From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
United States Marine Corps
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This is a list of active and inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons.
[edit] Active squadrons
[edit] Marine Helicopter Squadron
The squadron is responsible for the helicopter transportation of the President of the United States, Vice President, Cabinet members and VIPs. In addition to its VIP transport role, it is also tasked with operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of new flight systems for Marine Corps helicopters.<ref>
Marine Helicopter Squadron One. The White House. U.S. Government.</ref>
[edit] Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons
Heavy helicopter squadrons were formed in 1966, flying the heavy lift CH-53 Sea Stallion, during the Vietnam War. Their primary role is moving cargo and equipment with the secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. Most of the squadrons have transitioned to the larger and more powerful CH-53E Super Stallion however three squadrons of the original Sea Stallions still remain.<ref>
CH-53A/D/E Sea Stallion and MH-53E Sea Dragon. Department of the Navy -- Naval Historical Center. US Navy.</ref>
[edit] Marine Helicopter Training Squadrons
[edit] Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron
The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons are composite squadrons usually made up of 18 AH-1W Cobras and 9 UH-1Ns. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort <ref>
UH-1N Huey. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref> while the Huey provides airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation. <ref>
AH-1W Cobra. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Helicopter Training Squadron
[edit] Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons
The Marine Corps' HMM squadrons first came to being in 1964 with the fielding of the CH-46 Sea Knight medium helicopter. They provide all-weather, day/night, night vision goggle (NVG) assault transport of combat troops, supplies, and equipment during amphibious and subsequent operations ashore. Troop assault is their primary function and the movement of supplies and equipment is secondary.<ref>CH-46 Sea Knight. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref> The CH-46 is currently being replaced by the MV-22 Osprey and HMM squadrons are incrementally being deactivated and coming back as VMMs.<ref name=ACE Programs”> (2006). "Major Acquisition Programs - Aviation Combat Element Programs". Headquarters Marine Corps. </ref>
Image:CH-46 2.jpg
[edit] Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron
[edit] Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons
Marine tiltrotor squadrons are new units operating the MV-22 Osprey with the main mission of Assault support. As the Marine Corps’ number one aviation acquisition priority, the Osprey is replacing the aging fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters and is a cornerstone of the capstone concept of Expeditionary maneuver warfare. <ref>http://www.navy.mil/navydata/testimony/readiness/bedard030409.txt Statement of Lieutenant General Emil R. Bedard, Deputy Commandant Plans, Policies & Operations before the Senate Armed Services Committee — April 9, 2003</ref> The Marine Corps is planning on transitioning two squadrons a year to the new airframe until all squadrons have made the conversion. <ref> (2006). "Major Acquisition Programs - Aviation Combat Element Programs". Headquarters Marine Corps. </ref>
[edit] Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron
[edit] Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons
VMGR squadrons operate the KC-130 Hercules tanker/transport. Their primary missions are aerial refuelling and rapid ground refuelling, transportation of personnel and cargo to include MEDEVACs and parachute insertions, flying the airborne version of the Direct Air Support Center (DASC) and emergency resupply into unimproved landing zones. <ref>
KC-130 Hercules. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Attack Squadrons
Marine Attack Squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier II and are tasked with providing close air support, air interdiction, armed reconnaissance and escort of helicopters. Because the STOVL Harrier can operate from Amphibious assault ships, expeditionary airfields and tactical remote landing sites it provides commanders with more flexibility in providing air support. <ref>
AV-8B Harrier II. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref> The Harrier is due to be replaced by the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II<ref>
Marine Aviation Supports Warfighter. American Forces Press Service. www.military.com.</ref>.
