List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

This is a list of all of the active squadrons that exist in the United States Marine Corps, sorted by type. Most squadrons have changed names and designations many times over the years, so they are listed by their current designation.

To see Marine Aviation units sorted by command hierarchy, see aviation combat element.

Squadron designations

The basic tactical and administrative unit of United States Marine Corps aviation is the squadron. Fixed-wing aircraft squadrons (heavier than air) and tiltrotor squadrons are denoted by the letter "V", which comes from the Spanish verb "volar" (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 World War II and frequent transfer of squadrons this system fell apart.^[1]

Rotary-wing aircraft

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.^[2] The squadron flies the VH-3D Sea King the VH-60N Whitehawk, and the MV-22 Osprey. These were due to be replaced by the VH-71 Kestrel,^[3] however that program was cancelled in April 2009.^[4] Lastly, HMX-1 provides support to training at The Basic School, providing aerial insertion for various training events, as well as MAGTF Air component orientation to the student officers.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
HMX-1		Marine One	1 December 1947	Headquarters Marine Corps	MCAF Quantico, VA[5]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons

Heavy helicopter squadrons were first formed in 1966 when the Marine Corps began flying the heavy lift CH-53 Sea Stallion during the Vietnam War.^[6] Their primary role is moving cargo and equipment with the secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. All squadrons have transitioned from the CH-53 Sea Stallion to the larger and more powerful CH-53E Super Stallion.^[7] The CH-53Es are the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory today.^[8] Due to a reorganization in Marine aviation, HMH-366 was reactivated in 2008^[9] at MCAS Cherry Point.^[10]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
HMH-361		Flying Tigers	25 February 1952	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[11]
HMH-366		Hammerheads	30 September 2008	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC
HMH-461		Iron Horse	15 March 1944	MAG-29,2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[12]
HMH-462		Heavy Haulers	15 April 1944	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[13]
HMH-463		Pegasus	20 July 1944	MAG-24, 1st MAW	MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI[14]
HMH-464		Condors	5 April 1944	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[15]
HMH-465		Warhorse	1 December 1981	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA
HMH-466		Wolfpack	30 November 1984	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA

Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron

The squadron trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the CH-53E Super Stallion.^[16]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
HMHT-302		Phoenix	1 November 1966	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons

The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons are composite squadrons made up of 18 AH-1W SuperCobras or AH-1Z Vipers and 9 UH-1Y Venoms.^[17] The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort,^[18] while the Huey provides airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation.^[19] The AH-1W is due to be upgraded to the AH-1Z Viper as part of the H-1 upgrade program which will see both the AH-1 and UH-1 get greater power, improved avionics and an 85% commonality of parts.^[20][21][22] The transition to the UH-1Y was completed in August 2014 when HMLA-773 flew the UH-1N for the last time.^[23] Due to the need for more light attack squadrons, the Marine Corps began adding new squadrons in 2008.^[24] HMLA-467 and HMLA-469 are the newest squadrons. However, as a result of force structure reductions, HMLA-467 is scheduled to be deactivated by the end of FY16^[10]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
HMLA-167		Warriors	1 April 1968	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[25]
HMLA-169		Vipers	30 September 1971	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA[26]
HMLA-267		Stingers	15 February 1944	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA[27]
HMLA-269		The Gunrunners	22 February 1971	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[28]
HMLA-367		Scarface	1 December 1943	MAG-24, 1st MAW	MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI[29]
HMLA-369		Gunfighters	1 April 1972	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA[30]
HMLA-469		Vengeance	30 June 2009	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA[31]
HMLA-773		Red Dog	June 1968	MAG-49, 4th MAW	Robins AFB, GA[32]

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron

The squadron trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the AH-1W SuperCobra, the UH-1Y Venom, as well as transition to the newer AH-1Z Viper variant.^[33]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
HMLAT-303		Atlas	30 April 1982	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA

