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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314
VMFA-314 Insignia
Active1 October 1943 – 30 April 1947
1 February 1952 – present
Country United States
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeFighter/Attack squadron
RoleSEAD
Air Superiority
Aerial Reconnaissance
Close air support
Land/Maritime Strike
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 11
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Carrier Air Wing Nine
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Air Station Miramar
NicknamesBlack Knights
Bob's Cats (World War II)
MottoONCE A KNIGHT IS NEVER ENOUGH
Tail CodeVW / NG
Engagements
Commanders
Current
commander		LtCol Lanier A. Bishop III
Notable
commanders		Homer S. Hill, Frank E. Petersen
Aircraft flown
FighterF4U Corsair
F9F Panther
F4D Skyray
F-4 Phantom II
F/A-18 Hornet
F-35C Lightning II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) is a United States Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II squadron. The squadron, known as the "Black Knights", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3d MAW), but deploys with the US Navy's Carrier Air Wing Nine (NG).

History

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World War II

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The squadron's World War II logo.
A battle-damaged VMF-314 F4U Corsair on Ie Shima in 1945.

Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314) was commissioned on October 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.[1] The squadron was originally given the nickname of, "Bob's Cats".[2] The squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 32 (MAG 32) flying the F4U Corsair and began training immediately for combat in the South Pacific. In February 1944, the squadron, along with VMF-324, was among the first units aboard Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Field Kinston.[3] The squadron departed MCAAF Kinston for the Pacific theater and arrived at Marine Corps Air Station Ewa on June 18, 1944, and was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 23, 3rd MAW.[4] From there it deployed to Midway Atoll. VMF-314 returned to MCAS Ewa in December 1944 and remained there until April 1945. In May 1945 the squadron moved to Ie Shima to take part in the Battle of Okinawa[4] as part of Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22).[5] During the campaign, VMF-314 pilots were credited with 11 kills[6] and the squadron was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation.[7] After the surrender of Japan, VMF-314 moved to Kyūshū, Japan as part of the occupation force. VMF-314 returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in November 1945 and in March 1946 they arrived back at MCAS Cherry Point. For a short time, the squadron was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22), 9th Marine Aircraft Wing but was later decommissioned on April 30, 1947.[2]

Postwar years

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VMF-314 was recommissioned in 1952 at MCAS Miami, Florida and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31), 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing flying the latest version of the Corsair. That same year, the squadron transitioned to the new F9F Panther. The next three years saw VMF-314 deployed twice, first to Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico, and then to Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan for an 18-month tour. VMF-314 earned the Korean Service Medal for operations conducted between 11 September 1953 and 27 July 1954.[8] In 1955, VMF-314 returned from Japan and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 15, 3rd MAW, now stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California.

Four F9Fs from VMF(AW)-314 in formation.

In 1957, the squadron received the new F4D Skyray and was designated VMF(AW)-314. During that same year, the squadron officially became the "Black Knights", was awarded the Commandant’s Aviation Efficiency Trophy. They were briefly deployed to NAF Atsugi, Japan and then throughout the Far East both on land, including Ping-tung, Taiwan in support of the Republic of China against the communist China, as well as on board the fast attack carriers USS Hancock and USS Ticonderoga.

In 1961, the squadron became the first Marine squadron to transition to the new F-4B Phantom II and was designated VMFA-314. Between 1961 and 1964, the squadron deployed eight times. These included three separate carrier deployments and a single-flight aerial refueling mission spanning the Pacific Ocean from MCAS El Toro to Naval Air Station Atsugi, Japan.

Vietnam War

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A F-4B Phantom from VMFA-314 returns to Chu Lai in September 1968.

In 1965, VMFA-314 headed off on board USS Valley Forge for combat operations in South Vietnam. From 1965 to 1970, the squadron flew more than 25,000 combat hours out of Chu Lai Air Base and Da Nang Air Base, and employed more than 100 million pounds of ordnance in support of the Marine rifleman and other allied ground units. In 1968, they received the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award. In 1969, VMFA–314 was awarded the Hanson Trophy as the best Fighter Attack Squadron in the Marine Corps while under the command of Frank E. Petersen. The Commandant's Efficiency Trophy was awarded to the squadron in 1969 and again in 1970. In September 1970, VMFA-314 ended forty-nine months of deployed combat operations and received the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its outstanding performance.

