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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242
VMFA-242 Patch
Active1 Jul 1943 - 23 Nov 1945
1 Oct 1960 - present
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
TypeFighter/Attack
RoleClose air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 12
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
NicknamesBats
Profane (callsign)
Motto"Victory by Dawn"
Tail CodeDT
Mascotbat
EngagementsWorld War II
* Battle of Saipan
* Battle of Tinian
* Battle of Iwo Jima
Vietnam War
Operation Iraqi Freedom
* Operation Phantom Fury
Commanders
Commanding OfficerLtCol. Alexander M. Mellman
Executive OfficerLtCol. Benjamin M. Boera[1]
Coffee Mess OfficerCapt. Alex J. Buchmann
Assistant to the Coffee Mess OfficerCapt. Margaret E. Woodward
Aircraft flown
AttackA-6 Intruder
A-4 Skyhawk
F/A-18D Hornet
F/A-18C Hornet
BomberTBM Avenger
FighterF-35B Lightning II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) is a United States Marine Corps squadron flying F-35B Lightning II STOVL Stealth Fighter. The squadron, known as the "Bats", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). The radio callsign is "Profane".

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]
VMTB-242 patch during WWII while flying the TBM Avenger

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242) was commissioned on 1 July 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station El Centro, California.[2] The squadron began training at MCAS El Centro flying the TBM Avenger. The squadron departed San Diego on 28 January 1944 on board the escort carrier USS Kitkun Bay.[2] It arrived at Espiritu Santo in the Southwest Pacific on 15 February 1944.[2] Thus began the squadron's long combat history, starting in the Northern Solomons, later shifting to the Battle of Saipan and Battle of Tinian, and finally to Battle of Iwo Jima where the squadron landed on D+17 and flew anti-submarine patrols until the end of World War II. On 5 November 1945, the squadron left Guam for San Diego and 18 days later was deactivated on 23 November 1945.[3]

During WWII, Warner Brothers and Disney designed many patches for military units, including one for VMTB-242 with Bugs Bunny riding a torpedo.[4]

Reactivation

[edit]
Squadron patch after reactivation as VMA-242

On 1 October 1960 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina the squadron was reactivated as Marine Attack Squadron 242 flying the A4D Skyhawk.[5] During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, VMA-242 deployed to Naval Air Station Key West, Florida and maintained a ready posture until the Soviet withdrawal of offensive weapons from Cuba. In September 1963, VMA-242 embarked for duty with the 1st MAW. The squadron operated from MCAS Iwakuni, Japan until its return to MCAS Cherry Point in September 1964, at which time it transitioned to the A-6A Intruder and was redesignated VMA(AW)-242. The transition training was conducted by VA-42, the East Coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Squadron at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. Advance teams of key VMA-242 personnel, began arriving at Oceana in the summer of 1963. They were the second line squadron to fly the A-6A after VA-75.

Vietnam War

[edit]
Four A-6A Intruders of VMA(AW)-242 in 1975

In late 1966, VMA(AW)-242 joined the 1st MAW at Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam and by November of that year, was participating in combat operations against the Viet Cong and the People's Army of Vietnam. Initially the squadron supported allied ground forces, but during April 1967, they were also assigned to the first of many Operation Rolling Thunder missions over North Vietnam. The squadron, utilizing the unique capabilities of the A-6, flew patrols over North Vietnam until the bombing halt late in 1968. Until the squadron's departure from Vietnam in late April 1971, the squadron continued supporting allied forces in South Vietnam, as well as flying sorties against the Ho Chi Minh Trail in North Vietnam and central Laos. During the squadron's tour in the Republic of Vietnam, VMA(AW)-242 logged 16,783 combat sorties and delivered 85,990 tons of ordnance. During the war, the squadron was known as the Batmen. At some date after the war this was modified to the Bats.

