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.
Squadron designations
The basic tactical and administrative unit of United States Marine Corps aviation is the squadron. Fixed-wing aircraft squadrons and tiltrotor squadrons are denoted by the letter "V", which comes from the Spanish verb "volar". Rotary wing 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.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 of new flight systems for Marine Corps helicopters. 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, however that program was cancelled in April 2009.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 |
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. Each squadron is equipped with sixteen CH-53 helicopters. 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. The CH-53Es are the most powerful helicopter in the U.S. military inventory today. Due to a reorganization in Marine aviation, HMH-366 was reactivated in 2008 at MCAS Cherry Point. As part of the re-organisation of the corps, HMH-462 will be de-activated by 2030.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| HMH-361 | Flying Tigers | 25 February 1952 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| HMH-366 | Hammerheads | 30 September 2008 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| HMH-461 | Iron Horse | 15 March 1944 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| HMH-462 | Heavy Haulers | 15 April 1944 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| HMH-463 | Pegasus | 20 July 1944 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI | |
| HMH-464 | Condors | 5 April 1944 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| HMH-465 | Warhorse | 1 December 1981 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| HMH-466 | Wolfpack | 30 November 1984 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| HMH-772 | Hustler | April 15 1958 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | McGuire Air Force Base, NJ |
Marine Heavy Helicopter Training Squadron
The squadron trains newly designated Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the CH-53E Super Stallion.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| HMHT-302 | Phoenix | 1 November 1966 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
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. The primary missions of the Cobra is close air support, forward air control, reconnaissance and armed escort, while the Huey provides airborne command and control, utility support, supporting arms coordination and medical evacuation. 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. 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-467 and HMLA-469 are the newest squadrons. However, as a result of force structure reductions, HMLA-467 is scheduled to be deactivated by the end of FY16 As part of the re-organisation of the corps, HMLA-469 and HMLA-367 will be de-activated by 2030.at Camp Pendleton, 2008
| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| HMLA-167 | Warriors | 1 April 1968 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| HMLA-169 | Vipers | 30 September 1971 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| HMLA-267 | Stingers | 15 February 1944 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| HMLA-269 | The Gunrunners | 22 February 1971 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| HMLA-367 | Scarface | 1 December 1943 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI | |
| HMLA-369 | Gunfighters | 1 April 1972 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| HMLA-469 | Vengeance | 30 June 2009 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| HMLA-773 | Red Dog | June 1968 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst, NJ | |
| HMLA-775 | Coyote | 1 October 2016 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA |
Marine Light Attack Helicopter Training Squadron
The squadron trains newly designated Naval Aviators, conversion pilots, refresher pilots, and enlisted aircrew on the UH-1Y Venom, and the AH-1Z Viper.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| HMLAT-303 | Atlas | 30 April 1982 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA |
Tiltrotor Aircraft">tiltrotor">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. 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. As of October 2017, the Marine Corps has 16 Fully Operationally Capable 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. As part of the re-organisation of the corps, VMM-264 will be de-activated by 2030.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMM-161 | Greyhawks | 15 January 1951 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-162 | Golden Eagles | June 30, 1952 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-163 | Ridge Runners | December 1951 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-164 | Knightriders | July 1, 1962 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| VMM-165 | White Knights | July 1, 1965 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-166 | Sea Elk | September 13, 1985 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-261 | Raging Bulls | April 5, 1951 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-262 | Flying Tigers | September 1951 | MAG-36, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Japan | |
| VMM-263 | Thunder Chickens | June 16, 1952 | MAG-29, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-264 | Black Knights | June 30, 1959 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-265 | Dragons | October 1, 1962 | MAG-36, 1st MAW | MCAS Futenma, Japan | |
| VMM-266 | Fighting Griffins | April 26, 1983 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-268 | Red Dragons | April 26, 1983 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCB Hawaii, HA | |
