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.
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 1 July 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]
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] HMX-1 is now preparing for the arrival of the VH-92A Patriot, which will replace the VH-3D that serves as Marine One. 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] |
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] Each squadron is equipped with sixteen CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters. Their primary role is moving cargo and equipment with the secondary role of transferring troops ashore in an amphibious assault. The CH-53Es are the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory today. [7] As part of the current reorganization of the Corps, HMH-462 will be decommissioned by 2030. [8]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HMH-361 | Flying Tigers | 25 February 1952 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA [9] | |
HMH-461 | Iron Horse | 15 March 1944 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC [10] | |
HMH-462 | Heavy Haulers | 15 April 1944 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA [11] | |
HMH-464 | Condors | 5 April 1944 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC [12] | |
HMH-465 | Warhorse | 1 December 1981 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA [13] | |
HMH-466 | Wolfpack | 30 November 1984 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA [14] | |
HMH-772 | Hustler | 15 April 1958 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | McGuire Air Force Base, NJ [15] | |
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 [16] |
The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons are composite squadrons made up of 18 AH-1Z Vipers and 9 UH-1Y Venoms. [17] The primary missions of the Viper 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 H-1 upgrade program 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. Due to the need for more light attack squadrons, the Marine Corps began adding new squadrons in 2008. HMLA-469 is the newest squadron. However, as part of the re-organization of the corps, HMLA-469 and HMLA-367 will be de-activated by 2030. [23]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HMLA-167 | Warriors | 1 April 1968 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC [24] | |
HMLA-169 | Vipers | 30 September 1971 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [25] | |
HMLA-267 | Stingers | 15 February 1944 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [26] | |
HMLA-269 | The Gunrunners | 22 February 1977 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC [27] | |
HMLA-367 | Scarface | 1 December 1943 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [28] | |
HMLA-369 | Gunfighters | 1 April 1972 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [29] | |
HMLA-773 | Red Dog | June 1968 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, NJ [30] | |
HMLA-775 | Coyote | 1 October 2016 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [31] |
The squadron trains newly designated (i.e., winged) Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the UH-1Y Venom, and the AH-1Z Viper. [32]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HMLAT-303 | Atlas | 30 April 1982 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA [32] |
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 they are replacing. [33] As the Marine Corps’ number one aviation acquisition priority, the Osprey replaced the aging fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and is a cornerstone of the capstone concept of Expeditionary maneuver warfare. [34] As of October 2017, the Marine Corps has 16 Fully Operationally Capable (FOC) MV-22 squadrons. VMM-268, VMM-364, and VMM-164 reached 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.
The squadron provides new and conversion training to Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. [51]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMMT-204 | Raptors | 1 May 1972 | 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
Marine attack squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier II [52] 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. [53] The Harrier is due to be replaced by the F-35B, the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II. [54] This transition began in 2016 when VMA-211 exchanged its Harriers for the F-35B and became VMFA-211.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMA-223 | Bulldogs | 1 May 1942 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC [55] | |
VMA-231 | Ace of Spades | 8 February 1919 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC [56] |
The Marine Corps' VMFA squadrons fly the F/A-18 Hornet and F-35 Lightning II. Their primary mission is to attack and destroy surface targets, during both day and nighttime operations, 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 first deployments during Operation Desert Storm, after having replaced the A-6 Intruder. Each Hornet squadron operates 12 aircraft and each F-35 squadron operates 10 aircraft. [57] [58]
VMFAT squadrons train newly designated Naval Aviators to fly Marine Corps Aircraft. [74] [75]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMFAT-501 | Warlords | F-35B | 15 February 1944 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC [76] | |
VMFAT-502 | Flying Nightmares | F-35B | 15 February 1944 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
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.
