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Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502
VMFAT-502 insignia
Active15 February 1944 – 12 July 2013, 26 June 2020 – Present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeFighter Aircraft Training
RoleTraining New F-35B Pilots
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 11
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Nickname"Flying Nightmares"
Mottocarpe noctem
Tail CodeWF
EngagementsWorld War II
*Battle of Okinawa
Korean War
Vietnam War
*Operation Starlite
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Enduring Freedom
Operation Iraqi Freedom
Commanders
Current
commander		LtCol Stephen Davis
Aircraft flown
AttackAV-8A Harrier (1970–87)
AV-8B Harrier II (1987–2013)
FighterF6F Hellcat
F4U-5N Corsair
F7F-3N Tigercat
F3D-2 Skyknight (1952–58)
F4D-1 Skyray (1958–63)
F-4 Phantom II (1963–70)
F-35B Lightning II (2020-present)

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502) is a United States Marine Corps fighter attack training squadron flying the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. Known as the "Flying Nightmares", the squadron maintains the history of Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) which dates back to World War II and was decommissioned on 12 July 2013. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

History

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World War II

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Marine Attack Squadron 513 was first commissioned as VMF-513 on 15 February 1944 at Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat. The squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Air Facility Walnut Ridge, Arkansas in September 1944.

VMF-513 logo during World War II

In December of the same year, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Mojave, California where it was re-designated VMF(CVS)-513. On 15 June 1945, VMF(CVS)-513 departed San Diego, California, aboard the USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111) and participated in carrier operations in the Pacific, making stops in Ewa, Enewetak, Saipan, and Guam. In addition, they provided close air support for the 3rd Marine Division during the Battle of Okinawa, Japan.[1]

Korean War

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Between World War II and the Korean War, VMF-513 operated from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. Transitioning to the F4U-5N, the squadron was re-designated VMF(N)-513 ("Night Fighters"). In August 1950, the squadron deployed to Japan under operational control of the U.S. 5th Air Force.

The squadron nickname "Flying Nightmares" was coined by then Commanding Officer, LtCol James R. Anderson, USMC, in March 1951 because he thought it most appropriately described his outfit . At this time the squadron, with its 15 F7F "Tigercats" and 15 F4U-5N "Corsairs," were flying out of Pusan West (K-1) Air Base and providing the sole night fighter air defense and interdiction support to all UN forces. In this month alone, the squadron flew 2,086 hours in 604 night combat sorties, inflicting severe damage on the Chinese Forces tactical and logistical units.

During the summer of 1952, VMF(N)-513 received the F3D Skyknight, the squadron's first jet aircraft. Due to losses being incurred by B-29 Superfortresses on nighttime raids over North Korea, 1st MAW was asked to assign their night fighter squadron to escort the aircraft.[2] On the early morning of November 3, 1952, VMF(N)-513 made aviation history with the first radar kill on an enemy jet aircraft at night, when Maj. William T. Stratton Jr., and MSgt Hans Hoglind shot down a North Korean Yak-15.[3] The squadron was credited with 10 confirmed night kills during the Korean War.

A F4U-5N from VMF(N)-513 in 1950 during the Korean War.
An F7F-3N of VMF(N)-513 at Wonsan, Korea, in 1950.

Following the war, the squadron operated out of NAS Atsugi, Japan. On 26 July 1958, VMF-513 received the F4D Skyray aircraft. In October 1962, VMF(AW)-513 was relocated from NAS Atsugi, Japan, to MCAS El Toro, California. The outfit was effectively disbanded in Japan and reformed in El Toro under a new CO, who organized new pilots and maintenance Marines to operate the now "old" F-4D Skyrays while the Flying Nightmares awaited delivery of the brand new F-4 Phantom II. This occurred in early 1963 and most of the Nightmare pilots did their transition training at nearby NAS Miramar, at the Navy's replacement squadron.

The 1960s

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F-4Bs of VMFA-513 in 1964

On 1 August 1963, the squadron was re-designated VMFA-513 and by the end of the year, the Nightmares were exclusively flying F-4's, the third Phantom II squadron in the Marine Corps. They trained in the F-4B at MCAS El Toro through October 1964, when they deployed once again to NAS Atsugi, Japan. In June 1965, the Nightmares replaced VMFA-531 at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam for five months of combat and, for a while, were the only Marine jet fighters in country. In August 1965, VMFA-513 supported the 7th Marine Regiment in Operation Starlite – the first major American operation of the war.[4] This one-year overseas deployment ended in October 1965 and the squadron executed another wholesale personnel rotation, this time reforming at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.

