 March 1946 [81]
VMJ-3 Red Asses 21 October 1945 [79]

Marine Observation Squadrons[edit]

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.[82] They saw extensive service during the Vietnam War flying the North American OV-10 Bronco. The Marine Corps began decommissioning the VMO squadrons following their participation in Operation Desert Storm as turboprop-driven aircraft were being perceived in the wake of that conflict as being too vulnerable to surface-to-air missiles, especially shoulder-launched man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS), to fly over modern battlefields. Their mission has been assumed by the VMFA(AW) squadrons flying the F/A-18D Hornet.

OY-1 Grasshopper
OV-10 Bronco of VMO-1
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMO-1 31 July 1993
VMO-2 Cherry Deuce 20 May 1993
VMO-4 Evil Eyes 31 March 1994
VMO-6 Tomcats 1 January 1976 [83][84]
VMO-7 16 November 1945
VMO-8 July 1976

Marine Attack Squadrons[edit]

In 1951, the Marine Corps began fielding the Douglas 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.[85] 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.

Douglas AD-6 Skyraiders of VMA-331
Douglas A-4B Skyhawks of VMA-324
Douglas OA-4M Skyhawk of MAG-32
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMA-131 Diamondbacks 5 December 1998 [86]
VMA-133 Dragons 30 September 1992
VMA-141 1 September 1969 [87]
VMA-143 Rocket Raiders 30 June 1962 [88]
VMA-144 Hensagliska 31 October 1965 [89]
VMA-217 Max's Wild Hares 1964
VMA-233 Flying Deadheads 1 July 1969 [87]
VMA-236 Black Panthers 31 August 1962 [90]
VMA-241 Sons of Satan 1 October 1969 [87]
VMA-322 Fighting Gamecocks 27 June 1992 [91]
VMA-324 Devildogs 29 August 1974 [92]
VMA-331 Bumblebeess 1 October 1992
VMA-543 Night Hawks 1 April 1974 [93]
VMA-611 1 March 1969 [87]

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons[edit]

VMAQ squadrons operated the EA-6B Prowler[94] and were tasked with providing electronic attack, electronic counter-countermeasures, radar jamming and suppression of enemy air defense using the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pod[95] and the AGM-88 HARM. Each of the four squadrons operated five aircraft and were land-based, although they were capable of landing on board U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.[96][97] VMAQ-2 decommissioned on 8 March 2019 marking the end of active service for the VMAQs and the EA-6B Prowler.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMAQT-1 Banshees 29 April 2016 [98]
VMAQ-2 Death Jesters 8 March. 2019 [99]
VMAQ-3 Moon Dogs 11 May 2018 [100]
VMAQ-4 Seahawks 2 June 2017 [101]

Marine Reconnaissance Squadron[edit]

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 1 May 1967 and then again to Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas in 1970 when the reserves were reorganized. They flew Vought RF-8A Crusader until 1969 when all the planes were replaced with the Vought RF-8G Crusader.[102]

RF-8A and EF-10B of VMCJ-3.
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMJ-4 1973

Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons[edit]

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 Vought RF-8A Crusader and Douglas EF-10B Skyknight but these were later replaced by the McDonnell-Douglas RF-4B Phantom II and the Grumman EA-6A Electric Intruder. The squadron was decommissioned following the end of the Vietnam War and the reorganization of the Marine Corps' composite community in 1975.

Douglas EF-10B Skyknight of VMCJ-1
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMCJ-1 Golden Hawks 1 September 1975 [103]

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron[edit]

Upon the decommissioning of the Marine Composite Squadrons (VMCJs), VMFP-3 became the lone photographic reconnaissance squadron in the Marine Corps.[104] They flew the McDonnell-Douglas 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 McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet squadrons.[105]

McDonnell-Douglas RF-4B Phantom IIs
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMFP-3 Eyes of the Corps 3 September 1990

Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons[edit]

The first Marine Corps squadron to be redesignated a VMFA was in June 1962 upon receipt of the first McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II aircraft. VMF and VMA squadrons were redesignated because the new Phantoms could be both fighter aircraft and ground attack aircraft.[106] These squadrons were heavily deployed during the Vietnam War. Most of these squadrons would eventually convert to the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 Hornet with the last F-4 Phantom leaving service in 1992.[107] The end of the Cold War saw the deactivation of some VMFA squadrons as part of the overall drawdown of the US Military[108]

McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II of VMFA-531
McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18A Hornet of VMFA-321
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMFA-115 Silver Eagles 9 November 2023 [109]
VMFA-124 Whistling Death 19 June 1999 [110]
VMFA-134 Smoke 1 April 2007 [111]
VMFA-142 Gators July 2008 [112]
VMFA-212 Lancers 11 March 2008 [113]
VMFA-235 Death Angels 14 June 1996 [114]
VMFA-251 Thunderbolts 23 April 2020 [115]
VMFA-321 Hells Angels 30 September 2004 [116]
VMFA-333 Fighting Shamrocks 31 March 1992 [117]
VMFA-334 Falcons 30 December 1971 [118]
VMFA-351 1978 [119]
VMFA-531 Grey Ghosts 27 April 1992 [120]