Post-Vietnam and the 1980s

[edit]

VMA(AW)-242 arrived at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California in early September 1970 [6] and became the first A-6A squadron in the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. In September 1977, the squadron transitioned to the A-6E aircraft. After ten years at MCAS El Toro, they again deployed overseas to MCAS Iwakuni as part of the six-month Unit Deployment Program (UDP). During this deployment, the squadron deployed and trained in such places as the Philippines, Okinawa, Japan, and Korea. Upon its return to MCAS El Toro on 22 April 1981, VMA(AW)-242 began receiving the latest model Intruder, the A-6E TRAM, in preparation for redeployment to MCAS Iwakuni in April 1982.

During August 1983, VMA(AW)-242 was the first Marine squadron to deploy to the African continent as part of Operation Eastern Wind in Berbera, Somalia. While in country, they conducted joint operations with the Somali Army Air Defense Force and the United States Navy and Air Force.

In April 1984 and November 1985, the squadron participated in its third and fourth UDP deployments to the Western Pacific. Returning to MCAS El Toro in May 1986, the squadron was awarded the Lawson H. M. Sanderson trophy as the Marine Corps Attack Squadron of the Year for 1986. In April 1987, the squadron made their fifth WestPac UDP deployment. October 1988 saw VMA(AW)-242 redeploy to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for the sixth and final WestPac UDP with the A-6E Intruder.

A VMFA(AW)-242 F/A-18D Hornet in April 2020

1990s

[edit]

In August 1990, the squadron initially deployed as part of MAG-70 in Operation Desert Shield but got no further than MCAS Cherry Point for a few days in August 1990. Ten aircraft were flown to MCAS Cherry Point with the intent to trade four 3-G limited aircraft for unlimited aircraft from VMA(AW)-224 so that the squadron would have ten aircraft that were not impacted by the wing fatigue limitation program. However, at the last minute, it was decided to not deploy the squadron. All the squadron's aircraft were transferred to USMC and USN squadrons, and they returned to El Toro to begin transitioning to the F/A-18D Hornet a month earlier than originally planned.

On 14 December 1990, VMA(AW)-242 was re-designated as Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242, and began conversion to the F/A-18D Hornet. VMFA(AW)-242 received its first aircraft in February 1991 with the final Hornet being accepted in August of that year. It was during the transition to the F/A-18D that the squadron adopted its motto, "Mors ex tenebris."

VMFA-242 F-35B, in April 2021.

The Global War on Terror

[edit]

From 4 August 2004 to 18 March 2005, the squadron supported the Iraq War. Utilizing the combat callsign "Profane", VMFA(AW)-242 spent seven months flying out of Al Asad Airbase, Iraq. During this time they provided close air support for the 1st Marine Division during Operation Phantom Fury. Squadron sections flew cyclic missions dropping over 300,000 pounds of ordnance in support of Marines and Soldiers on the ground overtaking the city. During this battle, precision-guided ordnance was dropped close to friendly forces with zero cases of friendly fire. Just two months later, in January 2005, over a five-day period, squadron aircraft were airborne twenty-four hours a day in order to deter insurgents' efforts to undermine Iraq's first democratic elections. The squadron received the Robert M. Hanson "Marine Fighter Squadron" of the Year award in October 2005.

Due to a re-organization within Marine aviation, VMFA(AW)-242 moved from MAG-11 at MCAS Miramar to MAG-12 in its current home at MCAS Iwakuni in 2008.[7]

2020s

[edit]

On 16 October 2020, the squadron was re-designated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) after its transition from the F/A-18D Hornet to the F-35B Lightning II.[8] On 3 October 2021, two aircraft from the squadron operated from the flight deck of the Japanese carrier JS Izumo. The aircraft were testing newly completed modifications to the Izumo that allow it to operate F-35s, and it marked the first time since WWII that fixed-wing aircraft have operated off a Japanese warship. [9]

[edit]

An A-6A Intruder from VMA(AW)-242 was featured in the 1974 film The Disappearance of Flight 412. The aircraft (side number 8) can be seen taxiing for an alert launch. Shots from inside the cockpit show the Bombardier/Navigator (BN) and also the refueling probe. This was another case of multiple aircraft being used for one: A-6 taxiing and flying (inside the cockpit), F-4 Phantom IIs taking off, and F9F Panthers flying (external shots).

