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[]

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]

Decommissioned squadrons[]

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

Pre–World War II squadrons[]

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

Marine Patrol Squadron 3 		No image.png 1931 [3]

Marine Observation Squadron 6
 		No image.png Hell Divers 1932 [3]

Marine Observation Squadron 10
 		No image.png April 1, 1931 [3]

Marine Scouting Squadron 14 		No image.png July 1, 1933 [3]

Marine Scouting Squadron 15 		No image.png July 1, 1933 [3]

1st Marine Barrage Balloon Squadron 		No image.png December 31, 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 Decommissioned Source
No image.png Boston, Massachusetts December 1940 [6]
No image.png Brooklyn, New York December 1940 [6]
No image.png Anacostia, D.C. December 1940 [6]
No image.png Miami, Florida December 1940 [6]
No image.png Black Knights Grosse Ile, Michigan December 1940 [7]
No image.png Minneapolis, Minnesota December 1940 [6]
No image.png Long Beach, California December 1940 [6]
No image.png Oakland, California December 1940 [6]
No image.png Seattle, Washington December 1940 [6]
No image.png Kansas City, Kansas December 1940 [6]
No image.png 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 decommissioned by the end of the year.[11]

Barrage balloon at Parris Island in May 1942
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
No image.png December 15, 1943 [12]
No image.png August 21, 1943 [12]
No image.png December 9, 1943 [13]
No image.png February 20, 1943 [12]
No image.png December 5, 1943 [12]
No image.png December 8, 1943 [12]

Marine Balloon Observation Squadron[]

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

Marine Scout Bombing Squadrons[]

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

  • SB2C Helldiver

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMSB-243 Vmsb243 insig.jpg Flying Goldbricks September 25, 1945 [15]
VMSB-244 Vmsb244.jpg Bombing Banshees June 10, 1946 [16]
VMSB-245 VMSB-245.jpg Red Mousie November 17, 1945 [17]
VMSB-342 VMSB-342 WWII Logo.jpg Bats from Hell October 10, 1944 [18]
VMSB-343 VMSB-343 WWII Logo.jpg Gregory's Gorillas June 10, 1946 [19]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [20]
No image.png September 10, 1945 [21]
No image.png September 10, 1945 [22]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned
No image.png January 31, 1946 [23][24]
VMSB-932 WWII Logo.jpg Teufelhund January 31, 1946 [25][24]
VMSB-933 WWII Logo.jpg September 10, 1945 [25][24]
No image.png October 15, 1945 [25][24]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [25]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [25]
VMTB-943 WWII Logo.jpg January 31, 1946 [25]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [26]

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadrons[]

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 VMSB-151.jpg Ali Baba March 20, 1946 [28][24]
VMTB-341 Vmsb341 insig.jpg Torrid Turtles September 13, 1945 [29]
VMTB-454 WWII Logo.jpg Helldivers January 28, 1946 [30]
VMTB-621 WWII Logo.jpg March 10, 1945 [31]
VMTB-622 WWII Logo.jpg January 31, 1946 [31]
VMTB-624 WWII Logo.jpg March 20, 1946 [31]
VMTB-624 -2 WWII Logo.jpg March 10, 1946 [32]

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.[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 VMF111-DevilDogs.svg Devil Dogs October 22, 1965 [34]
VMF-113 VMF-113.JPG Whistling Devils October 22, 1965 [34]
VMF(AW)-114 VMF114-deathdealers.svg Death Dealers July 1, 1963 [35]
VMF-123 Vmf123 insig.jpg Eight Balls 1965 [36]
VMF-132 Vmsb132.jpg Crying Red Asses Unknown
VMF-155 VMF-155.JPG Ready Teddys October 15, 1945 [9]
VMF-213 VMF-213.png Hell Hawks mid-1970
VMF-215 Vmf215 insig.jpg Fighting Corsairs January 30, 1970 [37]
VMF-216 VMF-216 insignia.jpg Bull Dogs March 10, 1945 [38]
VMF-218 Vmf218 insig.jpg Hellions early 1960s [9]
VMF-221 VMF-221 Fighting Falcons.jpg Fighting Falcons October 31, 1965 [39]
VMF-222 Vmf222a insig.jpg Flying Deuces December 31, 1949 [40]
VMF-236 VMSB-236.jpg Black Panthers Late 1960s [41]
VMF-313 VMF313.jpg Lily Packin’ Hellbirds 1950s [42]
VMF-413 Shamrocks January 1963 [43]
VMF-422 VMF-422.JPG Flying Buccaneers June 30, 1947 [44]
VMF-441 VMF-441.JPG Blackjacks October 31, 1965 [45]
VMF-452 VMF-452 WWII Logo.jpg Sky Raiders December 31, 1949
VMF-471.JPG September 10, 1945 [46]
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned
VMF-472 VMF-472.JPG Flying Seahorses December 24, 1945 [47]
No image.png September 10, 1945 [48]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [48]
VMF-511 VMF-511insignia.PNG August 31, 1972
VMF-512 VMF512insignia.jpg March 10, 1946 [49]
Vmf514 insig.jpg The Whistling Death December 9, 1945 [50]
No image.png September 10, 1945 [50][24]
No image.png September 10, 1945 [51][24]
No image.png October 15, 1945 [51][24]
VMF-524insignia.PNG October 15, 1945 [51][24]
VMF-541 VMF(N)-541.JPG The Bat Eyes early 1960s [52]
No image.png 1960s
VMF-911 VMF-911.JPG Devilcats March 15, 1946 [53][24]
No image.png March 15, 1946 [53][24]
No image.png January 31, 1946 [53][24]
No image.png January 31, 1946 [54][24][55]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [54][56]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [54][57]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [54][58]
No image.png October 10, 1944 [54][59]