Tiltrotor Aircraft

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons

Marine tiltrotor squadrons are new units operating 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 helicopters it is replacing.^[34] As the Marine Corps’ number one aviation acquisition priority, the Osprey is replacing the aging fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and is a cornerstone of the capstone concept of Expeditionary maneuver warfare.^[35] As of July 2015, the Marine Corps has 13 Fully Operationally Capable (FOC) MV-22 squadrons. VMM-268, VMM-364, and VMM-164 will reach FOC in FY16. The two newest Osprey squadrons, VMM-362 and VMM-212, will stand up in FY18 and FY19 respectively, completing the Marine Corps' transition to 18 active component MV-22 squadrons. Each squadron operates 12 aircraft.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMM-161		Greyhawks	15 January 1951	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[36]
VMM-162		Golden Eagles	June 30, 1952	MAG-26, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[37]
VMM-163		Ridge Runners	December 1951	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[38]
VMM-164		Knightriders	July 1, 1962	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA
VMM-165		White Knights	July 1, 1965	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[39]
VMM-166		Sea Elk	September 13, 1985	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[40]
VMM-261		Raging Bulls	April 5, 1951	MAG-26, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[41]
VMM-262		Flying Tigers	September 1951	MAG-36, 1st MAW	MCAS Futenma, Japan[42]
VMM-263		Thunder Eagles	June 16, 1952	MAG-29, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[43]
VMM-264		Black Knights	June 30, 1959	MAG-26, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[44]
VMM-265		Dragons	October 1, 1962	MAG-36, 1st MAW	MCAS Futenma, Japan[45]
VMM-266		Fighting Griffins	April 26, 1983	MAG-26, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[46]
VMM-268		Red Dragons	April 26, 1983	MAG-26, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[47]
VMM-363		Red Lions	June 2, 1952	MAG-16, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[48]
VMM-364		Purple Foxes	September 1, 1961	MAG-39, 3rd MAW	MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA[49]
VMM-365		Blue Knights	July 1, 1963	MAG-26, 2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC[50]
VMM-764		Moonlight	April 15, 1958	MAG-41, 4th MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[51]
VMM-774		Wild Goose	1969	MAG-49, 4th MAW	NS Norfolk, VA[52]

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron

The squadron provides new and conversion training to both Marine Corps and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.^[53]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMMT-204		Raptors	May 1, 1972	2nd MAW	MCAS New River, NC

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Marine Attack Squadrons

After World War II, the United States Navy decided to combine all of the functions of the scout bomber, torpedo bomber and bomber torpedo communities into the Attack designation.^[54] On July 22, 1946, it released Bulletin No. 46-1543, which authorized the formation of attack squadrons; however, the Marine Corps did not form any until 1952.^[1] Today, Marine attack squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier II^[55] and are tasked with providing close air support, air interdiction, surveillance 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.^[56] The Harrier is due to be replaced by the F-35B, the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II.^[57]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMFA-211		Wake Island Avengers	1 January 1937	MAG-13, 3rd MAW	MCAS Yuma, AZ[58]
VMA-214		Black Sheep	1 July 1942	MAG-13, 3rd MAW	MCAS Yuma, AZ[59]
VMA-223		Bulldogs	1 May 1942	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[60]
VMA-231		Ace of Spades	8 February 1919	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[61]
VMA-311		Tomcats	1 December 1942	MAG-13, 3rd MAW	MCAS Yuma, AZ
VMA-542		Tigers	6 March 1944	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[62]

Marine Attack Training Squadron

The squadron trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators to fly the AV-8B Harrier II.^[63]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMAT-203		Hawks	July 1, 1947	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons

VMAQ squadrons operate the EA-6B Prowler^[64] and are tasked with providing electronic attack, electronic counter-countermeasures, radar jamming and suppression of enemy air defense using the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pod^[65] and the AGM-88 HARM. Each of the four squadrons operates five aircraft and are land-based, although they are capable of landing on board U.S. Navy aircraft carriers.^[66][67] The Marine Corps has recently solidified plans to install a next-generation jammer on the F-35 Lightning II. It has joined the EA-18G Growler as the launch platform for the jammer, which is scheduled to enter service in 2018.^[68]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMAQT-1		Banshees	July 1, 1992	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[69]
VMAQ-2		Death Jesters	September 15, 1952	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[70]
VMAQ-3		Moon Dogs	July 1, 1992	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[71]
VMAQ-4		Seahawks	November 7, 1981	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[72]

Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons

The Marine Corps' VMFA squadrons fly the single seat F/A-18A++, F/A-18C Hornet and F-35B Lightning II. Their primary role is to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft and to attack and destroy surface targets in all weather conditions. Each Hornet squadron operates 12 aircraft, while each future VMFA F-35B and future F-35B/C squadron will operate 10-16 aircraft.^{[73][74] [75]}

