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.
Contents
- 1 Squadron designations
- 2 Rotary-wing aircraft
- 3 Tiltrotor Aircraft
- 4 Fixed-Wing Aircraft
- 4.1 Marine Attack Squadrons
- 4.2 Marine Attack Training Squadron
- 4.3 Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons
- 4.4 Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons
- 4.5 Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons
- 4.6 Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadrons
- 4.7 Marine Fighter Training Squadron
- 4.8 Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons
- 4.9 Marine Transport Squadron
- 4.10 Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron
- 5 Unmanned Aerial Systems
- 6 See also
- 7 References
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 and the VH-60N Whitehawk. These were due to be replaced by the VH-71 Kestrel,[3] however that program was cancelled in April 2009.[4]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 the last squadron, 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 activated recently.[10]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[34]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[35][36] The CH-46 is currently being replaced by the MV-22B Osprey and HMM squadrons are incrementally being deactivated and coming back as VMMs.[37] With the deactivation of HMMT-164 and subsequent reactivation as VMM-164 on April 9, 2015, HMM-774 remains the sole dedicated CH-46E squadron in the Marine Corps. The last remaining squadron is slated to receive its first MV-22B Osprey in the first quarter of 2016, the reactivation of HMM-774 as a VMM in 2016 will remove the last HMM squadron from the Marine Corps roster.
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[39] 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.[40] 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.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron
The squadron provides new and conversion training to both Marine and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.[57]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[58] 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[59] 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.[60] The Harrier is due to be replaced by the F-35B, the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II.[61]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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Marine Attack Training Squadron
The squadron trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators to fly the AV-8B Harrier II.[67]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons
VMAQ squadrons operate the EA-6B Prowler[68] 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[69] 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.[70][71] 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.[72]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[77][78] [79]
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| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[77][78]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[93][94]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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 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.[95][96][97]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[103]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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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.[104]
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
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MV-22B F-35B |
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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.[105][106] 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.[107] The Navy/Marine Corps has shown interest in the MQ-8B Fire Scout Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (VTUAV),[108] which was originally developed to meet the future Tier III requirements of the Marine Corps.[109] 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 |
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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 wings
- List of United States Marine Corps aviation support units
- List of United States Marine Corps battalions
- List of active United States Air Force aircraft squadrons
| Leadership |
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| Major commands |
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| History and traditions |
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
- ↑ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30071664/
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/496683/final-flight-of-huey-for-red-dogs.aspx
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.[dead link]
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ [dead link] Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 77.0 77.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ 78.0 78.1 Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ https://marinecorpsconceptsandprograms.com/sites/default/files/files/2015%20Marine%20Aviation%20Plan.pdf
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/500071/vmx-22-receives-first-f-35b-aircraft.aspx
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Currently only VMU-1 and VMU-2 have been operating the ScanEagle UAS in Iraq. The ScanEagle is not an official system of record within the Marine Corps and within CONUS is operated by Boeing contractors. Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Articles with dead external links from September 2010
- Articles with dead external links from October 2010
- Articles with dead external links from August 2013
- Pages with broken file links
- Aircraft squadrons of the United States Marine Corps
- United States Marine Corps lists
- Lists of military units and formations of the United States