VMA(AW)-242 was the subject of a ProPublica investigation, "Faulty Equipment, Lapsed Training, Repeated Warnings: How a Preventable Disaster Killed Six Marines," primarily focussing on a fatal accident in December 2018.[10] The story was part of a package of investigative articles on the Navy and Marines which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting in 2020.

See also

[edit]

Citations

[edit]
Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
  1. ^ "1st Marine Aircraft Wing Notablecommanders ltcol Andy SOLUM > Subordinate Units > Marine Aircraft Group 12 > VMFA - 242". www.1stmaw.marines.mil. Retrieved 6 August 2020.
  2. ^ a b c Sherrod 1952, pp. 465.
  3. ^ Rottman 2002, pp. 443.
  4. ^ Brown, David (30 October 2016). "5 Unit Patches Originally Designed by Walt Disney". ClearanceJobs.
  5. ^ Index for 1960 United States Marine Corps Bound Diaries. Series: Index to Muster Rolls, 1949 - 1977. United States Marine Corps. p. 23. Retrieved 26 January 2022. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  6. ^ Sgt W. L. Payne
  7. ^ LtGen John Castellaw (2007). "2007 Marine Aviation Plan" (PDF). Headquarters Marine Corps. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 November 2007. Retrieved 18 November 2007. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  8. ^ "SECOND F-35B SQUADRON OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED IN INDO-PACIFIC REGION WITH THE REDESIGNATION OF VMFA-242". marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. 23 October 2020. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  9. ^ Mahadzir, Dzirhan (5 October 2021). "VIDEO: Japan's Largest Warship Launches U.S. Marine F-35s; First Fighters to Fly from Japanese Ship Since WWII". news.usni.org. U.S. Naval Institute. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  10. ^ Faturechi, Robert; Rose, Megan; Miller, T. Christian. "Faulty Equipment, Lapsed Training, Repeated Warnings: How a Preventable Disaster Killed Six Marines". ProPublica. Pro Publica Inc. Retrieved 30 July 2020.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VMFA-242

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242), known as the "Bats", is a United States Marine Corps fighter-attack squadron assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 12 of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, operating the F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighter from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Activated on 1 July 1943 as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242) at , , the squadron participated in combat operations across multiple conflicts, including in the and , the from 1966 to 1970, Operation Desert Shield/Storm in 1990–1991, and Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2007. During its deployment at , VMA(AW)-242 logged 16,783 combat sorties and delivered 85,990 tons of ordnance, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for 1966–1967 and Navy Unit Commendations for 1967–1969 and Southwest Asia operations. The squadron's mission encompasses , armed reconnaissance, and the destruction of surface targets and enemy aircraft day or night in all weather conditions to support Marine Air-Ground Task Force commanders in expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. Redesignated as VMFA-242 on 16 October 2020 upon transitioning to the F-35B, it achieved full operational capability in May 2022 as the second permanent F-35B squadron in the Indo-Pacific region.

History

World War II

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242) was activated on July 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station El Centro, California, and equipped with Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bombers for operations in the Pacific Theater. The squadron underwent training at El Centro before deploying in February 1944 to Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides, where it joined Marine Aircraft Group 11 under Marine Air, South Pacific. From its forward base, VMTB-242 conducted strikes against Japanese positions, providing to Marine ground forces and executing anti-shipping missions targeting enemy vessels in the Bismarck Archipelago campaign and surrounding areas of the region. These operations contributed to the Allied advance in the South Pacific, with the squadron's Avengers delivering torpedoes, bombs, and rockets against fortified targets and convoys. As the war progressed, VMTB-242 supported subsequent amphibious operations, including those in the Marianas, before participating in the in 1945, after which it shifted to anti-submarine patrols until Japan's surrender. The squadron was deactivated on November 23, 1945.