Post-Vietnam War years

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In May 1982, the squadron’s last F-4 was transferred in preparation for transition to the new F/A-18A Hornet. Later that year, VMFA-314 received the first of its F/A-18s under the command of Lt Col P.B. Field, becoming the first tactical squadron in the Marine Corps and Navy to employ the Hornet.[9]

F/A-18A Hornets from VMFA-314 conducting formation flying in 1984.

In 1985, VMFA-314 transferred to Carrier Air Wing 13 (CVW-13), and embarked on board USS Coral Sea for duty with the U.S. Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea. They participated in Freedom of Navigation operations in the vicinity of Libya and took part in combat operations in support of Operation El Dorado Canyon in the Gulf of Sidra and in Libya.

Persian Gulf War and the 1990s

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In the summer of 1990, while preparing to return to the Western Pacific, the squadron were rapidly deployed to the Persian Gulf and were the first Marine F/A-18 squadron to arrive in Bahrain for Operation Desert Shield as part of Marine Air Group 70. For nearly six months the "Black Knights" maintained 24-hour-a-day Combat Air Patrols over the Persian Gulf.

On 16 January 1991, Operation Desert Shield shifted to Operation Desert Storm. The squadron flew over 1,500 hours and 814 combat sorties, more sorties than any other Navy or Marine Corps squadron. Missions flown during the war included Escort, SEAD, Mig Sweep, and Strike. They returned from the Middle East in March 1991 without the loss of a single squadron member or aircraft.

In August 1992, VMFA-314 transferred to Carrier Air Wing 11 and in 1993 deployed to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf on board USS Abraham Lincoln. During the deployment the squadron participated in Operation Southern Watch, enforcing the U.N. "no-fly-zone" in southern Iraq, and in Operation Continue Hope, providing close air support to the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (13th MEU) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (22nd MEU) off the coast of Somalia. The squadron returned from cruise in December 1993 and was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11).

In June 1994, VMFA-314 was one of the first MAG-11 squadrons to move from MCAS El Toro to MCAS Miramar. In February 1996, the squadron received new lot 18 F/A-18C aircraft. In 1997, VMFA-314 transferred to Carrier Air Wing 9 and deployed on an "Around the World" cruise on board USS Nimitz. During the deployment, the squadron again participated in Operation Southern Watch.

In January 2000, the squadron deployed aboard USS John C. Stennis, with Carrier Air Wing Nine, for a six-month deployment to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch. While in the Gulf, the "Black Knights" flew contingency operations under combat conditions in support of U.N. Resolutions, delivering accurate air-to-ground ordnance under hostile fire.

Global war on terrorism

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VMFA-314 was called upon to deploy U.S. Marines and aircraft on board USS John C. Stennis in support of Operation Noble Eagle. The September 11 attacks of 2001 caused the planned deployment on board John C. Stennis to be accelerated by two months. Following a shortened at-sea period for FleetEx, VMFA-314 deployed on 12 November 2001 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The squadron began flying combat sorties on 18 December 2001 and delivered over 69,000 pounds of ordnance in support of U.S. forces on the ground in Afghanistan. Midway into a six-month deployment, VMFA-314 was extended in theater an extra five weeks resulting in a monumental 265 deployed days over a year’s period including a 98-day straight at-sea period.

The squadron deployed to the Iraq War in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2009. They were based at Al Asad Airbase and returned in September 2009.[10]

The Black Knights were the first U.S. Marine Squadron to conduct offensive operations against ISIS in support of Operation Inherent Resolve 2014.

F-35C Transition

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A F-35C and a F/A-18A of VMFA-314 in flight, in June 2019.

On 21 June 2019, the squadron retired the F/A-18A++ and began training on the F-35C.[11] VMFA-314 was the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C receiving its first aircraft on 21 January 2020.[12]

On 3 January 2022, VMFA-314 departed Naval Base San Diego onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as part of Carrier Air Wing Nine. VMFA-314 was the first Marine Corps F-35C squadron to deploy on an aircraft carrier.[13][12]

During their 2024 deployment as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), VMFA-314 left MCAS Miramar for stationing in the South China Sea as part of their WESTPAC deployment. Shortly after their departure, Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3) was redirected to C5F within Central Command (CENTCOM) by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.