| VMM-362 | Ugly Angels | April 30, 1952 | MAG-16, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-363 | Red Lions | June 2, 1952 | MAG-24, 1st MAW | MCB Hawaii, HI | |
| VMM-364 | Purple Foxes | September 1, 1961 | MAG-39, 3rd MAW | MCAS Camp Pendleton, CA | |
| VMM-365 | Blue Knights | July 1, 1963 | MAG-26, 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC | |
| VMM-764 | Moonlight | April 15, 1958 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMM-774 | Wild Goose | 1969 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | NS Norfolk, VA |
Marine Medium Tiltrotor Training Squadron
The squadron provides new and conversion training to both Marine Corps and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMMT-204 | Raptors | May 1, 1972 | 2nd MAW | MCAS New River, NC |
Fixed-Wing Aircraft">Fixed-wing aircraft">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. 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. Today, Marine attack squadrons fly the AV-8B Harrier II 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. The Harrier is due to be replaced by the F-35B, the STOVL version of the F-35 Lightning II. 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-214 | Black Sheep | 1 July 1942 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ | |
| VMA-223 | Bulldogs | 1 May 1942 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| VMA-231 | Ace of Spades | 8 February 1919 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| VMA-311 | Tomcats | 1 December 1942 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ | |
| VMA-542 | Tigers | 6 March 1944 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
Marine Attack Training Squadron
The squadron trains newly designated Naval Aviators to fly the AV-8B Harrier II.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMAT-203 | Hawks | July 1, 1947 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC |
Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons
The Marine Corps' VMFA squadrons fly the single seat F/A-18A++, F/A-18C/C+ 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, each F-35B squadron operates 16 aircraft, and each F-35C squadron will operate 10 aircraft.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMFA-112 | Cowboys | F/A-18A++ | March 1, 1942 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | NASJRB Fort Worth, TX | |
| VMFA-115 | Silver Eagles | F/A-18A++/C+ | July 1, 1943 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC | |
| VMFA-121 | Green Knights | F-35B | June 24, 1941 | MAG-12, 1st MAW | MCAS Iwakuni, Japan | |
| VMFA-122 | Flying Leathernecks | F-35B | March 1, 1942 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ | |
| VMFA-211 | Wake Island Avengers | F-35B | January 1, 1937 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ | |
| VMFA-232 | Red Devils | F/A-18C | September 1, 1925 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMFA-312 | Checkerboard | F/A-18C | June 1, 1943 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC | |
| VMFA-314 | Black Knights | F-35C | October 1, 1943 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMFA-323 | Death Rattlers | F/A-18C | August 1, 1943 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA |
Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons
The VMFA 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 A-6 Intruder.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMFA-224 | Bengals | May 1, 1942 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC | |
| VMFA-225 | Vikings | January 1, 1943 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMFA-242 | Bats | July 1, 1943 | MAG-12, 1st MAW | MCAS Iwakuni, Japan | |
| VMFA-533 | Hawks | October 1, 1943 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC |
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadrons
VMFAT-101 trains newly designated Naval Aviators to fly the F/A-18 Hornet while VMFAT-501 trains new and transitioning pilots to fly the F-35B Lightning II.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMFAT-101 | Sharpshooters | January 3, 1969 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMFAT-501 | Warlords | February 15, 1944 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC | |
| VMFAT-502 | Flying Nightmares | February 15, 1944 | MAG-31, 2nd MAW | MCAS Beaufort, SC |
Marine Fighter Training Squadron
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.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 and emergency resupply into unimproved landing zones.| 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 | |
| VMGR-234 | Rangers | KC-130J | 1 May 1942 | MAG-41, 4th MAW | NASJRB Fort Worth, TX | |
| VMGR-252 | Otis | KC-130J | 1 June 1928 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| VMGR-352 | Raiders | KC-130J | 1 April 1943 | MAG-11, 3rd MAW | MCAS Miramar, CA | |
| VMGR-452 | Yankees | KC-130T | 9 September 1988 | MAG-49, 4th MAW | Stewart ANGB, NY |
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.| 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 |
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 redesignated to VMX-1 on May 13, 2016.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Aircraft | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMX-1 | Flying Lions | UH-1Y AH-1W/Z CH-53E/K MV-22B F-35B RQ-21 | August 28, 2003 | Operational Test and Evaluation Force | MCAS Yuma, AZ |
Unmanned Aerial Systems
Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadrons
VMUs operate the RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system 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.| Squadron Name | Insignia | Nickname | Date Commissioned | Senior Command | Station |
| VMU-1 | Watchdogs | 21 January 1987 | MAG-13, 3rd MAW | MCAS Yuma, AZ | |
| VMU-2 | Night Owls | June 1984 | MAG-14, 2nd MAW | MCAS Cherry Point, NC | |
| 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 |