Reactivation and Early Cold War Period

Marine Attack Squadron 242 (VMA-242) was reactivated on 1 October 1960 at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, , under Marine Aircraft Group 14, , equipped with Douglas A4D-2 Skyhawk attack aircraft. The reactivation marked a shift toward modern jet-powered and capabilities, aligning with Marine Corps doctrinal emphasis on versatile fighter-attack missions in potential nuclear and conventional conflicts. Pilots underwent intensive training in ordnance delivery, including high-explosive bombs, rockets, , and nuclear weapons simulations, to prepare for rapid response to global threats. On 1 July 1962, the squadron was redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (), reflecting its expanded role in air-to-air combat alongside ground attack duties with the A-4 Skyhawk, redesignated from A4D that year. Stationed primarily at MCAS Cherry Point, VMFA-242 conducted routine training evolutions focused on carrier qualifications, tactical strikes, and readiness exercises to support Marine Expeditionary Units. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, VMFA-242 deployed approximately 12 A-4 Skyhawks to , , maintaining 24-hour alert status with armed aircraft ready for immediate launch against potential Soviet targets until the crisis resolution in late November. This deployment underscored the squadron's forward posture in deterrence, honing procedures for high-threat environments without engaging in combat operations. In preparation for Pacific commitments, VMFA-242 relocated temporarily to , , in October 1963 under , conducting advanced training and exercises to integrate with forward-based forces before returning to Cherry Point in 1964 for further buildup. These activities emphasized logistical adaptability and interoperability, key to Marine aviation's evolving emphasis on expeditionary fighter-attack squadrons during the early .

Vietnam War

VMA(AW)-242, redesignated as a Marine all-weather attack squadron in 1964, became the first U.S. Marine Corps unit equipped with the Grumman A-6A Intruder, introducing advanced all-weather and night attack capabilities to Marine aviation. The squadron deployed to Da Nang Air Base in late 1966, joining the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and commenced combat operations shortly thereafter, focusing on interdiction of North Vietnamese supply lines, close air support for Marine ground forces, and precision strikes in adverse weather conditions. Over its tour ending in September 1970, VMA(AW)-242 flew 16,783 combat sorties from , delivering 85,990 tons of ordnance against enemy targets, including critical support during of where the Intruder's enabled low-level night attacks evading defenses. The squadron's missions emphasized all-weather bombing effectiveness, leveraging the A-6A's DIANE (Digital Integrated Attack/Navigation Equipment) system for integrated with onboard capabilities, reducing reliance on external spotters and enhancing responsiveness in contested environments. Tactical innovations included early adoption of electronic countermeasures precursors through the Intruder's advanced suite, which supported jamming and evasion during interdiction runs over and , contributing to the squadron's low attrition rate despite high sortie volume. These operations demonstrated the A-6A's superiority in blind bombing accuracy, with the squadron achieving high ordnance delivery rates in seasons when visual were grounded.

Post-Vietnam and 1980s

Following its departure from in September 1970, VMA(AW)-242 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, , arriving on September 12 and becoming the first A-6A Intruder squadron assigned to the . The squadron then initiated a rebuilding program to restore full operational strength amid post-Vietnam force reductions. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, VMA(AW)-242 focused on peacetime readiness through participation in multiple training exercises, emphasizing all-weather attack capabilities and integration with Marine Corps doctrinal refinements derived from experiences. These efforts included sustainment of A-6 Intruder operations, with attention to maintenance protocols and pilot proficiency to address lessons on equipment reliability and adverse-condition strikes. In August 1983, the squadron achieved a milestone as the first Marine unit to deploy to the African continent for Operation Eastern Wind, basing at , , to conduct hot-weather operations and low-level tactics training in support of regional deterrence. By April 1988, VMA(AW)-242 deployed to for Exercise Amalgam Warrior, honing cold-weather interdiction skills. Later that year, in October, it redeployed to , , under the Unit Deployment Program, bolstering Marine aviation presence and forward deterrence in the Pacific theater through rotational operations with allied forces.