Image:Harrierlanding.jpg
[edit] Marine Attack Training Squadrons
[edit] Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons
The Marine Corps' VMFA squadrons fly the single seat, A & C models of the F/A-18 Hornet and their primary role is to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft under all-weather conditions and attack and destroy surface targets under the weather. <ref>
F/A-18 Hornet. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
Image:FA-18 Hornet breaking sound barrier (7 July 1999).jpg
[edit] Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons (All Weather)
The VMFA(AW) squadrons fly the B & D , two seat versions of the F/A-18 Hornet. Their primary mission is to attack and destroy surface targets, day or night, under all weather conditions; conduct multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance; provide supporting arms coordination; and intercept and destroy enemy aircraft under all weather conditions. The current F-18s saw their first action in Operation Desert Storm after replacing the venerable F-4 Phantom.<ref>
F/A-18 Hornet. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadrons
[edit] Marine Fighter Training Squadron
VMFT-401 is the only aggressor squadron in the Marine Corps. They fly the F-5E Tiger II and provide instruction to active and reserve squadrons through dissimilar adversary combat tactics.<ref>
Marine Fighter Training Squadron 401. Official Website. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons
VMAQ squadrons operate the EA-6B Prowler and are tasked with providing Electronic attack, electronic protection, radar jamming and suppression of enemy air defense using the AGM-88 HARM. Each of the four squadrons operates five aircraft and regularly deploy as part of Navy Carrier Air Wings onboard aircraft carriers. <ref>
EA-6B Prowler. USMC Fact File. U.S. Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Transport Squadrons
VMR-1 provides Search and Rescue support to MCAS Cherry Point based aircraft as well as movement of key personnel and critical logistics support around the world. They also provide movement of high priority passengers and cargo during wartime in support of operations and other critical commitments. <ref>
VMR-1 Official Website. Marine Transport Squadron One Mission. US Marine Corps.</ref>
[edit] Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons
VMUs operate the RQ-2 Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which provides Marine ground forces with information, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance. They also provide artillery spotting and can assist in search and rescue operations<ref>
The Pioneer News link. VMU-2 gives ground commanders an eye in the sky. US Marine Corps.</ref>. Since 2004, the VMU squadrons have also been operating the ScanEagle UAV which is newer, provides longer endurance and can work at higher altitudes. <ref>
News Release. Boeing ScanEagle Achieves Major Flight Milestones. Boeing.</ref>. Both of these systems will eventually be replaced by the Vertical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle which is currently being developed to meet the future Tier III requirements of the Marine Corps,<ref name="RDTE"> (2006). "Research, Development, Test & Evaluation - Budget Item Justification". Tactical Unmanned Aeral Vehicles. United States Navy. </ref>
[edit] Inactive squadrons
Squadrons are listed by their designation at the time they were decommissioned.
[edit] Marine Scout Bombing Squadrons
Scout bombing squadrons each had eightteen 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 <ref name="Rottman" />. 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 Deactivated
|
| <center>VMSB-151<center>
| <center>Image:VMSB-151.jpg<center>
| <center>Ali Baba<center>
| <center>March 20, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-236<center>
| <center>Image:VMSB-236.jpg<center>
| <center>Black Panthers<center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMSB-241<center>
| <center>Image:VMSB-241insignia.PNG<center>
| <center>Sons of Satan<center>
| <center><center>
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| <center>VMSB-243<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb243 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Flying Goldbricks<center>
| <center>September 25, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-244<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb244.jpg<center>
| <center>Bombing Banshees<center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMSB-245<center>
| <center>Image:VMSB-245.jpg<center>
| <center>Red Mousie<center>
| <center>November 17, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-341<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb341 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Torrid Turtles<center>
| <center>September 13, 1945<center>
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| <center>VMSB-342<center>
| <center> <center>
| <center>Bats from Hell<center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-343<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Gregory’s Gorillas<center>
| <center>June 10, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-344<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
|
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMSB-474<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-484<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-931<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-932<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Teufelhund<center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-933<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-934<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 15, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-941<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-942<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-943<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMSB-944<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
|
[edit] 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 Philippenes and provided close air support for Australian forces on Borneo and Marines during the Battle of Okinawa <ref>
John Lally's TBM Avenger. Adam Lewis. www.adamsplanes.com.</ref>.
