Marine Strike Squadron (VMA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, Marine Aircraft Wing 3 (MAW), conducted a reassignment ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, March 25, 2022.
As part of the transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II, the VMA-214 has been reassigned to the 214th Marine Fighter Aircraft Strike Squadron (VMFA). replaces the AV-8B Harrier as introducing unprecedented capabilities to the Marines. The F-35B Lightning II represents a giant leap forward in air superiority by providing the combat agility and tactical superiority the Marines need to provide quick support and damage.
“Having served in the VMA-214 and piloted the AV-8B for many years, Black Sheep and Harrier hold a special place in my heart,” said U.S. Marine Major General Bradford J. Gering, commander of the Wing. 3rd Marines aircraft. “As the 3rd MAW says its bittersweet farewell to the Harrier, we are delighted to increase the number of F-35B squadrons with the re-designation of VMFA-214.”
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The VMA-214 was initially commissioned as Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 214 on 1 July 1942, on Oahu Island, Hawaii, flying the F4F Wildcat before switching to the F4U-1 Corsair. The squadron completed two combat tours under the previous designation of “Swashbucklers” before reforming to “Black Sheep” under the leadership of US Marine Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington in August. in 1943.
The Marines of VMF-214 chose the new detachment name to highlight the diverse experience levels of the pilots. From seasoned veterans with many combat missions under their wings to new pilots from the flight school, the Black Sheep have built their legacy on years of arduous combat during World War II. Thanks to its achievements, VMF-214 became the first Marine squadron to be awarded the Presidential Unit Commendation for extraordinary heroism in action.
On 9 July 1957, the squadron was renamed VMA-214 as Black Sheep and switched to flying fixed-wing attack aircraft. In Vietnam, the Marines’ VMA-214 squadron stood out as a strike squadron, reliably flying A-4 Skyhawks from the expeditionary airfields at Chu Lai. The Black Sheep continued to fly A-4s until 1989, when they switched to the AV-8B Harrier. Over the next 30 years, the Black Sheep participated in combat operations around the world, including Operation Restore Hope, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Operation Freedom. Most recently, VMA-214 completed its final AV-8B deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in which they participated in Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The re-designation of VMA-214 to VMFA-214 is the end of the legacy of the Marine Aircraft Group and Black Sheep-13,” said US Marine Lieutenant Colonel Keith Bucklew, outgoing commander of VMA-214 said. “This iconic event concludes the Harriers sunset on the West Coast and closes the chapter on 58 years of Black Sheep attack aircraft.
Bucklew added: “Completing this mission with the successful deployment of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit is a testament to Harrier’s viability and performance over the past 33 years and, more importantly, his talent. of the Marines that administered them. “AV-8B will no longer be in the skies over Yuma, but it’s time to move on to the next generation of combat strike aircraft.”
“The F-35’s fifth-generation strike fighter capability delivers more lethality and versatility to combat commanders than any other fighter platform,” said Lt Col. United States War Christopher Kelly, commanding officer VMFA-214. The “STO/VL” capability inherent to the F-35 “B” variant allows the Marines to operate in emergencies and from remote locations, making this model uniquely qualified to support military missions. Expeditionary operations at advanced bases. ”
3 MAW continues “Repair, Fly, and Fight” as the Marines’ largest aircraft wing and remains combat-ready, capable of short deployment, and lethal when called upon. motion.