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.[60] 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).[61]

Lockheed PV-1 Ventura night fighter from VMF(N)-531, 1943.
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMF 532.jpg Night Fighters May 31, 1947 [31]
VMF(N)-534.JPG May 31, 1947 [31]
VMF(N)-544 VMFN544.svg April 20, 1946 [31]

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 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.[62] 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.[63]

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
Seahorses November 30, 1945 [64]
VMB-433 VMB-433 large insignia.jpg Fork-Tailed Devils November 30, 1945 [65][64]
Wildcats November 30, 1945 [64]
No image.png March 20, 1946 [30]
No image.png March 20, 1946 [30]
No image.png March 15, 1945 [66]
Black Seahorse November 30, 1945 [31]
Cram's Rams March 14, 1946 [67][24]
November 21, 1945 [64]
VMB-614 WWII Logo.jpg Ruptured Ducks December 28, 1945 [31]

Marine Operational Training Squadrons[]

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.[68]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
MOTS-811 MOTG-81 insignia.jpg September 10, 1945 [69][24]
MOTS-812 MOTG-81 insignia.jpg September 10, 1945 [69][24]
MOTS-813 MOTG-81 insignia.jpg November 23, 1945 [69][24]
MOTS-814 MOTG-81 insignia.jpg November 30, 1945 [69][24]

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 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.[70]

Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
Vmd-154insignia.PNG Pathfinders September 10, 1945 [71][24]
VMP-254 VMP-254 (1949).jpg November 30, 1949 [72]
Vmd-354insignia.jpg December 8, 1949
VMD-954 WWII Logo.jpg January 31, 1946 [26][24]

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.[73] They originally operated from Page Field on MCRD Parris Island but later moved to Marine Corps Air Station Eagle Mountain Lake outside Dallas, Texas.[74] The program was disbanded in 1943 when it was determined that glider assaults into small, heavily fortified, jungle islands would be tactically unfeasible.[75]

Marine Gliders
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
No image.png May 24, 1943 [76]

Marine Transport Squadrons[]

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. The last of these squadrons was decommissioned in 1949.[77]

A stick of Marines boards a Douglas R4D Skytrain


Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMR-152 Vmr152 1950 insig.jpg 1950s
VMR-153 VMR-153 (1950s).jpg Hermes 1959 [78]
VMR-353.jpg February 15, 1946 [79]
VMR-952 WWII Logo.JPG May 31, 1947 [80]
VMR-953 WWII Logo.JPG Puss in Boots May 31, 1947 [32]

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 Naval Aircraft Factory/Vought OS2N Kingfisher and at the time of deactivation were flying SBD Dauntless dive bombers.[70]

Douglas SBD Dauntless
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMS-3 WWII Logo.jpg Devilbirds May 20, 1944 [81]

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 Martin JM-1 Marauders and the Curtiss R5C-1 Commandos. The last of these detachments was decommissioned in March 1946.[77]

Martin JM-1 Marauder
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMJ-1 No image.png October 1945
VMJ-2 VMJ-2insignia.jpg March 6, 1946 [82]
VMJ-3 VMJ-3 insignia.jpg Red Asses October 21, 1945 [81]

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.[83] 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 Vmo1 insig.jpg July 31, 1993
VMO-2 Vmo2b insig.jpg Cherry Deuce May 20, 1993
VMO-4 Vmo4 insig.jpg Evil Eyes March 31, 1994
VMO-6 Vmo6 insig.jpg Tomcats January 1, 1976 [84][85]
VMO-7 No image.png November 16, 1945
Vmo8 a insig.jpg July 1976

Marine Attack Squadrons[]

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.[86] 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 Vma-131.png Diamondbacks December 5, 1998 [87]
VMA-133 Vma133 insig.jpg Dragons 30 September 1992
VMA-141 Vmsb141.jpg 1 September 1969
VMA-143 Vmsb143.jpg Rocket Raiders
VMA-144 Vmsb144 insig.jpg Hensagliska October 31, 1965 [88]
VMA-217 Vmf217 insig.jpg Max's Wild Hares 1964
VMA-233 VMSB-233 WWII Logo.jpg Flying Deadheads 1969
VMA-241 VMSB-241insignia.PNG Sons of Satan
VMA-311 Vma311-a.jpg Tomcats October 15, 2020 [89]
VMA-322 VMA322.gif Fighting Gamecocks June 27, 1992 [90]
Vma324 insig.jpg Devildogs 29 August 1974 [91]
VMA-331 VMA-331.png Bumblebeess October 1, 1992
VMA-543 VMF-543.JPG Night Hawks April 1, 1974