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMTB-132<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb132.jpg<center>
| <center>Crying Red Asses<center>
| <center>November 9, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-143<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb143.jpg<center>
| <center>Rocket Raiders<center>
| <center>March 10, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-144<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb144 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Hensagliska<center>
| <center>December 9, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-454<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Helldivers<center>
| <center>January 28, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-621<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-622<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-623<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 20, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMTB-624<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 10, 1946<center>
|
[edit] 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<ref name="Rottman" />. 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 Deactivated
|
| <center>VMF-111<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf-111insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Devil Dogs<center>
| <center>October 22, 1965<center>
|
| <center>VMF-113<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-113.JPG<center>
| <center>Whistling Devils<center>
| <center>October 22, 1965<center>
|
| <center>VMF(AW)-114<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-114.JPG<center>
| <center>Death Dealers<center>
| <center>July 1, 1963<center>
|
| <center>VMF-123<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf123 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Eight Balls<center>
| <center>Late 1950s<center>
|
| <center>VMF-141<center>
| <center>Image:Vmsb141.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMF-155<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-155.JPG<center>
| <center>Ready Teddys<center>
| <center>October 15, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-213<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-213.png<center>
| <center>Hell Hawks<center>
| <center>mid-1970<center>
|
| <center>VMF-215<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf215 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Fighting Corsairs<center>
| <center>January 30, 1970<center>
|
| <center>VMF-216<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-216 insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Bull Dogs<center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMF-217<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf217 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Max’s Wild Hares<center>
| <center>March 10, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-218<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf218 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Hellions<center>
| <center>early 1960s<center>
|
| <center>VMF-221<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-221 Fighting Falcons.jpg <center>
| <center>Fighting Falcons<center>
| <center>June, 1959<center>
|
| <center>VMF-222<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf222a insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Flying Deuces<center>
| <center>December 31, 1949<center>
|
| <center>VMF-313<center>
| <center>Image:VMF313.jpg<center>
| <center>Lily Packin’ Hellbirds<center>
| <center>1950s<center>
|
| <center>VMF-422<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-422.JPG<center>
| <center>Flying Buccaneers<center>
| <center>June 30, 1947<center>
|
| <center>VMF-441<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-441.JPG<center>
| <center>Blackjacks<center>
| <center>June, 1959<center>
|
| <center>VMF-452<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Sky Raiders<center>
| <center>December 31, 1949<center>
|
| <center>VMF-471<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-471.JPG<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-472<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-472.JPG<center>
| <center>Flying Seahorses<center>
| <center>December 24, 1945<center>
|
|
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname
|
| <center>VMF-481<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-482<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMF-511<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-511insignia.PNG<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>August 31, 1972<center>
|
| <center>VMF-512<center>
| <center>Image:VMF512insignia.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 10, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-514<center>
| <center>Image:Vmf514 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>The Whistling Death<center>
| <center>December 9, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-521<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-522<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-523<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 15, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-524<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-524insignia.PNG<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 15, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMF-541<center>
| <center>Image:VMF(N)-541.JPG<center>
| <center>The Bat Eyes<center>
| <center>early 1960s<center>
|
| <center>VMF-911<center>
| <center>Image:VMF-911.JPG<center>
| <center>Devilcats<center>
| <center>March 15, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-912<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 15, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-913<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-914<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMF-921<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMF-922<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMF-923<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
| <center>VMF-924<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
|
[edit] Marine Night Fighter Squadrons
Marine night fighting squadrons were born out of the frustration of the Cactus Air Force 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 Novermber 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 and ground based radar and personnel that provided Ground-controlled interception. The VMF(N) designated squadrons were deactivated after the war as the night fighting mission was assumed by the fighter and attack communities.<ref>
Ownership of the Night. Major Bron Madrigan. www.globalsecurity.org.</ref>
[edit] 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.<ref>Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen - Background. Marine Bombing Squadron Six-Thirteen Association.</ref> 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. <ref>North American PBJ Mitchell. Jack McKillop.</ref>
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMB-413<center>
| <center>Image:Vmb413insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Night Hecklers<center>
| <center>November 30, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-423<center>
| <center>Image:VMB-423insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Seahorses<center>
| <center>November 30, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-433<center>
| <center>Image:VMB-433 Insignia.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>November 30, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-443<center>
| <center>Image:VMB-443 Insignia.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>November 30, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-453<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 20, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMB-473<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 20, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMB-483<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>March 15, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-611<center>
| <center>Image:VMB-611 Insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Black Seahorse<center>
| <center>November 30, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-612<center>
| <center>Image:Vmb-612 Insignia.jpg<center>
| <center>Cram's Rams<center>
| <center>March 15, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMB-613<center>
| <center>Image:VMB-613 Insignia.PNG<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 21, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMB-614<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Ruptured Ducks<center>
| <center>December 28, 1945<center>
|
[edit] 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 and PB4Y-2 Privateer. The main mission of these squadrons was to conduct long range, very high-altitude photographic reconnaissance <ref name="Rottman" />.