1990s and Hornet Transition

On December 14, 1990, the squadron was redesignated as Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242) and initiated its transition from the A-6E Intruder to the F/A-18D Hornet, marking a shift to multi-role fighter-attack operations with enhanced all-weather and night-attack capabilities. The F/A-18D, a two-seat variant, incorporated advanced for precision strikes, systems for night operations, and improved for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, enabling the squadron to conduct , , and electronic warfare in diverse conditions. The transition occurred amid heightened regional tensions leading to Operation Desert Shield, but VMFA(AW)-242 remained stateside as it was unavailable for deployment due to the ongoing aircraft conversion and training requirements. Squadron personnel focused on integrating the new platform through intensive pilot and weapons systems officer training, achieving initial operational capability with the by early 1991. This period emphasized simulations and exercises to adapt tactics for the 's versatility, including operations simulating Gulf theater scenarios, though full was deferred until post-transition completion. By the mid-1990s, VMFA(AW)-242 had fully converted to the F/A-18D fleet, conducting routine carrier qualifications and forward deployments to refine multi-role proficiency in precision-guided munitions delivery and beyond-visual-range engagements. The Hornet's integration bolstered the squadron's ability to support Marine Air-Ground Task Forces with rapid response strikes, reducing reliance on dedicated bombers and enhancing interoperability with and assets in contingency planning.

Global War on Terror

![McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet of VMFA(AW)-242][float-right] VMFA-242 returned to combat operations in August 2004, marking the squadron's first engagement since its withdrawal from in 1970, a hiatus of 34 years. Deploying 12 F/A-18D Hornets, 19 aircrews, and 202 to Al Asad Air Base in , the squadron, under the callsign "Profane," achieved combat readiness within four hours of arrival and conducted missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During this seven-month rotation ending in March 2005, VMFA-242 flew over 3,000 flight hours, participated in Operation Phantom Fury—the Second Battle of Fallujah—and integrated with joint and coalition forces to deliver precision strikes amid urban combat environments. The squadron's operations highlighted adaptations for in densely populated areas, employing advanced targeting pods and precision-guided munitions to minimize while supporting ground units in house-to-house fighting. VMFA-242 expended over 300 precision-guided munitions and delivered more than 400,000 pounds of ordnance across hundreds of sorties, demonstrating the F/A-18D Hornet's effectiveness in austere desert bases with limited infrastructure. Sustainment challenges, including high operational tempos and environmental stresses on aircraft, informed post-deployment lessons on maintenance in forward operating locations. A second deployment from September 2006 to March 2007 further extended VMFA-242's contributions to Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-07, logging an additional 700 combat sorties in direct support of ground forces in western . These missions reinforced the squadron's role in joint operations, providing electronic warfare support and intercept capabilities alongside U.S. Army and other Marine aviation assets. The experiences underscored the Hornet's versatility in environments, though no major deployments were recorded for the squadron during this era.

2020s and F-35B Integration

In October 2020, Marine Attack Squadron 242 (VMA(AW)-242), previously equipped with F/A-18D Hornets, transitioned to the F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighter and was redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) during a ceremony at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, on October 16. This redesignation established VMFA-242 as the second permanent F-35B squadron in the Indo-Pacific region under Marine Aircraft Group 12, enhancing the U.S. Marine Corps' distributed maritime operations and deterrence posture against peer adversaries. The squadron relocated to Iwakuni to support forward-deployed aviation capabilities, leveraging the F-35B's advanced sensor fusion, stealth, and expeditionary versatility for integration with joint and allied forces. VMFA-242 achieved full operational capability (FOC) with the F-35B in May 2022, enabling sustained combat employment in the region. The squadron participated in deployments with the aboard the USS America (LHA-6), conducting flight operations, ordnance loading, and integrated training in the and during 2025. On July 1, 2025, three F-35B aircraft from VMFA-242 performed a flyover of USS America to mark the squadron's 82nd anniversary while forward-deployed. Throughout the decade, VMFA-242 supported bilateral and multilateral exercises emphasizing interoperability amid security challenges. In Exercise Resolute Dragon 24, held in 2024, the squadron conducted joint flight operations with Japanese forces, including field carrier landing practice at Ie Shima Training Facility, Okinawa. During ANNUALEX 2025 in October, VMFA-242's F-35Bs integrated with U.S. Navy F-35Cs and assets for maritime communication, , and air operations in the , bridging shore-to-sea domains through sensor data sharing. These activities underscored the squadron's role in great-power competition, providing persistent airpower projection from austere locations.