The 1970s and 1980s

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The first USMC AV-8As went to VMA-513 in 1970.

The squadron flew the F-4B Phantom until 30 June 1970, when it was re-commissioned in a cadre status, awaiting delivery of the first Marine AV-8A Harrier on 16 April 1971. The squadron was the first Marine Corps squadron to receive the AV-8A and upon acceptance of the AV-8A.[5] Upon reassignment to the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, VMA-513 departed the U.S. during July 1974 aboard the USS Tripoli (LPH-10) for MCAS Iwakuni, and a six-plane detachment left in September 1974 for a six-month Mediterranean cruise aboard the USS Guam (LPH-9). During November 1976, VMA-513 returned to the United States and was assigned to Marine Combat Crew Readiness Training Group 10 at MCAS Yuma, Arizona (re-designated Marine Aircraft Group 13 on 1 October 1987).

VMA-513 deployed as part of HMM-265 (REIN) ‘Dragons’ aboard USS Tarawa (LHA-1) as part of Task Group 76.3/Amphibious Ready Group Alfa/Amphibious Squadron Seven, from 14 October 1980, visiting Subic Bay, PI and participating in exercises Valiant Blitz in the Philippines, Amphibious Squadron Seven spent almost a week at Phattaya Beach, from 22 to 27 December, before moving on to Singapore where she arrived on the 30th. After operations in Diego Garcia where Amphibious Squadron Seven's embarked Marines carried out a landing exercise between 28 and 30 January, they headed south east for exercise Valiant Usher 81-3 off Lancelin, Western Australia with units of the Australian Military. After Valiant Usher off Western Australia, VMA-513 and Amphibious Squadron One conducted an R&R visit to Perth/Fremantle, Western Australia from 8–13 February 1981. The squadron later took part in exercises Team Spirit 81 and Valiant Flex 81-2 at Pusan (Busan) South Korea. VMA-513 arrived back at MCAS Yuma, AZ on or about 16 April 1981.

In October 1987, the squadron received the improved AV-8B Harrier II.

The Gulf War

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VMA-513 during the Gulf War

In February 1991, VMA-513 deployed for operations in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, employing their new Harrier II's in support of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit; logging 103 combat sorties with no losses. At this time, VMA-513 effectively conducted combat operations from austere sites in Southwest Asia. The Nightmares returned home with all of their assets and no loss of life or major injury. Throughout the 1990s and early 21st century the squadron continued to support Marine Expeditionary Units aboard ship for normal six-month-long deployments to the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf.

Global War on Terror

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Squadron CO's AV-8B Harrier II in June 2007.

From October 2002 to September 2003, VMA-513 (-) (REIN) deployed to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan for combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Throughout their year in sustained combat, the Marines and Sailors of VMA-513 (-) (REIN) provided close air support, armed reconnaissance, and combat escort for the United States and over 20 Coalition countries of the Combined Joint Task Force 180. Throughout its time in combat in Afghanistan, the squadron amassed 1,250 combat sorties and 3,764 flight hours with only six aircraft while operating from a remote austere forward combat base. Additionally, VMA-513 (-) (REIN) flew 1,833.7 nighttime hours; thus, providing day and night precision strike capability for American and Coalition units with the newly introduced Litening II Targeting Pod. VMA-513 (-) (REIN) supported numerous US and Coalition operations that led to the capture or destruction of many Al Queda and Taliban enemy forces. While the squadron minus was deployed to Afghanistan, a six plane detachment was also deployed twice with Marine Expeditionary Units aboard ship and flew combat missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and operations on the Horn of Africa.

In February 2006, the Flying Nightmares were again deployed to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq, to provide close air ground support for ground units in the Iraq area. The squadron flew 4519 combat hours with a sortie completion rate of over 95%. On 11 May 2006, VMA-513 became the first Harrier unit to drop a JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) in combat when it struck targets with a GBU-38 500 lb JDAM.

Decommissioning and Recommissioning

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On 12 July 2013, VMA-513 was decommissioned after 69 years of service. The squadron's remaining aircraft were transferred to sister squadron, VMA-214.