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMD-154<center>
| <center>Image:Vmd-154insignia.PNG<center>
| <center>Pathfinders<center>
| <center>September 10, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMP-254<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>November 30, 1949<center>
|
| <center>VMP-354<center>
| <center>Image:Vmd-354insignia.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>December 8, 1949<center>
|
| <center>VMD-954<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>January 31, 1946<center>
|
[edit] Marine Glider Squadron
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VML-711<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>May 24, 1943<center>
|
[edit] 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. <ref name="Rottman">Rottman, Gordon L. (2002). U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War.. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-31906-5.</ref>
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMR-152<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>1949<center>
|
| <center>VMR-153<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>1949<center>
|
| <center>VMR-353<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>February 15, 1946<center>
|
| <center>VMR-952<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>May 31, 1947<center>
|
| <center>VMR-953<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Puss in Boots<center>
| <center>May 31, 1947<center>
|
[edit] Marine Scouting Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VS-14M<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>July 1, 1933<center>
|
| <center>VS-15M<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>July 1, 1933<center>
|
| <center>VMS-3<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>May 20, 1944<center>
|
[edit] Marine Target Towing Detachments (VMTD/VMJ)
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.<ref name="Rottman" />
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMJ-1<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMJ-2<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMJ-3<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>Red Asses<center>
| <center>October, 1945<center>
|
[edit] 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 <ref>Capture of Iwo Jima - Chapter III. Air Support. Department of the Navy – Naval Historical Center.</ref>
. 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.<ref>U.S. Marine Corps Broncos. The OV-10 Bronco Association.</ref>
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMO-1<center>
| <center>Image:Vmo1 insig.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMO-2<center>
| <center>Image:Vmo2b insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Cherry Deuce<center>
| <center>May 20, 1993<center>
|
| <center>VMO-4<center>
| <center>Image:Vmo4 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Evil Eyes<center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMO-6<center>
| <center>Image:Vmo6 insig.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
|
| <center>VMO-7<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>November 16, 1945<center>
|
| <center>VMO-8<center>
| <center>Image:Vmo8 a insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Tomcats<center>
|
| <center>VMO-951<center>
| <center><center>
| <center><center>
| <center>October 10, 1944<center>
|
[edit] Marine Attack Squadrons
In 1951, the Marine Corps began fielding the AD-1 Skyraider ground attack aircraft which had as it’s 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 <ref>
USMC AD Skyraider Squadrons. The Able Dogs - site for Navy and Marine Corps aviators
who flew all models of the Douglas AD Skyraider..</ref>. Follow on VMA squadrons operated the A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam War through their retirement just after the Gulf War <ref>
Marine A-4 Skyhawk Units. www.skyhawk.org.</ref>. The VMA tradition is carried on today by squadrons flying the AV-8B Harrier II.
Image:A-4 Skyhawk.jpg
[edit] Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
[edit] Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMFA-235<center>
| <center>Image:Vmfa235 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Death Angels<center>
| <center>June 14, 1996<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-321<center>
| <center>Image:VMFA-321.jpg<center>
| <center>Hells Angels<center>
| <center>July 13, 1991<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-333<center>
| <center> <center>
| <center>Fighting Shamrocks<center>
| <center>March 31, 1992<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-334<center>
| <center>Image:Vmfa-334.jpg<center>
| <center>Falcons<center>
| <center>December 30, 1971<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-351<center>
| <center>Image:Vmfa-351.jpg<center>
| <center><center>
| <center>1978<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-451<center>
| <center>Image:VMFA-451.png<center>
| <center>Warlords<center>
| <center>January 31, 1997<center>
|
| <center>VMFA-531<center>
| <center>Image:VMFA-531.gif<center>
| <center>Grey Ghosts<center>
| <center>April 27, 1992<center>
|
[edit] Marine Helicopter Training Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>HMT-301<center>
| <center>Image:Hmt301 insig.jpg<center>
| <center>Windwalkers<center>
| <center>June 3, 2005<center>
|
[edit] Marine Training Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMT-103<center>
| <center>Image:Vmt103.PNG<center>
| <center>Sky Chickens<center>
| <center><center>
|
[edit] Marine Attack Training Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMAT-102<center>
| <center>Image:Vmat102a.PNG<center>
| <center>Skyhawks<center>
| <center><center>
|
[edit] Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadrons
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Deactivated
|
| <center>VMGRT-253<center>
| <center>Image:Vmgrt253.jpg<center>
| <center>Titans<center>
| <center>September 14, 2006<center>
|
[edit] See also
</div>
[edit] References
[edit] Further Reading
sl:Seznam zračnih skvadronov Korpusa mornariške pehote ZDA
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