Squadron Identity and Honors

Nickname, Motto, and Insignia

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) bears the nickname "Bats," derived from its operations emphasizing nocturnal and low-light capabilities, akin to the animal's association with darkness and precision in flight. Initially designated as the "Batmen" during its early years flying F4U Corsair fighters in the Pacific theater, the moniker was shortened to "Bats" in the early amid transitions to all-weather attack roles with the A-6E Intruder, reflecting a streamlined identity while preserving the core symbolism of stealth and night proficiency. The squadron's motto, "Victory by Dawn," was officially adopted on December 23, 2022, marking a ceremonial tied to the full integration of the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter, which enhances its expeditionary strike capabilities under cover of darkness leading to decisive early-morning outcomes. This update supplanted prior informal or era-specific phrases, aligning the identity with modern fifth-generation aviation while honoring historical night-attack legacies. VMFA-242's insignia centers on a stylized emblem, emblematic of vigilance and dominance in obscured conditions, with designs evolving to incorporate squadron designations, silhouettes, and mission emphases across eras—from shield-backed bats with lightning motifs in the period to integrated representations on F/A-18D Hornets and F-35Bs. Early patches, such as those from the VMA-242 Skyhawk days, featured the bat in dynamic flight against dark skies, while later variants added all-weather attack indicators like radar scopes or intruder outlines during A-6E service. Recent applications include oversized bat graphics on F-35B fuselages for command , underscoring continuity in visual heritage amid technological shifts.

Awards and Combat Record

VMFA-242 earned the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during its service from November 1, 1966, to September 15, 1967, as part of the . The squadron also received the with one bronze star for meritorious service in from 1967 to 1969. In , VMA(AW)-242 completed 16,783 combat sorties and delivered 85,990 tons of ordnance, demonstrating high mission success rates with ordnance expenditure exceeding 85,000 tons across and missions. The squadron sustained operations through September 1970 with no recorded aerial victories but effective ground target engagements via precision and area bombing. For Operation Desert Storm, VMFA-242 participated in Southwest Asia operations from 1990 to 1991, earning a for contributions to coalition air campaigns, though specific or ordnance totals for the squadron remain unquantified in declassified records. In the Global War on Terror, the squadron supported operations from August 2004 to March 2005 under callsign "Profane," focusing on all-weather strikes with low observed attrition rates, but aggregate strike metrics are not publicly detailed. Non-combat unit awards include the Marine Fighter Squadron of the Year in 2005 for operational excellence. No World War II-era Presidential Unit Citation or is recorded for VMTB-242, despite Pacific Theater deployments.

Mission, Capabilities, and Organization

Role and Tactical Doctrine

VMFA-242 serves as a core component of the (ACE) within the Marine Air-Ground (MAGTF), delivering integrated offensive air support to complement ground combat operations and enable combined-arms maneuver. The squadron's doctrinal role prioritizes (CAS) to neutralize threats to Marine ground forces, alongside deep to disrupt enemy logistics and command structures, aligning with the MAGTF's emphasis on from forward positions. This positioning ensures rapid response to dynamic requirements, where causally shapes ground outcomes by suppressing defenses and creating windows for decisive maneuver. Tactically, VMFA-242 executes missions focused on surface target destruction through precision strikes, enemy aircraft interception to secure local air superiority, and electronic warfare to deny adversaries and communication. Integrated within (MAG-12) of the (1st MAW), the squadron supports MAGTF commanders via supporting arms coordination, reconnaissance, and targeted destruction, fostering a distributed operational posture that disperses assets to complicate enemy targeting while maintaining persistent combat power. This underscores causal realism in air-ground , where aviation's responsiveness directly amplifies the MAGTF's agility against peer threats by enabling sustained, high-tempo operations without reliance on fixed . The squadron's employment reflects Marine Corps warfighting philosophy, which privileges maneuver over attrition by leveraging for shock effect and battlefield shaping, thereby allowing ground elements to exploit temporary advantages. Doctrinal training emphasizes seamless integration with joint and allied forces, ensuring VMFA-242's contributions extend beyond organic MAGTF support to broader theater objectives, such as and countermeasures.