The squadron was recommissioned on 26 June 2020 as Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502, the Marine Corps' second F-35B Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS).[6][7]

Other information

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  • In 2002 a VMF-513 Sergeant missing since 30 May 1953 {Korean War} was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.
  • An AV-8C Harrier with VMA-513 markings is on display at the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona.[8]
  • LtCol. Michael Franzak (USMC, Ret.), the former Executive Officer of VMA-513, is the author of a book, A Nightmare's Prayer, detailing the squadron's exploits during its yearlong deployment to Afghanistan from 2002 to 2003[9]
  • An F-4B Phantom II from VMFA-513 appeared in an episode of The Man from U.N.C.L.E., "The Yellow Scarf Affair" on 25 January 1965.[10]
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See also

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to VMA-513.

Citations

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Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Marine Corps.
  1. ^ "The Mojave Virtual Museum – The "Mojave Marines": Life at MCAAS Mojave". Mojave Transportation Museum. Archived from the original on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 25 June 2008.
  2. ^ Bevilacqua, Allan C. (May 2009). "The Tale of "Willie the Whale". Leatherneck, pp. 42–43.
  3. ^ "DOUGLAS F3D-2 "SKY KNIGHT"". Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum. Archived from the original on 17 December 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2007.
  4. ^ Lehrack The First Battle, p. 68.
  5. ^ Patton, John M. (February 1972). "1971 Naval Aviation Review: Year of Change" (PDF). Naval Aviation News. Washington D.C.: Naval Historical Center. p. 12. Retrieved 1 August 2021.
  6. ^ "VMFAT-502 Activation and Re-designation".
  7. ^ Buss, Kevin. "VMFAT-502 Activation and Re-designation". www.marines.mil. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
  8. ^ "British Aerospace AV-8C Harrier". Archived from the original on 7 July 2010. Retrieved 5 February 2010.
  9. ^ Franzak, Michael (15 June 2010). A Nightmare's Prayer: A Marine Harrier Pilot's War in Afghanistan. Threshold Editions. ISBN 978-1439194980.
  10. ^ The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Yellow Scarf Affair episode shown on MeTV, Sunday, 28 December 2014 and VMA-513

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

VMFAT-502

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502), known as the "Flying Nightmares," is a unit dedicated to training pilots and maintenance personnel on the F-35B Lightning II short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft. Stationed at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in , , as part of (MAG-11) under the , VMFAT-502 serves as the Marine Corps' second (FRS) for the F-35B, conducting advanced flight training, syllabus instruction, and operational readiness exercises to prepare aviators for deployment with operational squadrons. The squadron traces its lineage to Marine Fighting Squadron 513 (VMF-513), which was commissioned on February 15, 1944, at Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Oak Grove, , initially equipped with fighters for operations. During the Korean War, as VMF(N)-513 (night fighter variant), it provided critical aerial night defense for the Pusan Perimeter, supporting forces as the only dedicated squadron in theater. Over its history, the unit evolved through various designations and aircraft, including service as Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) flying the AV-8B Harrier II until its deactivation on July 12, 2013, after 69 years of active duty. VMFAT-502 was reactivated on June 26, 2020, at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, under the , marking the Marine Corps' expansion of F-35B training capabilities to meet growing operational demands. The squadron achieved its first F-35B flight shortly thereafter in July 2020 and transferred to the at MCAS Miramar on January 10, 2022, to align with West Coast F-35B operations. Today, VMFAT-502 actively participates in demonstrations and exercises, such as the annual MCAS Miramar Airshow, showcasing the F-35B's multirole capabilities in integrated Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) environments. Under the command of Stephen T. Davis and Tiphany D. Clugston, the squadron continues to advance Marine Corps readiness with a focus on stealth, , and vertical landing proficiency.