For 4 continuous months, VMFA-314 participated in numerous missions supporting NAVCENT and CENTCOM operations, ultimately culminating in a series of strikes targeting military facilities deep within Houthi-controlled Yemen. These deep strikes marked the first combat employment of the F-35C Lightning II, affectionately known as the ‘Panther’.

The Marines and their Panthers employed 72,000 lbs of ordnance in 24hrs, once again solidifying the Black Knights’ legacy at the leading edge of Marine Corps Aviation.

On 3 February 2026, an F-35C from VMFA-314 shot down an Iranian Shahed-139 drone in the Arabian Sea.[14]

Awards

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2025, 2015, 1968 Robert M. Hanson Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year Award [15]

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USMC Major John Trotti, who flew the F-4 Phantom while a pilot for the squadron during the Vietnam war, recounted his experiences in the memoir Phantom Over Vietnam.

The squadron was portrayed flying F/A-18Cs and fighting against an alien invasion in the 1996 film Independence Day. The squadron was depicted as based in MCAS El Toro, although they had relocated to NAS Miramar two years prior.

The F/A-18s shown in the movie The Rock are marked with 314 livery, despite having "US Air Force" on the fuselage, and despite the USAF not actually operating that type of aircraft. This is because the movie used the same prop as Independence Day.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VMFA-314

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), known as the "Black Knights," is a unit specializing in fighter-attack operations from aircraft carriers. Commissioned on October 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, , as Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314), the squadron initially flew the F4U Corsair fighter during , conducting combat missions in the Pacific Theater. The squadron's early history included deployment to the and participation in operations against Japanese forces, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action. Postwar, VMFA-314 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U, F9F Panther, F9F Cougar, F8U Crusader, and F-4 Phantom II, while participating in the and eras. Reactivated in 1952 after a brief inactivation, it achieved notable recognition, such as winning the Commandant's Efficiency Trophy in 1957. In modern times, VMFA-314, based at , , under and the , became the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II stealth fighter in 2019, retiring its legacy F/A-18A++ Hornets. It pioneered Marine F-35C carrier deployments, including the first operational deployment in 2021-2022 aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, and conducted combat sorties in 2024 against threats in the , logging over 1,400 flight hours. The squadron has received multiple unit commendations, reflecting its operational excellence and adaptability in evolving naval aviation roles.

Overview

Squadron Identity and Motto

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) is officially designated as the "Black Knights," a nickname adopted in 1957 when the squadron transitioned to the F4D Skyray fighter and was redesignated VMFA(AW)-314, reflecting its all-weather capabilities and emphasizing themes of chivalric valor and aerial prowess. The identity draws from medieval knight imagery, symbolizing relentless combat effectiveness, as evidenced by the squadron's insignia featuring a stylized black knight figure often depicted in armor astride a steed or wielding a lance, which has been used on aircraft tail markings and unit patches since the post-World War II era. The squadron's motto, "Once a Knight is Never Enough," underscores a commitment to exceeding single instances of achievement, implying iterative superiority in mission execution and adaptability across generations of aircraft from the F4U Corsair to the modern F-35C Lightning II. This phrase, abbreviated as "OAKINE" in squadron memorabilia and informal communications, reinforces the unit's ethos of persistent innovation and combat readiness, as articulated in official histories and veteran accounts. The motto aligns with VMFA-314's operational legacy, where initial successes in combat were followed by sustained excellence in subsequent conflicts, avoiding complacency in favor of repeated validation through empirical performance.

Organizational Structure and Basing

VMFA-314, known as the Black Knights, is permanently based at in , , where it conducts training, maintenance, and administrative functions when not deployed. The squadron's basing at Miramar supports its integration with carrier operations, given the station's proximity to and Pacific Fleet assets. Organizationally, VMFA-314 operates as a fixed-wing fighter-attack squadron within Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11), which provides tactical aviation support including , , and armed reconnaissance. MAG-11 falls under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW), headquartered at Miramar and aligned with for expeditionary operations. The squadron is commanded by a and comprises aviators, aviation maintenance technicians, administrative support, and logistics personnel, structured to maintain and deploy up to 16 F-35C Lightning II aircraft for carrier-based missions. This hierarchy ensures alignment with Marine Corps doctrine for integrated air-ground task forces, emphasizing rapid deployment and sustainment in contested environments.