Aircraft and Equipment

Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242), the squadron's predecessor, operated torpedo bombers during , equipped for anti-shipping strikes with torpedoes, bombs, and depth charges. In the post-war era, the unit transitioned to jet-powered , including the starting in October 1960, a lightweight subsonic capable of carrying up to 10,000 pounds of ordnance and featuring simple avionics suited for . Redesignated VMA(AW)-242, the squadron flew the from the 1970s, an all-weather medium with , digital computer , and the ability to deliver nuclear or conventional weapons in adverse conditions via inertial navigation and . The Intruder's upgrades included improved countermeasures and precision targeting systems, enabling low-altitude penetrations. In February 1991, VMFA(AW)-242 began transitioning to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D , a twin-engine multirole fighter with dual cockpits for night attack roles, integrating pods for forward-looking infrared targeting and supporting weapons like Maverick missiles and laser-guided bombs. On October 16, 2020, the squadron redesignated as VMFA-242 and achieved initial operational capability with the F-35B Lightning II by September 2021, reaching full operational capability in May 2022. The F-35B, a short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighter, emphasizes sensor fusion via its integrated core processor, combining data from radar, distributed aperture system, and electro-optical targeting for 360-degree . Its low-observability design reduces radar cross-section, while internal bays accommodate precision munitions such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) and Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOWs), with external hardpoints for additional loadouts. The platform's software-defined avionics enable rapid upgrades, though its stealth materials and propulsion systems impose higher maintenance requirements than fourth-generation aircraft like the .

Bases and Deployments

Following its redesignation and relocation on 1 October 1964, VMFA-242 was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, , where it conducted training and operations through the post-Vietnam era. The squadron participated in multiple Unit Deployment Program (UDP) rotations to MCAS , , including deployments from September 1963 to September 1964, October 1988, March to September 2001, and September 2002 to September 2003, supporting forward presence in the Western Pacific. In the 2000s, VMFA-242 transitioned to a more permanent forward-based posture at MCAS , assigned to , , emphasizing deterrence and rapid response in the theater. This overseas basing facilitates integration with allied forces and expeditionary operations but requires sustained logistical support, including trans-Pacific supply lines for parts and personnel to maintain operational tempo amid regional tensions. Recent deployments include integrations with the (MEU), such as aboard the in 2023, returning to on 4 September after four months at sea, and continued operations in 2025 supporting exercises like Talisman Sabre. VMFA-242 elements conducted flight operations in the during ANNUALEX 2025 on 20 October, coordinating with and U.S. Navy assets to enhance interoperability. These activities underscore the squadron's role in multinational training, including with Australian forces, to bolster collective defense postures as of 2025.