Overview

Role and Mission

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502), known as the "Flying Nightmares," serves as the United States Marine Corps' second Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) dedicated to the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II. Its primary mission is to train pilots and aircrew from the U.S. Marine Corps and allied forces—such as the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Italian Navy, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force—on F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) operations. This training encompasses a structured syllabus that covers initial flight qualifications, including familiarization with the aircraft's systems, instrument procedures, and formation flying; advanced tactics such as air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements; and weapons employment, ensuring graduates are combat-ready for integration into operational squadrons. The squadron coordinates these efforts with joint and coalition partners to maintain interoperability and operational effectiveness in expeditionary environments. VMFAT-502 traces its lineage to Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513), a legacy fighter-attack unit that was deactivated in 2013 after nearly seven decades of service. Upon reactivation on June 26, 2020, at , , the squadron was redesignated from VMA-513 to VMFAT-502, shifting its focus from direct combat roles to specialized as the demand for F-35B pilots grew during the Marine Corps' transition to fifth-generation aircraft. This redesignation marked a pivotal evolution, transforming the unit into a dedicated FRS to support the expanding F-35B fleet and meet increasing pilot production needs. The squadron's motto, "Carpe Noctem" ("Seize the Night"), originated during the when Lieutenant Colonel James R. Anderson coined it in March 1951 to honor VMA-513's pioneering role in night-fighting operations. This heritage underscores the unit's historical emphasis on nocturnal combat capabilities, a tradition carried forward in its modern training emphasis on versatile, all-weather STOVL proficiency. Aircraft assigned to VMFAT-502 bear the tail code "WF," a distinctive identifier in Marine Corps aviation that denotes the squadron's affiliation and facilitates visual recognition during operations and exercises.

Organization and Basing

VMFAT-502 is currently affiliated with (MAG-11) under the (3rd MAW), and has been based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, since its transfer from the (2nd MAW) at MCAS Beaufort, , on January 10, 2022. This relocation supported the expansion of F-35B training capabilities on the West Coast, aligning with the Marine Corps' aviation strategy to distribute fleet replacement squadrons across both coasts. The squadron's command structure is headed by a , with Lieutenant Colonel Stephen T. Davis serving as as of 2025. It maintains approximately 25 F-35B Lightning II aircraft and around 500 support personnel, including pilots, maintainers, and administrative staff, organized to facilitate fleet replacement training. VMFAT-502 includes subordinate training detachments for specialized exercises, such as those conducted at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, and integrates with joint F-35 programs through coordination with the F-35 Joint Program Office and coalition partners for interoperability training.

History

Marine Fighting Squadron 513 (VMF-513) was commissioned on February 15, 1944, at Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Oak Grove, , as part of the U.S. Marine Corps' expansion of air units during . Initially assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33), the squadron underwent training with the fighter, a carrier-capable known for its reliability in and air superiority roles. Over the following months, VMF-513 relocated for advanced training, moving to Marine Corps Air Facility , in September 1944, and then to Marine Corps Air Station , in December 1944, preparing for deployment to the Pacific Theater. Equipped with F6F-5 Hellcats, the squadron deployed aboard the USS Vella Gulf (CVE-111), departing on June 15, 1945, and staging through key Pacific bases including Ewa, Enewetak, Saipan, and . By mid-1945, VMF-513 arrived in the vicinity of Okinawa, where it joined ongoing operations against Japanese forces during the final stages of the (April–June 1945). Operating from forward airfields, the squadron conducted close air support missions in support of the , targeting enemy positions, supply lines, and fortifications to aid ground advances amid intense resistance and threats. VMF-513's contributions in the Pacific established its foundational combat role, flying sorties that helped secure Allied objectives in the closing months of the war. The squadron's efforts earned it the Victory Streamer, reflecting its participation in the broader campaign.

Korean War

In early 1950, as tensions escalated leading into the , Marine Fighting Squadron 513 (VMF-513) transitioned to specialized night fighting operations and was redesignated Marine Night Fighter Squadron 513 (VMF(N)-513) on March 1, while based at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, . The squadron equipped with the F4U-5N Corsair, a radar-equipped variant optimized for nocturnal , and later incorporated the F7F-3N Tigercat for enhanced twin-engine performance in low-light conditions. This shift marked the unit's evolution into a dedicated night combat force, earning it the moniker "Flying Nightmares" for its fearsome reputation among enemy forces during daring after-dark raids. VMF(N)-513 deployed to the Korean theater in 1950, initially operating from Itazuke in under control, before advancing to forward bases including (K-3) in by late 1952 to intensify operations against Communist supply networks. From and other sites like Kunsan (K-8), the squadron executed night missions, targeting North Korean and Chinese logistics lines through armed and low-altitude strikes known as "poling" attacks, which involved surprise dives on ground convoys and rail targets. These efforts provided critical to ground forces, disrupting enemy movements in the rugged terrain of the peninsula and contributing to the stabilization of front lines during the war's later phases. The squadron flew over 1,500 combat sorties, emphasizing precision night operations that minimized risks while maximizing disruption to adversary resupply. Among its notable achievements, VMF(N)-513 pioneered advanced radar-guided engagements, scoring the first nighttime jet-to-jet kill on November 3, 1952, when Major William T. Stratton Jr. and radar operator Hans C. Hogland in a Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight downed a Yak-15—the squadron's first , introduced that summer. Overall, the unit amassed 10 confirmed aerial victories, all at night, including several against piston-engine fighters like the Yak-15 through coordinated pilot-radar operator teamwork. These successes, achieved amid challenging weather and enemy air defenses, underscored VMF(N)-513's role in adapting II-era tactics to jet-age threats, bolstering Marine aviation's interdiction dominance.