Historical Operations

World War II Formation and Pacific Theater

Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314) was activated on October 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, as part of Marine Aircraft Group 32 (MAG-32) within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron was equipped with Vought F4U Corsair fighters and commenced intensive training for combat operations in the Pacific theater immediately following commissioning. Following training, VMF-314 deployed to the Pacific in June 1944, where it was reassigned to MAG-23 and based initially at . The squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa, Hawaii, in December 1944, remaining there through April 1945 in preparation for further forward operations. In May 1945, VMF-314 advanced to Ie Shima, positioning for direct support of the ongoing Okinawa campaign. During the , from April to June 1945, VMF-314 conducted , interdiction, and air defense missions against Japanese ground forces, aircraft, and threats, operating from forward bases including Ie Shima. The squadron's Corsairs sustained battle damage in engagements over the , contributing to the Allied seizure of the strategically vital airfields and supporting the largest amphibious assault in the . Following Japan's surrender in August 1945, VMF-314 relocated to , , for occupation duties.

Postwar Reorganization and Korean War Preparation

Following the conclusion of , VMF-314 returned to the and was deactivated on April 30, 1947, as part of the broader Marine Corps drawdown amid postwar efforts. The squadron remained inactive for nearly five years, reflecting the U.S. military's contraction in response to reduced global threats and fiscal constraints, during which many aviation units were placed in reserve or disbanded to reallocate resources. VMF-314 was reactivated on February 1, 1952, at Marine Corps Air Station Miami, , amid escalating tensions in the and the onset of the , which necessitated rapid expansion of Marine air capabilities. Upon reactivation, it was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) under the and re-equipped with F4U-4B Corsair fighters, the latest variant of the propeller-driven aircraft that emphasized improved speed, armament, and reliability for and roles. This reorganization aligned with Marine Corps doctrine prioritizing versatile fighter-bombers capable of operating from austere forward bases, drawing on lessons from Pacific Theater experiences to integrate ground attack proficiency with air superiority missions. In preparation for Korean War commitments, the squadron focused on intensive training regimens at , emphasizing gunnery, bombing accuracy, and formation tactics suited to contested environments, while adapting personnel from reserve and active-duty pools to achieve operational readiness within months. VMF-314 participated in NATO's Operation Mainbrace in September 1952, a multinational exercise in the North Atlantic involving simulated amphibious assaults and air strikes, which honed with allied forces and validated Corsair deployments from carriers and expeditionary fields under variable weather conditions. These efforts culminated in the squadron's transition to the Western Pacific in 1953, positioning it for combat evaluation against North Korean and Chinese forces, though initial deployments emphasized buildup and familiarization with theater-specific threats like antiaircraft fire and MiG intercepts.

Vietnam War Deployments

VMFA-314, equipped with the F-4B Phantom II, deployed to the Republic of Vietnam in 1965 aboard the USS Valley Forge (LPH-8), marking the first Marine squadron to introduce the F-4B into combat operations there. The squadron established operations at Da Nang Air Base in January 1966, conducting close air support, interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions as part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, First Marine Aircraft Wing. Between January and April 1966, VMFA-314 flew combat sorties from Da Nang, supporting ground forces against North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong units. From August 1966 to August 1967, the squadron operated from both and Air Bases, accumulating extensive flight hours in high-threat environments. A temporary rotation to MCAS , , occurred from April to July 1966 and August to November 1967 for maintenance and rest cycles. In November 1967, VMFA-314 redeployed to , initiating a prolonged period of intensive operations that continued through September 1970, with aircraft also staging from Nam Phong Royal Thai Air Force Base for expanded coverage. Over the course of its service from 1965 to 1970, VMFA-314 logged more than 25,000 hours and delivered over 100 million pounds of ordnance, contributing significantly to Marine air campaigns. The squadron's efforts earned multiple unit commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation with two bronze stars for 1966–1967 and 1968, with one silver and one bronze star for 1967–1968 and 1970, and with two bronze stars for 1969–1970, alongside Vietnamese honors such as the Cross of Gallantry with Palm. operations emphasized precision strikes on enemy supply lines, troop concentrations, and infrastructure, often under adverse weather and anti-aircraft fire conditions.

