List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

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 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.{{cite book

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. |access-date = 2022-03-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170203053931/http://www.marines.mil/units/hqmc/hmx-1/Pages/deps/EFD/default.aspx | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2017-02-03 | access-date = 2009-10-26}} however that program was cancelled in April 2009. 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.

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. | access-date = 2022-03-20}} Each squadron is equipped with sixteen CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters. In 2022 the replacement of the CH-53E with the CH-53K King Stallion began. 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. |access-date=2007-03-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016145611/http://www.sikorsky.com/details/0%2C%2CCLI1_DIV69_ETI922%2C00.html |archive-date=16 October 2006 |url-status=dead

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.

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons

The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons are composite squadrons made up of 18 AH-1Z Vipers and 9 UH-1Y Venoms. | access-date = 2014-11-02}} The primary missions of the Viper is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort,{{cite web | access-date = 2007-03-27}} while the Huey provides airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation. | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19970206100210/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/ah1.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 6 February 1997 | access-date = 2007-03-26}} 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. |access-date=2007-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328222236/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellAH-1Z.cfm |archive-date=2007-03-28 |access-date=2007-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070403082131/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellUH-1Y.cfm |archive-date=2007-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070101113614/http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/p%26r/concepts/2005/PDF/Ch3PDFs/CP05%20Ch3P3%20ACEP%20pg%20183_H1%20Upgrade%20Program.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2007-01-01 |access-date=2007-02-28 |access-date=2022-03-20

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 UH-1Y Venom, and the AH-1Z Viper.

Tiltrotor Aircraft

Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadrons

|access-date = 2007-03-26 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100328013808/http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellV-22.cfm |archive-date = 2010-03-28 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060403140515/https://www.navy.mil/navydata/testimony/readiness/bedard030409.txt | url-status = dead | archive-date = 3 April 2006 | access-date = 2007-02-28}} As of October 2018, the Marine Corps had 17 Fully Operationally Capable (FOC) MV-22 squadrons. VMM-268, VMM-364, and VMM-164 reached FOC in FY16 and VMM-362 in 2018. The newest Osprey squadron, VMM-264, will stand up in FY27, 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 Marine Corps and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. | access-date = 2014-11-02}}

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Marine Attack Squadrons

|access-date=2007-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070301094448/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/av8b/index.htm |archive-date=2007-03-01 |access-date=2007-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070401062508/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/av8.htm |archive-date=2007-04-01 | access-date = 2007-02-28}} This transition began in 2016 when VMA-211 exchanged its Harriers for the F-35B and became VMFA-211.

VMA-223 will transition to F-35B in 2027.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons

VFMA 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 to 12 aircraft. |access-date = 2007-03-26 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070328164103/http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/fa18/index.htm |archive-date = 2007-03-28

• VMFA-115 will reactivate as a F-35C squadron in 2026.
• VMA-231 will reactivate as VMFA-231 in 2026 as a F-35B squadron.
• VMFA-312 will transition to F-35B in 2028.
• VMFA-232 will transition to F-35C in 2029.
• VMFA-323 will transition to F-35C in 2029.
• VMFA-112 will transition to F-35C in 2030.
• VMFA-134 will reactivate as a reserve F-35C squadron in 2031.

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadrons

VMFAT squadrons train newly designated Naval Aviators to fly Marine Corps Aircraft. | access-date = 2010-04-04}}

Marine Fighter Training Squadron

VMFT-401 and VMFT-402 are the only aggressor squadrons in the Marine Corps. They fly the F-5N Tiger II and provide instruction to active and reserve squadrons through dissimilar adversary combat tactics. The squadrons are based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ, and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, SC, respectively, and are assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Forces Reserve.

Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadrons

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19970206100010/http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/c130.htm | url-status = dead | archive-date = 6 February 1997 | access-date = 2007-03-26}} | archive-url = https://archive.today/20071012230327/http://www.lockheedmartin.com/wms/findPage.do?dsp=fec&ci=11165&rsbci=0&fti=126&ti=0&sc=400 | url-status = dead | archive-date = 2007-10-12 | access-date = 2007-03-26 }}

Marine Transport Squadrons

VMR squadrons provide 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. |access-date = 2007-02-28 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070203045456/http://www.cherrypoint.usmc.mil/mcabe/vmr1/vmr1mission.asp |archive-date = 2007-02-03

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 re-designated to VMX-1 (from VMX-22) on 13 May 2016.

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons

VMUs operate the MQ-9A Reaper 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 the 2000s, 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. VMU-4 was deactivated in 2022 and in 2023 VMU-2 was redesignated VMUT-2 to train MQ-9 operators and maintenance personnel.

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Training Squadron

The squadron trains personnel in the operation and maintenance of the MQ-9A Reaper.

References

References

1. (6 April 2009). "Gates outlines military spending overhaul".
2. Snow, Shawn. (2020-03-23). "The Corps is axing all of its tank battalions and cutting grunt units".
3. . ["HMLA-269's Official Website"](https://www.2ndmaw.marines.mil/Units/MAG-29/HMLA-269/). *United States Marine Corps*.
4. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161". United States Marine Corps.
5. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 261". United States Marine Corps.
6. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262". United States Marine Corps.
7. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263". United States Marine Corps.
8. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265". United States Marine Corps.
9. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268". United States Marine Corps.
10. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 362". United States Marine Corps.
11. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363". United States Marine Corps.
12. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 364". United States Marine Corps.
13. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 365". United States Marine Corps.
14. "Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 764". United States Marine Corps.
15. "Marine Medium Tiltrotor TrainingSquadron 204". United States Marine Corps.
16. "2025 Marine Aviation Plan". US Marine Corps Aviation.
17. "Archived copy".
18. . (2024-12-06). ["VMFA-251 Reactivated as Marine Corps' First East Coast-Based F-35C Lightning II Squadron"](https://seapowermagazine.org/vmfa-251-reactivated-as-marine-corps-first-east-coast-based-f-35c-lightning-ii-squadron/). *United States Navy League*.
19. "VMX-22 receives first F-35B aircraft".
20. LtGen [[George J. Trautman, III]]. (2009). "2010 Marine Aviation Plan". [[Headquarters Marine Corps]].