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMFA-112		Cowboys	F/A-18A++	March 1, 1942	MAG-41, 4th MAW	NASJRB Fort Worth, TX[76]
VMFA-115		Silver Eagles	F/A-18A++	July 1, 1943	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[77]
VMFA-121		Green Knights	F-35B	June 24, 1941	MAG-13, 3rd MAW	MCAS Yuma, AZ[78]
VMFA-122		Werewolves	F/A-18C	March 1, 1942	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[79]
VMFA-232		Red Devils	F/A-18C	September 1, 1925	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[80]
VMFA-251		Thunderbolts	F/A-18C	December 1, 1941	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[81]
VMFA-312		Checkerboard	F/A-18C	June 1, 1943	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[82]
VMFA-314		Black Knights	F/A-18A++	October 1, 1943	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[83]
VMFA-323		Death Rattlers	F/A-18C	August 1, 1943	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[84]

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons

The VMFA(AW) squadrons fly the two seat F/A-18D 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 in all weather conditions. The current F/A-18s saw their first action in Operation Desert Storm after replacing the venerable F-4 Phantom II.^[73][74]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMFA(AW)-224		Bengals	May 1, 1942	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[85]
VMFA(AW)-225		Vikings	January 1, 1943	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[86]
VMFA(AW)-242		Bats	July 1, 1943	MAG-12, 1st MAW	MCAS Iwakuni, JA[87]
VMFA(AW)-533		Hawks	October 1, 1943	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC[88]

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadrons

VMFAT-101 trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators to fly the F/A-18 Hornet while VMFAT-501 trains new and transitioning pilots to fly the F-35B Lightning II.^[89][90]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMFAT-101		Sharpshooters	January 3, 1969	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA
VMFAT-501		Warlords	April 1, 2010	MAG-31, 2nd MAW	MCAS Beaufort, SC

Marine Fighter Training Squadron

VMFT-401 is the only aggressor squadron in the Marine Corps. It flies the F-5E Tiger II and provides instruction to active and reserve squadrons through dissimilar adversary combat tactics. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ and is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group-41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons

VMGR squadrons operate the KC-130 Hercules tanker/transport. Their primary missions are aerial 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.^[91][92][93]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMGR-152		Sumos	KC-130J	11 March 1942	MAG-12, 1st MAW	MCAS Iwakuni, Japan[94]
VMGR-234		Rangers	KC-130J	1 May 1942	MAG-41, 4th MAW	NASJRB Fort Worth, TX[95]
VMGR-252		Otis	KC-130J	1 June 1928	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[96]
VMGR-352		Raiders	KC-130J	1 April 1943	MAG-11, 3rd MAW	MCAS Miramar, CA[97]
VMGR-452		Yankees	KC-130T	9 September 1988	MAG-49, 4th MAW	Stewart ANGB, NY[98]

Marine Transport Squadron

VMR squadrons provide search and rescue support 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.^[99]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMR-1		Roadrunners	January 1943	H&HS, MCAS Cherry Point	MCAS Cherry Point, NC

Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron

The squadron is a Marine Corps test and development unit. Its mission is to conduct operational testing and evaluation of Marine Corps fixed, tiltrotor, and rotary-wing aircraft. The unit was redesignated to VMX-1 (from VMX-22) on May 13, 2016.^[100]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Aircraft	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMX-1		Flying Lions	CH-53 MV-22B F-35B	August 28, 2003	Operational Test and Evaluation Force	MCAS Yuma, AZ

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons

VMUs operate the RQ-7B Shadow unmanned aerial system (UAS) which provides Marine ground forces with reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition. They also provide artillery spotting and can assist in search and rescue operations.^[101][102] Since 2004, the VMU squadrons have also been operating the Boeing ScanEagle UAS, and has longer endurance and smaller footprint, but has a lesser camera capability with no IR pointer.^[103] The Navy/Marine Corps has shown interest in the MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV),^[104] which was originally developed to meet the future Tier III requirements of the Marine Corps.^[105] Due to the high operational tempo of the VMU squadrons in recent years, the Marine Corps stood up VMU-3 in 2008 and VMU-4, a reserve unit, was activated in 2010 with the lineage of VMO-4.^[24]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Commissioned	Senior Command	Station
VMU-1		Watchdogs	21 January 1987	MAG-13, 3rd MAW	MCAS Yuma, AZ[106]
VMU-2		Night Owls	June 1984	MAG-14, 2nd MAW	MCAS Cherry Point, NC[107]
VMU-3		Phantoms	12 September 2008	MAG-24, 1st MAW	MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI
VMU-4		Evil Eyes	20 December 1943	MAG-41, 4th MAW	MCB Camp Pendleton, CA

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• Aviation combat element
• List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons
• List of United States Marine Corps aircraft groups
• List of United States Marine Corps aircraft wings
• List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units
• List of United States Marine Corps battalions

References