Post-Vietnam Transition and Cold War Exercises

Following the cessation of its combat operations in in September 1970, after 49 months of deployment, VMFA-314 returned to the and was reassigned to (MAG-11), , at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron received the for its service, reflecting its contributions to over 25,000 sorties flown with the F-4 Phantom II. During the early 1970s, VMFA-314 focused on rebuilding and training, maintaining proficiency in air-to-ground and air-to-air missions with the F-4B/J models amid post-war force reductions and doctrinal shifts emphasizing readiness for potential peer conflicts. Throughout the 1970s and into the early 1980s, the squadron participated in routine Cold War-era training exercises, including Exercises (CAX) at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , which integrated air support with ground maneuvers to hone skills. These drills emphasized tactical flexibility in contested environments, aligning with Marine Corps priorities for rapid deployment and multi-domain operations against Soviet-aligned threats. By the mid-1980s, VMFA-314 expanded its exercise portfolio to multinational engagements, deploying to in 1987 for Bright Star '87, a joint exercise with the Egyptian Air Force that tested interoperability in desert conditions and scenarios. In 1988, it forward-deployed to Balikesir, , for NATO's Display Determination exercise alongside MAG-50, focusing on alliance defense postures in the Mediterranean theater. A pivotal transition occurred in May 1982, when VMFA-314 relinquished its final F-4 Phantoms and became the first tactical squadron in the U.S. Marine Corps—and the Navy—to receive the F/A-18A Hornet, marking a shift to multirole capabilities with improved avionics, maneuverability, and carrier compatibility. This upgrade supported intensified deterrence, exemplified by the squadron's 1985-1986 deployment with Carrier Air Wing 13 aboard USS Coral Sea to the Sixth Fleet, where it conducted operations near and contributed to Operation El Dorado Canyon—the April 1986 strikes on Libyan targets in response to terrorist incidents. These activities underscored VMFA-314's role in projecting power and maintaining operational tempo during a period of heightened global tensions.

Persian Gulf War Engagements

VMFA-314, equipped with 12 F/A-18A Hornets and commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George G. Stuart, deployed to in during the summer of 1990 as the first Marine Corps F/A-18 squadron to arrive for Operation Desert Shield, operating under (MAG-11) of the 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. From 22 August 1990, the squadron established 24-hour Combat Air Patrols (CAP) over the northern , relieving pressure on U.S. carrier-based aviation and interfacing with Bahraini, , and Air Force units to bolster coalition air defense against potential Iraqi incursions. Missions during this buildup phase included responses to Iraqi "bogey" aircraft, such as on 6 November 1990, alongside training in anti-air warfare, strikes, and simulated to prepare for ground force integration with the 7th and I . On 16 January 1991, as Operation Desert Shield transitioned to Desert Storm, VMFA-314 shifted to offensive operations, flying 814 combat sorties and over 1,500 flight hours—more than any other U.S. or Marine Corps squadron—encompassing escort, Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) with HARM missiles, MiG sweeps, (CAS), armed reconnaissance, and precision strikes against Iraqi armor, command centers, and retreating forces on the "Highway of Death." These efforts supported battlefield preparation for the and contributed to the 3d MAW's total of over 18,000 sorties, with VMFA-314 operating from forward sites including Jubayl and Tanajib in addition to . A notable incident occurred on 24 February 1991, designated G-Day for the ground offensive, when two F/A-18As from the squadron were struck by infrared-guided surface-to-air missiles during strikes west of at altitudes of 6,000 and 8,000 feet; both aircraft returned safely to Shaikh Isa, underwent repairs, and resumed missions within 36 hours, underscoring the platform's survivability and the squadron's maintenance proficiency. The squadron also participated in operations, such as pilot recoveries west of , . VMFA-314 completed the campaign without loss of personnel or aircraft, returning to the in March 1991.