Vietnam War

In 1962, Marine Fighter Squadron (All Weather) 513 (VMF(AW)-513), based at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, , began transitioning from the F4D Skyray to the McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II, marking its shift to a supersonic fighter-attack role. This transition was completed by late 1963, after which the squadron was redesignated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 513 (VMFA-513) on 1 August 1963. VMFA-513 deployed from to , , on 15 1965, relieving VMFA-531 and becoming the only Marine jet fighter squadron in the country for several months. Operating under (MAG-11), the squadron flew , interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions in support of Marine ground forces and the broader allied effort. In August 1965, VMFA-513 provided critical air support to the during , the first major U.S. amphibious assault of the war against forces on the Van Tuong Peninsula near . The squadron's combat operations included participation in , the sustained bombing campaign against that began in March 1965, with VMFA-513 conducting strikes over northern targets during its deployment. For five months, the "Flying Nightmares" maintained continuous jet combat air operations in I Corps, facing threats from anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles while delivering ordnance in coordination with ground troops. VMFA-513 rotated out of Vietnam in October 1965, returning to the and reforming at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, , after a full personnel turnover. This deployment represented the squadron's primary direct involvement in the , contributing to the early escalation of Marine air power in before transitioning to subsequent training and readiness missions.

Harrier Era

In 1971, Marine Attack Squadron 513 transitioned to the AV-8A Harrier at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, , becoming the first U.S. Marine Corps squadron to operate the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft. The squadron received its initial AV-8A on April 16, 1971, following a period as a cadre unit after relinquishing its F-4B Phantom II aircraft in June 1970. This redesignation to VMA-513 marked a pivotal shift toward V/STOL capabilities, enabling operations from austere forward bases and amphibious ships without traditional runways. The squadron pioneered STOVL tactics during the late , conducting developmental testing and refining operational procedures for the Harrier's thrust-vectoring engine, which allowed for unique maneuvers like vectoring in forward flight (VIFF) for air-to-air engagements. In October 1987, VMA-513 upgraded to the AV-8B Harrier II, which featured enhanced avionics, a more powerful engine, and improved ground-attack systems, significantly boosting precision strike and night operations capabilities. By 1990, the squadron had achieved full operational capability with the AV-8B, integrating advanced targeting pods and weapons for roles. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, VMA-513 focused on training and non-combat deployments to validate Harrier operations. Key activities included the first WestPac deployment aboard to MCAS , , in July 1974, and a Mediterranean cruise with a six-aircraft detachment on from September 1974 to March 1975, demonstrating carrier compatibility. Additional carrier qualifications occurred aboard USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) during Exercise Ahuas Tara II in November 1983 and in January 1989. Early Harrier operations faced challenges, including accidents attributed to the complexities of and transition flight regimes, as pilots adapted to the aircraft's unconventional handling; VMA-513 experienced several losses during this period while building expertise.

Gulf War

In early 1991, a detachment from Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 513—the historical predecessor to VMFAT-502—deployed to as part of Operation Desert Storm, supporting Marine ground forces including elements of the within the . Operating the AV-8B Harrier II from King Abdul Aziz Naval Air Base, Detachment B arrived on 15 February 1991 after transiting from the , integrating with (Forward) to bolster capabilities during the impending ground campaign. The squadron commenced combat operations on 17 February 1991, flying 103 sorties over 12 days in direct support of the 100-hour ground war phase that began on 24 February and rapidly liberated from Iraqi occupation. These missions emphasized of Iraqi armored columns and command-and-control sites, employing cluster munitions such as the Rockeye II and laser-guided bombs like the for precision strikes against high-value targets. VMA-513's efforts totaled 133.9 flight hours, delivering ordnance that disrupted enemy reinforcements and without incurring any losses or personnel casualties. Following the ceasefire on 28 February 1991, the detachment redeployed stateside, returning to its home station at , , by May 1991. In the immediate aftermath, squadron elements contributed to , conducting armed overwatch and reconnaissance flights to secure humanitarian relief corridors for fleeing Iraqi persecution in northern .