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron[edit]

See also: List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons § Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (All Weather)
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMFA(AW)-332 Moonlighters 30 March 2007 [121]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons[edit]

See also: List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons § Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons
CH-53A of HMH-769
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
HMH-463 Pegasus 22 April 2022 [122]
HMH-366 Hammerheads 16 December 2022 [123]
HMH-769 Titan 2 August 2008 [124]
HMH-777 Flying Armadillos 1980 [125]

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons[edit]

The original Marine Medium Helicopter squadrons flew the Sikorsky UH-34D Sea Horse, which shortly after its inception saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War.[126] 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.[127] The decommissioned HMM squadrons reflect the UH-34D training squadron and various reserve squadrons.

UH-34D Sea Horse
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
HMM-761 31 August 1962 [128]
HMM-762 31 December 1962 [129]
HMM-763 30 September 1962 [130]
HMM-766 Beavers 1 October 1976 [131]
HMM-768 1976 [132]

Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons[edit]

Bell UH-1N Huey from HML-770
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
HML-765 30 June 1976 [133]
HML-767 Nomads 1 August 1994 [134]
HMM-770 Stingers 1980 [135]
HML-771 Hummers 1 August 1994 [134]
HML-776 Gangsters 1 July 1994 [134]

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons[edit]

The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons (HMLAs) are composite squadrons usually made up of 12 Bell AH-1Z Cobras and 6 Bell UH-1Y Hueys. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort, 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 Bell 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 in the Fleet Marine Force today.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
HMLA-269 The Gunrunners 9 December 2022 [136]
HMLA-467 Sabers 16 June 2016 [137]
HMLA-469 Vengeance 16 December 2022 [138]

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron[edit]

Marine tiltrotor squadrons operate the MV-22 Osprey with their main mission being assault support. The Osprey offers twice the speed, five times the range, and can fly more than twice as high as the CH-46 Sea Knight it replaced. The Marine Corps has 18 operational Osprey squadrons as of April 2018.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMM-166 Sea Elk 1 October 2021 [139]
VMM-264 Black Knights 24 June 2020
VMM-561 Pale Horses 7 July 2012

Training squadrons[edit]

[140]