1990s Modernization and No-Fly Zone Enforcement

In February 1996, VMFA-314 received Lot 18 F/A-18C Hornet aircraft, marking a significant upgrade from earlier F/A-18A models with enhanced , systems, and multirole capabilities suited for precision strikes and air superiority missions. This transition improved the squadron's interoperability with joint forces and extended operational range through better fuel efficiency and weapon integration. Following the 1991 , the squadron enforced United Nations-mandated no-fly zones, primarily through over southern to protect Shiite populations from Saddam Hussein's regime and prevent Iraqi air incursions. In August 1992, VMFA-314 deployed aboard with 11 (CVW-11), conducting combat air patrols and flights that logged 1,337 hours and exceeded 572 sorties in actions. These missions involved monitoring Iraqi compliance with UN Security Council resolutions, including intercepts and strikes on radar sites violating the zone established in August 1992. In 1993, VMFA-314 returned to the and regions aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, sustaining patrols amid ongoing Iraqi provocations, such as ground-to-air missile launches against coalition aircraft. By 1997, after transferring to 9 (CVW-9), the squadron embarked on (CVN-68) for a global deployment that included renewed commitments, flying F/A-18C sorties to deter Iraqi activity and support ground inspections for weapons of mass destruction. These operations demonstrated the squadron's role in sustained aerial deterrence, with minimal direct engagements but high readiness amid Iraq's repeated tests of the zones.

Global War on Terrorism Missions

VMFA-314 deployed on November 12, 2001, in support of following the , marking the squadron's initial contribution to the Global War on Terrorism. Operating F/A-18A++ Hornets, the Black Knights conducted combat air operations from forward bases in the region, with the deployment extended midway through its planned six months by an additional five weeks, resulting in 265 total days in theater over a 12-month period. In March 2009, VMFA-314 redeployed to Al Asad Air Base in for Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing and missions in a seven-month rotation that concluded with authority transfer to on September 18, 2009. During this period, the squadron executed over 1,700 sorties, emphasizing precision strikes and to support ground forces amid ongoing efforts. The squadron returned to the in September 2012 for sustained air operations, maintaining persistent presence in GWOT theaters to deter threats and enforce . These missions underscored VMFA-314's role in expeditionary fighter operations, with squadron personnel qualifying for the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for service in designated areas of eligibility.

F-35C Transition and Initial Capabilities

VMFA-314 initiated its transition to the F-35C Lightning II in June 2019, conducting a traditional "sun-down" ceremony that featured the final flight of its legacy F/A-18A/C Hornet aircraft. The squadron, designated as the first Marine Corps unit to adopt the carrier-capable F-35C variant, received its initial aircraft on January 21, 2020, at , . This marked the retirement of its previous F/A-18 fleet and the introduction of fifth-generation stealth capabilities tailored for integration. Following intensive pilot and maintenance training, VMFA-314 declared initial operational capability (IOC) for the F-35C on December 1, 2020, after satisfying Marine Corps standards for and deployment proficiency. IOC certification enabled the squadron to generate sortie-level operations, integrate with joint forces, and deploy the aircraft aboard U.S. carriers, emphasizing enhanced , , and precision strike roles. This milestone positioned VMFA-314 to pioneer F-35C employment in expeditionary scenarios, leveraging the platform's low-observability and data-sharing advantages over legacy fourth-generation fighters. Initial capabilities focused on validating carrier operations, including catapult-assisted take-offs and arrested recoveries, as well as interoperability with Carrier Air Wings. The squadron's early F-35C integration emphasized pilot qualifications through advanced simulators and live-flight regimes, achieving full-spectrum mission readiness ahead of its first carrier deployment in early 2022.