Global War on Terror

During the Global War on Terror, Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513), the "Flying Nightmares," played a pivotal role in providing and precision strikes using the AV-8B Harrier II, operating from forward bases in and . The squadron's initial deployment began in October 2002, when a detachment reinforced by personnel from other units arrived at Bagram Air Base, , to support . Equipped with LITENING II targeting pods for enhanced night and precision targeting, the Harriers flew more than 1,000 sorties over the subsequent year, conducting armed reconnaissance, , and interdiction missions against and forces in the rugged terrain of eastern . In 2003, VMA-513 extended its operations to support Operation Iraqi Freedom, contributing additional sorties and flight hours to coalition efforts during the initial invasion and stabilization phases in . By 2004, the squadron rotated back to , where its Harriers provided critical during major urban combat operations, including the assaults on as part of Operation Phantom Fury. These missions emphasized the Harrier's vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, allowing rapid response to ground forces in contested environments. The squadron's flexibility in shifting between theaters underscored the Marine Corps' expeditionary aviation doctrine during sustained campaigns. A significant milestone came in February 2006, when VMA-513 deployed to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq's Al Anbar Province, focusing on for Marine ground units combating insurgents. On May 11, 2006, squadron pilots achieved a historic first by employing the GPS-guided (JDAM), dropping GBU-38 bombs on enemy targets and integrating advanced precision weaponry into Harrier operations. This deployment alone saw the squadron accumulate over 4,500 combat hours with a sortie completion rate exceeding 95 percent, highlighting the reliability of the AV-8B platform in high-tempo environments. From 2006 to 2012, VMA-513 conducted multiple rotations to Al Asad and other bases in , as well as returns to , amassing thousands of additional combat hours in support of Marine and forces. These operations increasingly incorporated GPS-guided munitions like the JDAM, enhancing accuracy and reducing in urban and . The squadron's final Harrier deployment occurred in May 2012 to Kandahar Airfield, , where it provided until late that year, preceding the broader phase-out of the AV-8B fleet.

Deactivation and Reactivation

Following the Marine Corps' decision to retire the AV-8B Harrier II in favor of the F-35B Lightning II, Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was deactivated on July 12, 2013, at , . The squadron's remaining Harrier aircraft were transferred to other active-duty AV-8B units, marking the end of VMA-513's 69 years of service as a fixed-wing attack squadron. As the F-35B program expanded, the squadron was reactivated on June 26, 2020, at , , and redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502), the second dedicated to F-35B pilot training. Initially operating under the , VMFAT-502 focused on building instructor cadres and conducting introductory F-35B training flights in coordination with joint partners. A key milestone occurred on January 10, 2022, when VMFAT-502 transferred to , California, aligning with the and to enhance West Coast F-35B training capacity. The squadron's mission emphasizes integration with joint and coalition F-35 programs, supporting through shared training syllabi and exercises. By 2025, VMFAT-502 had expanded its F-35B training operations, enabling more pilot qualification and transition courses.

Aircraft

Early Aircraft (1940s-1960s)

