MCAS Miramar is
located north of downtown San Diego and is the location of the Marine Air Group
Eleven (MAG-11), some squadrons from MAG-16, and a Reserve squadron from MAG-46.
It is currently home to eight F/A-18 Hornet squadrons, four CH-53 Super Stallion
squadrons, CH-46 Sea Knight squadrons, one KC-130 squadron, and a variety of
aviation support squadrons. The photo article focuses on the F/A-18 Hornet
squadrons.
There are 3 F/A-18C squadrons in MAG-11 – VMFA-232, VMFA-314, and VMFA-323
VMFA-232 RED DEVILS
was a long-time resident at MCAS Kaneohe Bay. They relocated to MCAS Miramar in
the mid-1990s. In recent years, VMFA-232 was designated a “boat squadron”
and deploys with CVW-11.
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Shortly
after returning from OIF I, VMFA-232 began the process of integrating
into CVW-11. The “301” modex applied on this late-lot F/A-18C
reflects that change. |
This
is an example of the early-lot F/A-18Cs that were operated by VMFA-232
prior to becoming a “boat” squadron |
VMFA-314 BLACK KNIGHTS was
formerly part of CVW-9. VMFA-314 has recently been returned to the Unit
Deployment Program (UDP) cycle and is no longer part of CVW-9.
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The
“NG” markings and “2XX” modex on this low-vis F/A-18C reflect
when VMFA-314 was assigned to CVW-9. |
The
“VW” tail code on illustrated by the “digi-camie” jet has
resulted to the squadron also being referred to as “The Volkswagen
Squadron.” (Just an aside, the squadron car is not a Volkswagen.) |
VMFA-323 DEATH RATTLERS
takes the name from incident from when one of their Corsairs flattened a
rattlesnake during WW2. Recently VMFA-323 transferred from CVW-2 to CVW-9
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This
freshly-repainted color F/A-18C displays the VMFA-323’s “WS” tail
code. |
This
low-vis VMFA-323 displays the “NE” tail code for CVW-2 and stencil
for the now-decommissioned USS Constellation. |
VMFAT-101 SHARPSHOOTERS is
the sole F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron in the Marine Corps. Navy aviators as
well as Marine aviators pass through the doors of the VMFAT-101 on the way to a
fleet Hornet squadron. Marine aviators often are assigned to the Navy’s
counterpart, VFA-125 at NAS Lemoore. All models of the legacy Hornet are
operated by the Sharpshooters.
There are 3 line F/A-18D squadrons in
MAG-11 – VMFA(AW)-121, VMFA(AW)-242, and VMFA(AW)-225
VMFA(AW)-121 GREEN KNIGHTS was the first squadron to transition to the F/A-18D
and the only F/A-18D squadron to take part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
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At
one time, this VMFA(AW)-121 F/A-18D would have been considered a
“color jet”. The design of the squadron logo (referred to as
“Ralph” by a few) was short-lived and dates this image from
mid/late-1990s. |
This
VMFA(AW)-121 ATARS jet illustrates the traditional design. |
VMFA(AW)-225 VIKINGS were
began as history as VMF-225 at MCAS Mojave during WW2. In observance of their
lineage, a marking representing the VMF-225 patch design has been recently been
added to the inside tail surfaces on Viking Hornets.
VMFA(AW)-242
BATS received the “Marine Fighter Squadron of the Year” for 1992 and 1993.
The BATS were the first squadron to employ the LITENING pod in combat.
VMFA-134 SMOKES was the first Marine
Reserve squadron to transition to the F/A-18A. This squadron is part of MAG-46
and has F/A-18As, one F/A-18B and a few F/A-18A+s on-hand.
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This
F/A-18A was the CO’s jet about a decade ago. Note the false canopy
painted on this jet. |
This
is one example of VMFA-134’s camo’d jets about the same time period.
The flap is obviously a replacement from another Hornet. |
Obviously, a Marine Hornet squadron is
not a group of jets with “MARINES” painted on the side. Every Marine
squadron is a team made up individual Marines who exhibit Dedication, Bravery,
and Sacrifice on a daily basis to keep the jets fueled, armed, flying, and
accomplish the mission at-hand.
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It
had cooled down to only about 80°F for this late afternoon launch
during a Combined Arms Exercise (CAX) at the Camp Wilson Expeditionary
Airfield (EAF). A group of dedicated Marine Reservists fueled, loaded,
armed, and prep’d the jets during the day to have the jets ready |
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Many
will recognize this Green Knight color jet from its airshow appearances
last year. What many are unaware of is that this jet suffered an
in-flight emergency. One day, sparks were observed coming out the port
engine on take-off from MCAS Miramar. The crew took the plane out over
the water where fire indications for the port engine caused them to shut
down the engine. While dumping fuel and headed back to Miramar, fire
indicators for the starboard engine began to go off. In preparing to
land, the crew found that the arresting hook would not lower. The crew
brought the plane safely back to Miramar where the Crash Rescue Fire
crews were standing by. The in-flight fire had started in the port
engine compartment, burned through the firewall, set off fire indicators
in the right engine compartment, and damaged the mechanism to lower the
hook. There were stained fastener holes, panel lines, vents, and every
other orifice from which the smoke and flame had escaped. The fire
damage was so extensive that the engine bay doors had melted and could
not be opened in the normal manner. If this incident had occurred on a
civilian airliner, I’m certain the evening news would have covered the
entire landing and commended the crew for exhibiting bravery and cool
professionalism. As it was, there were no reports in the evening news
and it was just another day at MCAS Miramar. |
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One
VMFA-134 F/A-18A and THIS F/A-18B from VMFA-134 collided during training
in the Pacific Northwest not too long ago. All three Marines were
killed. Marines make sacrifices every day in service to their country
such as family separation, endurance of uncomfortable conditions, pay
not commensurate to their skills & education, and sadly for some –
their lives. |
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Whatever
their rank or military occupational specialty, the ultimate mission of
each Marine is to provide support to the infantryman. With that thought,
my closing image is this one of the 1st Marine Division patch that was
painted on a VMFA(AW)-225 F/A-18D. The greatest percentage of Americans
killed in Operation Iraq Freedom has come from the 1st Marine Division.
Lest we forgot those who have died in service to their country. |
Happy 230th
Marine Corps Birthday to all Marines, former and present. Semper Fi.
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