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons[]

VMAQ squadrons operated the EA-6B Prowler[92] 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[93] 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.[94][95] VMAQ-2 decommissioned on March 8, 2019 marking the end of active service for the VMAQs and the EA-6B Prowler.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMAQT-1 VMAQ-1 patch.png Banshees April 29, 2016 [96]
VMAQ-2 MCS149.jpg Death Jesters March 8. 2019 [97]
VMAQ-3 VMAQ-3 insignia.jpg Moon Dogs May 11, 2018 [98]
VMAQ-4 VMAQ4.jpg Seahawks June 2, 2017 [99]

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 were reorganized. They flew Vought RF-8A Crusader until 1969 when all the planes were replaced with the Vought RF-8G Crusader.[100]

RF-8A and EF-10B of VMCJ-3.
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
No image.png 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 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.[101]

Douglas EF-10B Skyknight of
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
Vmcj1.jpg Golden Hawks September 1, 1975 [102]

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.[103] 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.[104]

McDonnell-Douglas RF-4B Phantom IIs
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
VMFP-3 Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 insignia 1979.png 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 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.[105] 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.[106] The end of the Cold War saw the deactivation of some VMFA squadrons as part of the overall drawdown of the US Military[107]

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-124 Vma124 insig.jpg Whistling Death June 19, 1999 [108]
VMFA-134 VMFA-134logo.jpg Smoke April 1, 2007 [109]
VMFA-142 Vmfa142.gif Gators July 2008 [110]
VMFA-212 VMFA-212.png Lancers March 11, 2008 [111]
VMFA-235 Vmfa-235 squadron insignia.jpg Death Angels June 14, 1996 [112]
VMFA-251 VMFA-251.png Thunderbolts April 23, 2020 [113]
VMFA-321 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) insignia, 1998.png Hells Angels September 30, 2004 [114]
VMFA-333 Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 333 (USMC) insignia c1975.png Fighting Shamrocks March 31, 1992 [115]
VMFA-334 Vmfa-334.jpg Falcons December 30, 1971 [116]
VMFA-351 Vmfa-351.jpg 1978 [117]
VMFA-531 VMFA-531.gif Grey Ghosts April 27, 1992 [118]

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron[]

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 VMFA-332-2.png Moonlighters March 30, 2007 [119]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons[]

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-769 Hmh769logo.gif Titan August 2, 2008 [120]
HMH-777 insignia.jpg Flying Armadillos 1980 [121]

Marine Medium Helicopter Squadrons[]

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.[122] 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.[123] 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
No image.png August 31, 1962 [124]
No image.png December 31, 1962 [125]
No image.png September 30, 1962 [126]
HMM-766.jpg Beavers October 1, 1976 [127]
Hmm-768 insignia.jpg 1976 [128]

Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons[]

Bell UH-1N Huey from HML-770
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned ! !Source
HML-765 Hml-765 squadron insignia.jpg June 30, 1976 [129]
HML-767.jpg Nomads August 1, 1994 [130]
HMM-770.gif Stingers 1980 [131]
HML-771 insignia.jpg Hummers August 1, 1994 [130]
HML-776 HML-776 insignia.png Gangsters July 1, 1994 [130]

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons[]

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' squadrons. The majority of these squadrons are still active in the Fleet Marine Force today.

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source
HMLA-467 HMLA-467 insignia.png Sabers June 16, 2016 [132]

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron[]

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 Official VMM-166 Patch.JPG Sea Elk October 1, 2021 [133]
VMM-264 Vmm-264insignia.jpg Black Knights June 24, 2020
VMM-561 Vmm-561patch.png Pale Horses July 7, 2012

Training squadrons[]

Grumman TF-9J Cougar of at MCAS El Toro in 1965.
Douglas A-4M Skyhawk of
Grumman TC-4C Academe from VMAT(AW)-202
Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Decommissioned Source

Marine Attack Training Squadron 		VMAT-20 insignia.jpg

Marine Attack Training Squadron 		Vmat102a.PNG Skyhawks October 1, 1987

Marine Training Squadron 		Vmt103.PNG Sky Chickens

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 		VMFAT-201 squadron insignia.jpg Hawks September 30, 1974 [134]

Marine All-Weather Attack Training Squadron 		VMAT AW-202 squadron insignia.jpg Double Eagles 1990
VMAT-203
Marine Attack Training Squadron 		Vmat203.jpg Hawks October 29, 2021 [135]
VMGRT-253
Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron 		Vmgrt253.jpg Titans September 14, 2006
HMT-301
Marine Helicopter Training Squadron
 		Hmt301 insig.jpg Windwalkers June 3, 2005 [136]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron 		HMHT-401 insignia.jpg May 1, 1972 [137]

Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 		Hmmt-402 insignia.jpg May 1, 1972 [137]

See also[]

Notes[]

  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 2007-02-07. Retrieved 2007-03-08.
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