References

  1. https://www.1stmaw.marines.mil/Subordinate-Units/Marine-Aircraft-Group-12/VMFA-242/About/
  2. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/506581/vmfaaw-242-bats-gather-to-honor-past/
  3. https://www.naval-technology.com/news/vmfa-242-f-35b-squadron-in-japan-achieves-full-operational-capability/
  4. https://www.1stmaw.marines.mil/Subordinate-Units/Marine-Aircraft-Group-12/VMFA-242/
  5. https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/MARINE%20ALL%20WEATHER%20FIGHTER%20ATTACK%20SQUADRON%20242.pdf
  6. https://www.intruderassociation.org/squadrons/vma242.asp
  7. https://www.seaforces.org/usmcair/VMFA/VMFA-242.htm
  8. https://archives.museumofflight.org/agents/corporate_entities/1110
  9. https://www.seaforces.org/usmcair/VMFAAW/VMFAAW-242.htm
  10. https://skyhawk.org/article-unit/vma242
  11. https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/bats-redesignated-into-marine-fighter-attack-squadron
  12. https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/U_S_%2520Marines%2520in%2520the%2520Persian%2520Gulf%252C%25201990-1991_The%25203D%2520Marine%2520Aircraft%2520Wing%2520in%2520Desert%2520Shield%2520and%2520Desert%2520Storm%2520%2520PCN%252019000314900.pdf
  13. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usmc/vmfa-242.htm
  14. https://www.miramar-ems.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/556479/vmfa-242-aw-bats-share-lessons-learned-in-iraq/
  15. https://www.miramar-ems.marines.mil/News/News-Article-Display/Article/556698/bats-named-fighter-attack-squadron-of-the-year/
  16. https://www.marines.mil/News/News-Display/Article/2393003/second-f-35b-squadron-officially-established-in-indo-pacific-region-with-the-re/
  17. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6399145/second-f-35b-squadron-officially-established-indo-pacific-region-with-redesignation-vmfa-242
  18. https://seapowermagazine.org/second-iwakuni-based-f-35b-squadron-achieves-full-operational-capability/?print=print
  19. https://www.overtdefense.com/2022/06/23/mcas-iwakuni-continues-to-strengthen-marine-corps-aviation-in-the-pacific-with-f-35b/
  20. https://www.marforpac.marines.mil/Media-Room/Pacific-Marines-Stories/Article/Article/3041075/second-iwakuni-based-f-35b-squadron-declares-full-operational-capability/
  21. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/500037/america-arg-and-31st-meu-marines-conduct-integrated-operations-solomon-sea
  22. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9251823/31st-meu-vmfa-242-fly-off-uss-america-patrol-252
  23. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Media/News/Article/4304460/uss-america-celebrates-the-82nd-birthday-of-marine-fighter-attack-squadron-242/
  24. https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/Photos/igphoto/2003799923/
  25. https://www.dvidshub.net/video/935011/vmfa-242-resolute-dragon-24
  26. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8577709/rd-24-vmfa-242-performs-field-carrier-landing-practice-ie-shima-training-facility
  27. https://www.c7f.navy.mil/Media/News/Display/Article/4324950/japan-us-forces-begin-multilateral-exercise-annualex-2025/
  28. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9366367/annualex-2025
  29. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/marine-corps-f-35s-deterring-china-indo-pacific-mc
  30. https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/u-s-and-japan-navies-launch-annualex-2025-in-philippine-sea-to-train-in-maritime-warfare
  31. https://aviationspottersonline.com/batting-the-home-run-as-vmfaaw-242-depart-darwin/
  32. https://www.reddit.com/r/WarshipPorn/comments/1lwfl81/us_marine_corps_f35b_from_vmfa242_bats_prepares/
  33. https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3255245/vmfa-242-rebrands-motto-to-victory-by-dawn/
  34. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7570244/vmfa-242-rebrands-motto-victory-dawn
  35. https://bathead.com/USMC242.html
  36. https://www.twz.com/air/f-35b-dons-huge-bat-insignia-on-its-back
  37. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/usmc/mcwp/3-2/chap1.pdf
  38. https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/maneuver-warfare-and-marine-aviation/
  39. https://media.defense.gov/2025/Mar/12/2003665702/-1/-1/1/2025-MARINE-CORPS-AVIATION-PLAN.PDF
  40. https://www.mca-marines.org/gazette/the-art-of-magtf-warfare/
  41. https://www.dvidshub.net/news/542097/uss-america-celebrates-82nd-birthday-marine-fighter-attack-squadron-242-sea
  42. https://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/News-Article-View/Article/3039386/second-iwakuni-based-f-35b-squadron-declares-full-operational-capability/
  43. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/7831738/continuously-deploying-vmfa-242-takes-flight-mcas-iwakuni
  44. https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8008832/marine-fighter-attack-squadron-242-returns-four-month-deployment
  45. https://www.31stmeu.marines.mil/
  46. https://www.cpf.navy.mil/Photo-Gallery/igphoto/2003816291/
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