During , VMF-513 was commissioned on February 15, 1944, at Marine Corps Auxiliary Airfield Oak Grove, , and equipped with the as its primary carrier-based fighter aircraft. The squadron operated the F6F from 1944 to 1945, leveraging the aircraft's robust design and six .50-caliber machine guns for air superiority and ground support missions in the Pacific theater, marking an early emphasis on integration. This piston-engine fighter represented the squadron's initial transition to advanced carrier operations, with its reliable performance enabling effective combat against Japanese forces. In the , the squadron, redesignated as VMF(N)-513 for night fighting, transitioned to the F4U-5N Corsair from 1950 to , utilizing its radar-equipped variant for night attack and interdiction roles. The F4U-5N's R-2800 engine and four 20mm cannons provided versatility in low-light conditions, supporting UN forces during key operations like the defense of the Pusan Perimeter. By , VMF(N)-513 adopted the F7F-3N Tigercat as a twin-engine , equipped with AN/APQ-71 for all-weather intercepts and capable of downing enemy using radar-guided fire. The Tigercat's two 18-cylinder radial engines delivered over 4,500 horsepower combined, enabling night kills against Communist early in the conflict and highlighting advancements in radar-directed combat. The squadron's shift to early in the 1950s began with the Douglas F3D-2 Skyknight, introduced around as its first jet platform for all-weather interception. Powered by two turbojets, the F3D-2 featured advanced AN/APQ-35 radar and four 20mm cannons, allowing VMF(N)-513 to achieve the Korean War's first nighttime jet kill on November 3, . This subsonic all-weather fighter underscored the progression from propeller-driven night operations to radar-equipped jet intercepts. From 1956 to 1962, VMF(AW)-513 operated the Douglas F4D-1 Skyray, becoming the first Marine squadron to achieve Mach 1 capabilities with this interceptor. The single-engine jet, powered by a , reached speeds up to 722 mph at 36,000 feet and set multiple world records, including an absolute speed of 752.944 mph on October 3, 1953, and a time-to-climb to 3,000 meters in 56 seconds. In 1962, the squadron logged a record 1,500 flight hours in 30 days with the Skyray, demonstrating its role in advancing Marine supersonic and tactics. This era marked the squadron's evolution toward high-performance jets, bridging subsonic limitations to the supersonic age.

Phantom and Harrier Aircraft (1960s-2010s)

In the early , VMFA-513 transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II from late 1963 until 1970. The F-4B Phantom II served as a versatile supersonic fighter-bomber, equipped with air-to-air missiles for beyond-visual-range engagements and capable of carrying up to 18,000 pounds of ordnance on multiple hardpoints for and missions. This aircraft enabled the squadron to conduct high-speed, all-weather operations, marking a shift from earlier subsonic jets to advanced Mach 2-capable platforms during the era. Following the Phantom's phase-out in June 1970, the squadron was redesignated VMA-513 and placed in cadre status to prepare for the introduction of vertical/short (V/STOL) aircraft. It received its first AV-8A Harriers in April 1971, becoming the U.S. Marine Corps' inaugural Harrier squadron and pioneering STOVL tactics for expeditionary operations from 1971 to 1987. The AV-8A, powered by the engine, allowed for vertical landings on austere forward bases, enhancing the squadron's role in rapid response and with a of bombs, rockets, and missiles. In 1987, VMA-513 upgraded to the McDonnell Douglas AV-8B Harrier II, which featured structural improvements including 9G-capable hardpoints and an enhanced Pegasus F402-RR-408 turbofan engine for superior vertical lift and maneuverability, serving until 2013. The AV-8B provided greater range, payload capacity, and night-attack capabilities compared to the AV-8A, accumulating over 50,000 mishap-free flight hours across the squadron's operations. During the 1990s, select aircraft were further upgraded to the AV-8B+ configuration, incorporating the AN/APG-65 radar from the F/A-18 Hornet for improved all-weather targeting and beyond-visual-range engagements. The Harrier fleet was phased out by mid-2013, with the squadron's final flights concluding on May 24, 2013, at , , to facilitate integration with fifth-generation aircraft. VMA-513 was officially deactivated on July 12, 2013, after 42 years of Harrier service that advanced Marine Corps doctrine.

F-35B Lightning II

The F-35B Lightning II serves as the primary aircraft for VMFAT-502, representing the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter family. This single-engine aircraft, powered by the F135-PW-600 afterburning with a lift fan for STOVL operations, enables operations from amphibious assault ships and austere environments. It incorporates stealth design for reduced radar cross-section, advanced avionics including the radar, and a 25 mm GAU-22/A four-barrel integrated into the . Internal weapons bays accommodate up to two air-to-air missiles alongside other precision-guided munitions, preserving aerodynamic stealth during missions. VMFAT-502 supports its role as a (FRS) for the F-35B at . A key feature is the Distributed Aperture System (DAS), which uses six cameras for 360-degree spherical , feeding into the aircraft's architecture that integrates data from multiple sources for enhanced pilot . This setup allows seamless sharing of information across networked platforms. The squadron's reactivation in June 2020 aligned with the growing demand for F-35B pilot training amid the Marine Corps' transition to fifth-generation capabilities. Training adaptations for the F-35B emphasize integration of advanced simulators at Miramar, including full-motion flight simulators and tactical operational flight trainers, to replicate complex scenarios and reduce live-flight costs while building proficiency in stealth tactics and sensor management. STOVL qualifications are a core component, with pilots undergoing certification for vertical landings and short take-offs on amphibious ships like the America-class, ensuring readiness for expeditionary operations in joint environments. These programs incorporate live-virtual-constructive training to simulate carrier-like deck operations and multi-domain coordination. As of November 2025, VMFAT-502's F-35B fleet operates with existing configurations, as Block 4 software and hardware enhancements—including improved electronic warfare capabilities, enhanced interoperability, integration of new weapons like the Small Diameter Bomb II, and the APG-85 via Technology Refresh 3—have been delayed to at least 2031 due to technical challenges and cost overruns.

