List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

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

Squadron designations

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

Inactive squadrons

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

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 redesignated numerous times and many still exist today with other designations. The squadrons listed below reflect those squadrons that were deactivated prior to World War II and were never reconstituted in any form.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VP-3M Marine Patrol Squadron 3			1931[3]
VO-6M Marine Observation Squadron 6		Hell Divers	1932[3]
VO-10M Marine Observation Squadron 10			April 1, 1931[3]
VS-14M Marine Scouting Squadron 14			July 1, 1933[3]
VS-15M Marine Scouting Squadron 15			July 1, 1933[3]
ZK-1M 1st Marine Barrage Balloon Squadron			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 Inactivated
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

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
ZMQ-1			December 15, 1943
ZMQ-2			August 21, 1942
ZMQ-3			December 9, 1943[12]
ZMQ-4			February 20, 1943[13]
ZMQ-5			December 5, 1943[13]
ZMQ-6			December 8, 1943[13]

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 deactivated 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 Inactivated VMSB-243 Flying Goldbricks September 25, 1945[15] VMSB-244 Bombing Banshees June 10, 1946[16] VMSB-245 Red Mousie November 17, 1945[17] VMSB-342 Bats from Hell October 10, 1944[18] VMSB-343 Gregory’s Gorillas June 10, 1946[19] VMSB-344 October 10, 1944[20] VMSB-474 September 10, 1945[21] VMSB-484 September 10, 1945[22]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated VMSB-931 January 31, 1946[23] VMSB-932 Teufelhund January 31, 1946[24] VMSB-933 September 10, 1945[24] VMSB-934 October 15, 1945[24] VMSB-941 October 10, 1944[24] VMSB-942 October 10, 1944[24] VMSB-943 January 31, 1946[24] VMSB-944 October 10, 1944[25]

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 deactivated shortly after the war. They were part of the Cactus Air Force on Guadalcanal, served on escort carriers during the campaign to retake the Philippines and provided close air support for Australian forces on Borneo and Marines during the Battle of Okinawa.^[26]

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

Marine Fighting Squadrons

Marine Fighting Squadrons were multirole squadrons responsible for air-to-air combat, combat air patrols, attacking enemy shipping, escorting bombers and close air support.^[30] By far the most numerous of any type of Marine Corps squadron, they first made their mark flying the 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 deactivated.

• 
  Grumman F4F Wildcat
• 
  Vought F4U Corsair
• 
  Grumman F6F Hellcat
• 
  Vought F-8 Crusader

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated VMF-111 Devil Dogs October 22, 1965[31][32] VMF-113 Whistling Devils October 22, 1965[31] VMF(AW)-114 Death Dealers July 1, 1963[33] VMF-123 Eight Balls Late 1950s[34] VMF-132 Crying Red Asses Unknown VMF-155 Ready Teddys October 15, 1945[9] VMF-213 Hell Hawks mid-1970[35][36] VMF-215 Fighting Corsairs January 30, 1970[37] VMF-216 Bull Dogs March 10, 1945[38] VMF-218 Hellions early 1960s[9] VMF-221 Fighting Falcons June 1959[39] VMF-222 Flying Deuces December 31, 1949[39] VMF-236 Black Panthers Late 1960s[40] VMF-313 Lily Packin’ Hellbirds 1950s[41] VMF-413 Shamrocks January 1963[42] VMF-422 Flying Buccaneers June 30, 1947[43] VMF-441 Blackjacks June 1959[39] VMF-452 Sky Raiders December 31, 1949[44] VMF-471 September 10, 1945[45]

Squadron Name Insignia Nickname Date Inactivated VMF-472 Flying Seahorses December 24, 1945[46] VMF-481 September 10, 1945[46] VMF-482 October 10, 1944[46] VMF-511 August 31, 1972[47] VMF-512 March 10, 1946[48] VMF-514 The Whistling Death December 9, 1945[49] VMF-521 September 10, 1945[49] VMF-522 September 10, 1945[50] VMF-523 October 15, 1945[50] VMF-524 October 15, 1945[50] VMF-541 The Bat Eyes early 1960s[51] VMF-911 Devilcats March 15, 1946[52] VMF-912 March 15, 1946[52] VMF-913 31 January 1946[53] VMF-914 January 31, 1946[53] VMF-921 October 10, 1944[53] VMF-922 October 10, 1944[53] VMF-923 October 10, 1944[53] VMF-924 October 10, 1944[53]

Marine Night Fighter Squadrons

After witnessing the Royal Air Force's success using radar directed fighters at night in 1941,^[9] the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics authorized eight Marine night fighter squadrons to be formed by 1945.^[54] This timeline was brought forward considerably after the attack on Pearl Harbor and their need proven by the frustration of the Cactus Air Force's pilots not being able to engage Japanese bombers at night during the Battle of Guadalcanal. This led to the formation of the first VMF(N) in November 1942. After much deliberation the 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 deactivated after the war as the night fighting mission was assumed by the fighter and attack communities.^[55]

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

Marine Bombing Squadrons

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMB-423		Seahorses	November 30, 1945[59][60]
VMB-433		Fork-Tailed Devils	November 30, 1945[61]
VMB-443		Wildcats	November 30, 1945[62]
VMB-453			March 20, 1946[57]
VMB-473			March 20, 1946[57]
VMB-483			March 15, 1945[57]
VMB-611		Black Seahorse	November 30, 1945[63]
VMB-612		Cram's Rams	March 15, 1946[64]
VMB-613			November 21, 1945[57]
VMB-614		Ruptured Ducks	December 28, 1945