Current Capabilities and Recent Operations

F-35C Integration and Technological Advancements

VMFA-314 initiated its transition to the F-35C Lightning II in June 2019, culminating in a traditional "sun-down" that featured the squadron's final flight of the legacy F/A-18A/C Hornet. The squadron received its first F-35C aircraft on January 21, 2020, marking the Marine Corps' initial adoption of the carrier-capable variant. Following intensive training overseen by Strike Fighter Squadron 125, VMFA-314 achieved safe-for-flight operations certification in March 2020 after more than five months of transition efforts. The squadron declared initial operational capability (IOC) on December 2, 2020, establishing it as the first Marine Corps unit fully equipped and trained to deploy the F-35C on aircraft carriers, with sufficient personnel, aircraft, and mission-ready standards met per criteria. This milestone enabled VMFA-314 to integrate advanced fifth-generation capabilities, including stealth design, , and networked data sharing, which enhance and precision strikes beyond legacy platforms. Technological advancements in the F-35C provided VMFA-314 with expanded operational reach through larger internal fuel capacity and compatibility with , allowing extended missions for striking maritime and terrestrial targets without compromising stealth. The aircraft's multirole versatility supports air superiority, , and intelligence, , functions, integrating seamlessly into carrier air wings for joint operations. These features, realized through VMFA-314's rapid transition, positioned the squadron to advance Marine Corps tactical aviation in contested environments.

2020s Deployments and Carrier Operations

In January 2022, VMFA-314 embarked on its inaugural deployment with the F-35C Lightning II aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), departing Naval Air Station North Island on January 3. This marked the first operational deployment of a U.S. Marine Corps F-35C squadron on a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, conducting routine carrier operations in the U.S. Third, Fifth, and Seventh Fleet areas of responsibility. The squadron participated in multinational exercises such as Noble Fusion, integrating with allied forces for joint air and maritime operations while logging over 2,200 flight hours across nearly 1,200 sorties during the approximately eight-month cruise focused on Indo-Pacific deterrence. The Black Knights returned to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in August 2022, demonstrating the F-35C's carrier compatibility and enhancing Marine-Navy interoperability in contested environments. VMFA-314 conducted a subsequent carrier deployment in , again with CVW-9 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, embarking on July 11 for a five-month mission spanning the U.S. Fifth and Seventh Fleets. The squadron executed and operations, accumulating more than 1,400 flight hours in 770 sorties, including carrier-based launches and recoveries in forward areas. This deployment validated the F-35C's sustained carrier presence for the , with the squadron forward-deployed by August in the Third and Seventh Fleet regions to bolster regional presence and readiness. The Black Knights disestablished operations and returned to Miramar on December 14, , having pioneered Marine F-35C combat integration from a carrier platform.

Combat Debut Against Houthi Threats

VMFA-314, operating F-35C Lightning II aircraft as part of Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9) embarked on the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), deployed to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in support of maritime security operations in the and amid escalating Houthi attacks on international shipping. The squadron's combat debut occurred on November 9-10, 2024, when its aircraft executed multiple precision strikes against Houthi-controlled weapons storage facilities in , targeting sites used to launch anti-ship ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that threatened U.S. and commercial vessels. These operations marked the first combat employment of the F-35C variant by the U.S. Marine Corps outside of domestic training ranges, leveraging the aircraft's stealth capabilities, , and precision-guided munitions to neutralize threats posed by the Iran-backed Houthi , which had conducted over 100 attacks on shipping since October 2023. Squadron pilots, including tactics instructor Maj. Zachary Sessa, coordinated with joint forces to deliver ordnance such as Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), disrupting Houthi logistics and reducing their capacity for further disruptions to global trade routes. Throughout the deployment, VMFA-314 flew combat air patrols and strike missions, contributing to the degradation of Houthi offensive capabilities while operating in a contested environment featuring surface-to-air missiles and electronic warfare attempts by adversaries. The squadron returned to , , on December 14, 2024, having logged hundreds of sorties that validated the F-35C's role in high-threat scenarios against non-state actors employing asymmetric tactics. Subsequent reporting indicated VMFA-314 F-35Cs also engaged Houthi drones in defensive intercepts during extended operations into 2025, further demonstrating the platform's air-to-air proficiency.

