List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

This is a list of all of the active squadrons that currently 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 Aviation units sorted by command hierarchy, see aviation combat element.

quadron 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 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. [cite web
last =
first =
title = World War II Naval Aircraft Squadron Designations
work =
publisher = bluejacket.com
date =
url = http://www.bluejacket.com/usn-usmc_avi_ww2_squadron_desig.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] 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. cite book
last = Rottman
first = Gordon L.
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = U.S. Marine Corps World War II Order of Battle – Ground and Air Units in the Pacific War.
publisher = Greenwood Press
date = 2002
location = Westport, Connecticut
url =
doi =
id = ISBN 0-313-31906-5]

=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. [cite web
title = Marine Helicopter Squadron One
work = The White House
publisher = U.S. Government
date =
url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/whmo/hmx1.html
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] The squadron currently flies the VH-3D Sea King and the VH-60N Blackhawk but these are due to be replaced by the VH-71 Kestrel in the near future. [cite web
title = History of the Executive Flight Detachment
work =
publisher = United States Marine Corps
date =
url = https://www.hmx-1.usmc.mil/EFD/efd_history.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28]

Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadrons

The Marine Corps’ light attack squadrons are composite squadrons usually made up of 12 AH-1W Cobras and 6 UH-1N Hueys. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort,cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = UH-1 Huey Helicopter
work =
publisher = www.fas.org
date =
url = http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/uh-1.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-27] while the Huey provides airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation.cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = AH-1W Super Cobra AND UH-1N Huey
work = Department of the Navy -- Naval Historical Center
publisher = US Navy
date =
url = http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/ah1.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] Both airframes are due to be upgraded as part of the H-1 Upgrade Program which will see them get greater power, improved avionics and an 85% commonality of parts. When the aircraft are upgraded, they will have the new nomenclatures AH-1Z [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Bell AH-1Z
work =
publisher = Bell Helicopter
date =
url = http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellAH-1Z.cfm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] and UH-1Y [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = The Bell UH-1Y
work =
publisher = Bell Helicopter
date =
url = http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/aircraft/military/bellUH-1Y.cfm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] [cite paper
author =
title = United States Marine Corps – 2005 – Concepts + Programs
version =
publisher = Headquarters Marine Corps
date = 2005
url = http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/p&r/concepts/2005/PDF/Ch3PDFs/CP05%20Ch3P3%20ACEP%20pg%20183_H1%20Upgrade%20Program.pdf
format =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] . Due to the need for more light attack squadrons, the Marine Corps will be adding three more HMLAs in the next few years.cite paper
author = LtGen John Castellaw
title = 2007 Marine Aviation Plan
version =
publisher = Headquarters Marine Corps
date = 2007
url = http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/AVN/Documents/Signed%20AvPlan.pdf
format =
accessdate = 2007-11-18 ] In October 2008, HMLA-467 stood up and HMLA-469 and HMLA-567 are due to activate in 2009. cite news
last = Barton
first = Mike
coauthors =
title = Helicopters bring new training to MCAS Cherry Point
work = United States Marine Corps
pages =
work = United States Marine Corps
date = 7/10/2008
url = http://www.marines.mil/units/mcieast/mcascherrypoint/Pages/HelicoptersbringnewtrainingtoMCASCherryPoint.aspx
accessdate = 2008-07-13 ] Locations and group assignments of the two new squadrons has yet to be finalized.

Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron

The squadron trains newly commissioned Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the CH-46 Sea Knight. [cite web
title = Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164
work =
publisher = United States Marine Corps
date =
url = http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/mag39/hmmt164/default.asp
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-16]

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 that is scheduled to replace the Marine Corps' fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters. [cite web
title = Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron 204
work =
publisher = United States Marine Corps
date =
url = http://www.2maw.usmc.mil/MAG26/VMMT204/default.asp
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-16]

Marine Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadrons

VMAQ squadrons operate the EA-6B Prowler [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = E/A-6B Prowler
work =
publisher = Northrop Grumman
date =
url = http://www.is.northropgrumman.com/products/navy_products/ea6b/ea6b.html
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] and are tasked with providing Electronic attack, electronic protection, radar jamming and suppression of enemy air defense using the AN/ALQ-99 jamming pod [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =AN/ALQ-99 Tactical Jamming System (TJS)
work =
publisher = www.fas.org
date =
url = http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/equip/an-alq-99.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] 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). [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = EA-6B Prowler
work = Department of the Navy -- Naval Historical Center
publisher = US Navy
date =
url = http://www.history.navy.mil/planes/ea6.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =EA-6B Prowler
work =
publisher = www.fas.org
date =
url = http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/ea-6b_prowler.htm
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-26] The Marine Corps has recently solidified plans to install a next-generation jammer on the F-35 Lightning II. It has joined the F/A-18 Super Hornet as the launch platform for the jammer, which is scheduled to enter service in 2018. [cite web
last = Trimble
first = Stephen
authorlink =
coauthors =
title =US Marine Corps aviation branch plans to invest in fighter jets, helicopters, transports and UAVs
work =
publisher = www.flightglobal.com
date =
url = http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/07/21/225796/us-marine-corps-aviation-branch-plans-to-invest-in-fighter-jets-helicopters-transports-and-uavs.html
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2008-07-21]

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron

The squadron trains newly commissioned Naval Aviators to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. [cite web
title = Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101
work =
publisher = United States Marine Corps
date =
url = http://www.3maw.usmc.mil/mag11/vmfat101/default.asp
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-03-16]

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. [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = VMR-1 Official Website
work = Marine Transport Squadron One Mission
publisher = US Marine Corps
date =
url = http://www.cherrypoint.usmc.mil/mcabe/vmr1/vmr1mission.asp
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28]

Unmanned Aerial Systems

Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons

VMUs operate the RQ-7 Shadow unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) which provides Marine ground forces with information, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance. They also provide artillery spotting and can assist in search and rescue operations [cite web
last = Talton
first = Trista
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = U.S. Marines’ Shadow UAV Sees First Combat
work =
publisher = Defensenews.com
date =
url = http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?F=3117663&C=airwar
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-11-18] [cite web
last = Scully
first = Megan
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = Army assumes Navy, Marine UAV training
work =
publisher = Seapower
date =
url = http://www.seapower-digital.com/seapower/sample/?pg=14
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-12-06] . Since 2004, the VMU squadrons have also been operating the ScanEagle UAV which is newer, provides longer endurance and can work at higher altitudes. [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = News Release
work = Boeing ScanEagle Achieves Major Flight Milestones
publisher = Boeing
date =
url = http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q4/061115b_nr.html
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] . All of these systems will eventually be replaced by the Vertical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle [cite web
last =
first =
authorlink =
coauthors =
title = MQ-8B Fire Scout Program Overview
work =
publisher = Northrop Grumman
date =
url = http://www.northropgrumman.com/unmanned/
format =
doi =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] . which is currently being developed to meet the future Tier III requirements of the Marine Corpscite paper
author =
title = Research, Development, Test & Evaluation - Budget Item Justification
version = Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
publisher = United States Navy
date = 2006
url = http://www.dtic.mil/descriptivesum/Y2007/Navy/0305204N.pdf
format =
accessdate = 2007-02-28] . 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 will be activated in 2011.

ee also

* United States Marine Corps Aviation
* 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

References