Grumman TF-9J Cougar of VMT-103 at MCAS El Toro in 1965.
Douglas A-4M Skyhawk of VMAT-102
Grumman TC-4C Academe from VMAT(AW)-202
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMAT-20
Marine Attack Training Squadron
VMFAT-101
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 		Sharpshooters 29 September 2023 [141]
VMAT-102
Marine Attack Training Squadron 		Skyhawks 1 October 1987
VMT-103
Marine Training Squadron 		Sky Chickens 31 May 1972 [142]
VMFAT-201
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 		Hawks 30 September 1974 [143]
VMAT(AW)-202
Marine All-Weather Attack Training Squadron 		Double Eagles 1990
VMAT-203
Marine Attack Training Squadron 		Hawks 29 October 2021 [144]
VMGRT-253
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 		Titans 14 September 2006
HMT-301
Marine Helicopter Training Squadron
 		Windwalkers 3 June 2005 [145]
HMHT-401
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 		1 May 1972 [146]
HMMT-402
Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 		1 May 1972 [146]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Shettle 2001, pp. 9.
  2. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 397.
  3. ^ a b c d e f Rottman 2002, pp. 387.
  4. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 399.
  5. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 386.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 February 2007. Retrieved 8 March 2007.
  7. ^ "The Depression Years". The Depression years at NASGI. United States Navy Historical Society. Retrieved 1 March 2007.
  8. ^ Grossnick, Roy A. (1995). "Dictionary of American Naval Aviation Squadrons Volume 1" (PDF). Naval History and Heritage Command. Naval Historical Center. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  9. ^ a b c Sherrod 1952, pp. 4–5.
  10. ^ Shettle 2001, pp. 19.
  11. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 410.
  12. ^ a b c d e Rottman 2002, pp. 450.
  13. ^ "Chapter VIII: Cactus Bound". HyperWar: The Amphibians Came to Conquer. Dyer, George C. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  14. ^ Rottman USMC WWII OOB, p.405.
  15. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 65.
  16. ^ "1st Marine Airwing - Mag 24 - VMSB-244 - Bombing Banshees". Retrieved 17 March 2007.
  17. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 66.
  18. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 79.
  19. ^ Burkholder 2000, pp. 19.
  20. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 88.
  21. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 93.
  22. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 94.
  23. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 109.
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t 9th MAW Unit History 1 Sep 1945 – 31 Mar 1946
  25. ^ a b c d e f Millstein 1995, pp. 110.
  26. ^ a b Millstein 1995, pp. 111.
  27. ^ "John Lally's TBM Avenger". Adam Lewis. www.adamsplanes.com. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  28. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 40.
  29. ^ Millstein 1995, pp. 78.
  30. ^ a b c Rottman 2002, pp. 445.
  31. ^ a b c d e f g Rottman 2002, pp. 446.
  32. ^ a b Rottman 2002, pp. 447.
  33. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 404.
  34. ^ a b "Marine Gunfighters". f8crusader.org. Crusader Association. Retrieved 30 July 2021.
  35. ^ Crowder 2000, pp. 33.
  36. ^ Index for United States Marine Corps Bound diaries for 1965. Series: Index to Muster Rolls, 1949 - 1977. United States Department of Defense. p. 48. Retrieved 17 January 2022. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  37. ^ Crowder 2000, pp. 75.
  38. ^ "United States Marine Corps Muster Rolls - 1962" (PDF). NARA. United States Marine Corps. p. 58. Retrieved 23 November 2023.
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  55. ^ VMF-921, October 1944 Muster Rolls - Squadron was decommissioned per authority of 9th Marine Aircraft Wing General Order 56-1944 dated 9 October 1944.
  56. ^ VMF-922, October 1944 Muster Rolls - Squadron was decommissioned per authority of 9th Marine Aircraft Wing General Order 56-1944 dated 9 October 1944.
  57. ^ VMF-923, October 1944 Muster Rolls - Squadron was decommissioned per authority of 9th Marine Aircraft Wing General Order 56-1944 dated 9 October 1944.
  58. ^ VMF-924, October 1944 Muster Rolls - Squadron was decommissioned per authority of 9th Marine Aircraft Wing General Order 56-1944 dated 9 October 1944.
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  83. ^ "VMO-6 MAG 36-PMAG 39 1stMAW - Vietnam Service". Retrieved 23 March 2007.
  84. ^ "Brief History of Marine Observation Squadron Six". Valor Remembered Foundation. Retrieved 23 March 2007.
  85. ^ "USMC AD Skyraider Squadrons". The Able Dogs - site for Navy and Marine Corps aviators who flew all models of the Douglas AD Skyraider. Retrieved 28 February 2007.
  86. ^ Burkholder 2000, pp. 321.
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  91. ^ Burgess, Rick. "VMA-322". Lest We Forget. United States Naval Institute. Archived from the original on 21 September 2005. Retrieved 23 March 2007.
  92. ^ Marine Attack Squadron 324 "Devildogs"; In: Dictionary of American Naval Aircraft; www.wings-aviation.ch; "Marines 324". Archived from the original on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  93. ^ Crowder 2000, pp. 175.
  94. ^ "E/A-6B Prowler". Northrop Grumman. Archived from the original on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 26 March 2007.
  95. ^ "AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS)". Military Analysis Network. Federation of American Scientists. 11 December 1999. Retrieved 26 March 2007.
  96. ^ "EA-6B Prowler". Naval Historical Center. United States Navy. Retrieved 26 March 2007.
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  98. ^ "VMAQT-1 Deactivation Ceremony".
  99. ^ Fuentes, Gidget (8 March 2019). "Marines Sundown Last EA-6B Prowler Squadron". USNI News. US Naval Institute. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  100. ^ Snow, Shawn (16 May 2018). "The Corps is down to one final EA-6B Prowler squadron". Marine Corps Times. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  101. ^ VMAQ-4 deactivates after 35 years
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  105. ^ "Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System (ATARS)". www.fas.org. Retrieved 28 February 2007.
  106. ^ "Phantom with U.S. Marine Corps". Archived from the original on 13 May 2007. Retrieved 28 February 2007.
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  115. ^ Vella, Brittney. "VMFA-251 DEACTIVATES, LEGACY CONTINUES". Marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 31 July 2021.
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References[edit]

Bibliography
  • Burkholder, Furner L. (2000). Friends Made, Moments Shared, Memories for Life: An Oral History of WWII- U.S. Marine Corps - VMSB 343. LeMieux International. ISBN 0-9667269-1-X.
  • Carey, Alan C. (2002). Leatherneck Bombers: Marine Corps B-25/PBJ Mitchell Squadrons in World War II. Schiffer Military History. ISBN 0-7643-1501-3.
  • Crowder, Michael J. (2000). United States Marine Corps Aviation Squadron Lineage, Insignia & History. Paducah, Kentucky: Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-926-9.
  • Millstein, Jeff (1995). U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Unit Insignia 1941-1946. Paducah, Kentucky: Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-211-6.
  • Rottman, Gordon (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle - Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War, 1939 - 1945. Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.
  • Sherrod, Robert (1952). History of Marine Corps Aviation in World War II. Washington, D.C.: Combat Forces Press. ISBN 0-89201-048-7.
  • Shettle, M. L. (2001). United States Marine Corps Air Stations of World War II. Bowersville, Georgia: Schaertel Publishing Co. ISBN 0-9643388-2-3.
  • Tillman, Barrett (2014). US Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons of World War II. Oxford, United Kingdom: Osprey Publishing.
Web
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