Aircraft and Equipment

Evolution of Squadron Aircraft

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), originally designated VMF-314, was commissioned on October 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, , and equipped with the fighter aircraft for operations with Marine Aircraft Group 32. The squadron flew the piston-engine Corsair through combat missions in the Pacific theater, including support for operations on Ie Shima. Following deactivation in 1947 and recommissioning on July 1, 1952, at Marine Corps Air Station Miami, VMF-314 transitioned from the F4U Corsair to the jet fighter, marking its initial shift to as part of Marine Corps efforts to modernize its air assets during the early period. In October 1961, the squadron became the first in the U.S. Marine Corps to transition to the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II, redesignated VMFA-314 to reflect its all-weather fighter-attack capability, and operated the supersonic jet through deployments and subsequent exercises until May 1982. In 1982, VMFA-314 pioneered the Marine Corps' adoption of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, initially the F/A-18A variant, as the first operational squadron to employ this multirole carrier-capable fighter, enhancing strike and air superiority missions. The squadron upgraded to the more advanced F/A-18C Hornet in February 1996 with Lot 18 aircraft, incorporating improved avionics and weapons systems for operations including Persian Gulf enforcement and Global War on Terrorism support. On June 21, 2019, VMFA-314 retired its legacy F/A-18A++ Hornets after over three decades of service and commenced transition training for the F-35C Lightning II, receiving the first Marine Corps F-35C aircraft on January 21, 2020, at , California. This shift to the fifth-generation stealth fighter positioned the Black Knights as the first fully operational Marine F-35C squadron, capable of integrated operations with advanced and features.

F-35C Lightning II Specifications and Role

The F-35C Lightning II is the carrier-capable variant of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter, optimized for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations from naval vessels, providing VMFA-314 with advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities for air superiority, strike missions, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and electronic attack. Its design incorporates low-observable features, internal weapons bays to maintain radar cross-section reduction, and carrier-specific modifications including folding wings, tailhook, and strengthened landing gear for catapult-assisted take-offs and arrested landings. Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 turbofan engine producing 43,000 lbf of thrust with afterburner, the aircraft achieves a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,200 mph at sea level). Key performance specifications include a of 51.5 feet (15.7 m), of 43 feet (13.1 m), of 70,000 pounds, and internal capacity of 19,750 pounds, enabling a radius exceeding 600 nautical miles on internal alone. The features an radar, distributed aperture system for 360-degree , and integrated for data sharing in networked operations. Armament consists of a 25 mm GAU-22/A four-barrel with 180 rounds, plus internal bays accommodating up to two air-to-air missiles and two 2,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) in stealth configuration; external hardpoints on six stations allow additional ordnance for non-stealth missions, including up to 18,000 pounds of weapons and tanks. In VMFA-314's service, the F-35C replaces legacy F/A-18 Hornets, enhancing the squadron's ability to conduct precision strikes in contested environments, as demonstrated in its first combat employment on November 20, 2024, targeting Houthi assets in from the —a milestone marking the variant's operational debut in Marine Corps carrier-based strikes. The platform's role emphasizes penetrating advanced air defenses, fusing multi-domain sensor data for superior awareness, and integrating with joint forces, thereby extending the squadron's reach and survivability in high-threat scenarios over previous fourth-generation fighters.

Awards and Honors

Unit-Level Recognitions

VMF-314, the squadron's designation, earned the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the from April to June 1945, where its pilots downed 14 Japanese aircraft amid intense operations supporting Marine ground forces. Following 49 months of continuous deployments in , VMFA-314 received the in September 1970 for sustained excellence in , interdiction, and aerial victories against North Vietnamese and forces. The squadron has been awarded the on multiple occasions, including for operations from February 21, 2009, to September 24, 2009, recognizing superior performance in support of and expeditionary missions. In recognition of operational readiness, safety, and mission effectiveness, VMFA-314 received the Aviation Safety Award in 1968, the Hanson Trophy as the top fighter-attack squadron in 1969, and the Commandant's Efficiency Trophy in 1970. More recently, in 2025, the squadron was honored with the Award from the Marine Corps Aviation Association as the Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron of the Year, highlighting achievements in F-35C integration, deployment execution, and combat innovation.

Operational Achievement Awards

In 1968, VMFA-314 received the Aviation Safety Award for its exemplary safety record during operations. The following year, the squadron was awarded the Trophy, recognizing it as the premier Marine Corps fighter-attack squadron based on overall , training proficiency, and operational performance. VMFA-314 continued to earn distinctions for in subsequent decades. Following its deployment ending in September 1970, the squadron received the for 49 months of sustained combat operations, including and interdiction missions. In 2025, VMFA-314 was again honored with the Award as the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year, reflecting superior integration of F-35C capabilities and deployment effectiveness within the . These awards underscore the squadron's consistent emphasis on tactical innovation and mission execution across eras.

References

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