Notable Operations and Achievements

Combat Milestones

VMFAT-502, through its lineage as VMA-513 and VMF(N)-513, achieved 10 confirmed aerial victories during the , all conducted as night interceptions using radar-guided tactics. A landmark among these was the squadron's first radar kill on an enemy jet on November 3, 1951, when Major William T. Stratton Jr., with radar operator H. C. Hoglund, downed a Yak-9 using the F3D-2 Skyknight's airborne intercept and 20mm cannons, marking the Marine Corps' inaugural nighttime radar-guided air-to-air victory. The squadron pioneered key weapon innovations in combat, including the first employment of the (JDAM) by a Harrier unit on May 11, 2006, during operations in , when AV-8B pilots from VMA-513 struck targets with GBU-38 precision-guided bombs. During the Gulf War's 100-hour ground offensive in 1991, VMA-513 detachments provided with AV-8B Harriers, contributing to the rapid coalition advance while operating from forward bases in . VMFAT-502's predecessors earned two Presidential Unit Citations: one for VMF-513's actions supporting the from September 15 to October 11, 1950, during the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter, and another for VMA-513's service with the from June 15 to October 15, 1965, in initial operations. The squadron also received the for its role in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 14, 1990, to April 16, 1991, as part of , conducting over 1,000 sorties in support of ground forces. Combat losses for the squadron included multiple aircraft during the , such as F4U-5N Corsairs downed in ground fire incidents in 1951. Additional fixed-wing aircraft were lost to enemy action in while flying A-4 Skyhawk ground attack missions from 1965 onward. As of 2025, the squadron has recorded no F-35B losses in combat operations.

Training and Recent Exercises

Since its reactivation in June 2020 at , , VMFAT-502 has served as a key (FRS) for F-35B Lightning II pilot training within the U.S. Marine Corps, focusing on transitioning aviators from legacy platforms and introducing new pilots to the aircraft's short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities in coordination with joint and coalition partners. The squadron's syllabus emphasizes advanced tactics, , and integration with naval and ground forces, supporting the Marine Corps' shift toward distributed maritime operations. By 2025, VMFAT-502 maintained a fleet of approximately 25 F-35B aircraft to facilitate this training, contributing to the broader expansion of Marine aviation's fifth-generation capabilities. In recent years, the squadron has participated in multinational exercises to enhance and combat readiness. Additionally, in March 2025, the squadron deployed over 220 personnel to Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, for a two-week detachment, where pilots practiced F-35B handling in diverse environments, including urban and expeditionary settings. VMFAT-502 has also showcased the F-35B's versatility through public demonstrations and specialized simulations. At 2025 in Fort Worth from September 26 to 28, squadron pilots performed aerial demos highlighting the aircraft's stealth, agility, and vertical takeoff capabilities, drawing attention to Marine Corps advancements. In support of broader readiness, the squadron incorporated elements into training, such as simulations for humanitarian assistance in austere conditions, aligning with the Marine Corps' expeditionary mandate. These activities build on the squadron's post-reactivation milestones, including its first F-35B flight in July 2020. Looking ahead, VMFAT-502's training demands are projected to expand significantly, with requirements for VMFAT-501 and VMFAT-502 reaching nearly 1,800 adversary sorties annually by the mid-2020s to support the Marine Corps' goal of 12 operational F-35B squadrons by 2030. This growth will enable the squadron to produce more qualified pilots for forward-deployed units, emphasizing joint operations in the and beyond to counter evolving threats.

References

  1. https://www.3rdmaw.marines.mil/Units/MAG-11/VMFAT-502/
  2. https://seapowermagazine.org/marine-corps-activates-second-f-35b-fleet-replacement-squadron/
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