Marine Operational Training Squadrons

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
MOTS-811			September 10, 1945[66]
MOTS-812			September 10, 1945[66]
MOTS-813			23 November 1945[66]
MOTS-814			30 November 1945[66]

Marine Photographic Squadrons

Marine photographic squadrons were first formed in 1942 and went through numerous name changes while they were active. VMDs/VMPs flew photographic modified versions of the 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.^[67]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMD-154		Pathfinders	September 10, 1945[68]
VMP-254			November 30, 1949[69]
VMP-354			December 8, 1949[70]
VMD-954			January 31, 1946[25]

Marine Glider Squadron

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VML-711			May 24, 1943

Marine Transport Squadrons

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

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

Marine Scouting Squadrons

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

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

Marine Target Towing Detachments

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMJ-1			October, 1945
VMJ-2			March 6, 1946[80]
VMJ-3		Red Asses	October 21, 1945[79]

Marine Observation Squadrons

The Marine observation squadrons were formed during the latter stages of World War II with the primary mission of forward air control of strike aircraft for close air support and air interdiction.^[81] They saw extensive service during the Vietnam War flying the North American 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.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMO-1			July 31, 1993
VMO-2		Cherry Deuce	May 20, 1993
VMO-4		Evil Eyes	March 31, 1994
VMO-6		Tomcats	January 1, 1976[82][83]
VMO-7			November 16, 1945
VMO-8			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.^[84] Follow on VMA squadrons operated the A-4 Skyhawk during the Vietnam War through their retirement just after Operation Desert Storm. The VMA tradition is carried on today by squadrons flying the AV-8B Harrier II.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMA-131		Diamondbacks	December 5, 1998[85]
VMA-133		Dragons	30 September 1992
VMA-141
VMA-143		Rocket Raiders
VMA-144		Hensagliska
VMA-217		Max’s Wild Hares	1964
VMA-233		Flying Deadheads	1969
VMA-241		Sons of Satan
VMA-322		Fighting Gamecocks	June 27, 1992[86]
VMA-324		Devildogs	29 August 1974[87]
VMA-331		Bumblebeess	October 1, 1992
VMA-543		Night Hawks	April 1, 1974

Marine Reconnaissance Squadron

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

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMJ-4			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 deactivated following the end of the Vietnam War and the reorganization of the Marine Corps' composite community in 1975.^[88]

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

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron

Upon the decommissioning of the Marine Composite Squadrons (VMCJs), VMFP-3 became the lone photographic reconnaissance squadron in the Marine Corps.^[89] They flew the 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.^[90]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMFP-3		Eyes of the Corps	3 September 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.^[91] 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.^[92] The end of the Cold War saw the deactivation of some VMFA squadrons as part of the overall drawdown of the US Military^[93]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMFA-124		Whistling Death	19 June 1999[94]
VMFA-134		Smoke	April 1, 2007[95]
VMFA-142		Gators	July 2008[96]
VMFA-212		Lancers	March 11, 2008[97]
VMFA-235		Death Angels	June 14, 1996[98]
VMFA-321		Hells Angels	September 30, 2004[99]
VMFA-333		Fighting Shamrocks	March 31, 1992[100]
VMFA-334		Falcons	December 30, 1971[47]
VMFA-351			1978[101]
VMFA-531		Grey Ghosts	April 27, 1992[102]

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 Inactivated
VMFA(AW)-332		Moonlighters	March 30, 2007[103]

Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons

See also: List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons § Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadrons

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
HMH-769		Titan	August 2, 2008
HMH-777		Flying Armadillos	1980[104]

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.^[105] 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.^[106] The decommissioned HMM squadrons reflect the UH-34D training squadron and various reserve squadrons.

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
HMM-761			August 31, 1962
HMM-762			December 31, 1962[104]
HMM-763			September 30, 1962
HMM-766		Beavers	October 1, 1976
HMM-768			1976

Marine Light Helicopter Squadrons

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
HML-765			June 30, 1976
HML-767		Nomads	August 1, 1994
HMM-770		Stingers	1980/81
HML-771		Hummers	August 1, 1994[107]
HML-776		Gangsters	July 1, 1994

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons

The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons (HMLAs) are composite squadrons usually made up of 12 Bell AH-1W Cobras and 6 Bell UH-1N Hueys. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort,^[108] 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 today in the Operating Forces today^[109]

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
HMLA-467		Sabers	16 June 2016[110]
HMLA-775		Coyotes	September 6, 2008

Training squadrons

Squadron Name	Insignia	Nickname	Date Inactivated
VMAT-20 Marine Attack Training Squadron			[111]
VMAT-102 Marine Attack Training Squadron		Skyhawks	1 October 1987[112]
VMT-103 Marine Training Squadron		Sky Chickens
VMFAT-201 Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron		Hawks	September 30, 1974[113]
VMAT(AW)-202 Marine All-Weather Attack Training Squadron		Double Eagles	1990[114]
VMGRT-253 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Training Squadron		Titans	September 14, 2006[115]
HMT-301 Marine Helicopter Training Squadron		Windwalkers	June 3, 2005[116]
HMHT-401 Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron			May 1, 1972
HMMT-402 Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron			May 1, 1972

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• List of United States Marine Corps battalions
• List of United States Marine Corps aircraft wings
• List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

Notes

References

Bibliography

Web