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMFT-401 | Snipers | 18 March 1986 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
VMGR squadrons operate the KC-130 Hercules tanker/transport. Their primary missions are aerial and rapid ground refueling, 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. [77] [78]
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 [79] | |
VMGR-153 | Hercules | KC-130J | 1 March 1942 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii | |
VMGR-234 | Rangers | KC-130J | 1 May 1942 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | NASJRB Fort Worth, TX [80] | |
VMGR-252 | Otis | KC-130J | 1 June 1928 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC [81] | |
VMGR-352 | Raiders | KC-130J | 1 April 1943 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA [82] | |
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. [83]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMR-1 | Roadrunners | January 1943 | Marine Aircraft Group 41 | Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, TX |
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 re-designated to VMX-1 (from VMX-22) on 13 May 2016. [84]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMX-1 | Flying Lions | UH-1Y AH-1Z CH-53E /K MV-22B F-35B RQ-21 | 28 August 2003 | Operational Test and Evaluation Force | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
VMUs operate the RQ-21 Blackjack 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. 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. [85]
Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VMU-1 | Watchdogs | 21 January 1987 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ [86] | |
VMU-2 | Night Owls | June 1984 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC [87] | |
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 |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 167 (HMLA-167) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. Known as the "Warriors", they are based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and fall under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 (HMLA-267) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of Bell AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and Bell UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. Nicknamed the "Stingers", the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton in California, and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 (HMLA-169) is a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261 (VMM-261) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Raging Bulls", is based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, North Carolina and typically falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. They are the fourth squadron in the Marine Corps to transition to the MV-22 Osprey.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263 (VMM-263) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22B Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Thunder Chickens", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 774 (VMM-774) is a United States Marine Corps medium tiltrotor squadron consisting of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Wild Goose", is a United States Marine Corps Reserve unit based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 49 (MAG-49) and the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM-162) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Golden Eagles", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. HMM-162 officially stood down 9 December 2005 to begin the process of transitioning to the MV-22 Osprey. On 31 August 2006, the squadron was reactivated as the second operational Osprey squadron in the Marine Corps. VMM-162 was the squadron of the year in 2023.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 266 (VMM-266) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Fighting Griffins", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365 (VMM-365) is a United States Marine Corps tiltrotor squadron consisting of MV-22B Osprey transport aircraft. The squadron, known as the "Blue Knights", is based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 26 (MAG-26) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Marine Aircraft Group 41 (MAG-41) is a United States Marine Corps reserve aviation unit based at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas that is currently composed of one F/A-18C squadron, one KC-130J squadron, one C-40 squadron, one Northrop F-5 aggressor squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona, one Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron at MCAS Camp Pendleton, one MV-22B squadron based at MCAS Miramar, one aviation logistics squadron and two wing support squadrons with multiple detachments throughout the United States.
Marine Aircraft Group 42 was a United States Marine Corps reserve aviation unit based at Naval Air Station Atlanta, Georgia. Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, MAG-42 was deactivated on 21 June 2008.
Marine Aircraft Group 49 is a United States Marine Corps Reserve aviation unit based at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, New Jersey that is currently composed of squadrons that fly the MV-22B, CH-53E, AH-1Z, UH-1Y, UC-35D and UC-12F/W aircraft as well as an Aviation Logistics Squadron and Wing Support Squadron.
The Bell UH-1Y Venom is a twin-engine, 4-blade, medium-sized utility helicopter built by Bell Helicopter under the H-1 upgrade program of the United States Marine Corps. One of the latest members of the numerous Huey family, the UH-1Y is also called "Yankee" for the NATO phonetic alphabet pronunciation of its variant letter. Bell was originally to produce UH-1Ys by rebuilding UH-1Ns, but ultimately used new built airframes.
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 561 (VMM-561) was a medium-lift squadron of the United States Marine Corps flying the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey. Known as the "Pale Horse", it was part of Marine Aircraft Group 16 and based out of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. They were scheduled to move to Okinawa in 2012. The squadron previously served as a training unit during the Vietnam War but was previously deactivated with the retirement of the HUSS from active service.
Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton or MCAS Camp Pendleton is a United States Marine Corps airfield located within Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California. It was commissioned in 1942 and is currently home to Marine Aircraft Group 39. The airfield is also known as Munn Field in honor of Lieutenant General John C. "Toby" Munn, the first Marine aviator to serve as the Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The United States Marine Corps Aviation (USMCA) is the aircraft arm of the United States Marine Corps. Aviation units within the Marine Corps are assigned to support the Marine Air-Ground Task Force, as the aviation combat element, by providing six functions: assault support, antiair warfare, close air support, electronic warfare, control of aircraft and missiles, and aerial reconnaissance. The Corps operates rotary-wing, tiltrotor, and fixed-wing aircraft mainly to provide transport and close air support to its ground forces. Other aircraft types are also used in a variety of support and special-purpose roles. All Marine Corps aviation falls under the influence of the Deputy Commandant for Aviation, whose job is to advise the Commandant of the Marine Corps in all matters relating to aviation, especially acquisition of new assets, conversions of current aircraft, maintenance, operation, and command.
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 467 (HMLA-467) was a United States Marine Corps helicopter squadron consisting of AH-1W SuperCobra attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters. The squadron, nicknamed the "Sabers", was based at Marine Corps Air Station New River, North Carolina and was under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 29 (MAG-29) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron's aircraft markings are grey & white stripes on the aircraft tail to replicate the tail markings on a Diamondback Rattlesnake and the markings on the lighthouses in North Carolina.
Camp Leatherneck was a 1,600 acre United States Marine Corps base in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The site was mostly in Washir District and was conjoined with Camp Bastion, which was the main British military base in Afghanistan and Camp Shorabak which initially was the main Afghan section however the three sites were joined under the name of 'Camp Shorabak' in 2014.
Marine Rotational Force – Darwin is a marine air-ground task force of the United States Marine Corps based at Robertson Barracks and at RAAF Base Darwin, near the city of Darwin in the Northern Territory of Australia.
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