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US Marine Corps - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
115 VMFA-115 'Silver Eagles' |
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| 09/24 | ||||||
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 VMFA-115 deactivation ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - November 9, 2023  VMFA-115 deactivation ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - November 9, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) returning to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 30, 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) departing MCAS Iwakuni, Japan after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 27, 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) departing MCAS Iwakuni, Japan after a 6-month Unit Deployment Program - September 27, 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18D+C Hornet (VMFA-115) over the Pacific Ocean - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) over the Pacific Ocean - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) over the Pacific Ocean - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - August 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Futenma, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115), loaded with AGM-84D Harpoon missiles during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115), loaded with AGM-84D Harpoon missiles during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115), loaded with AGM-84D Harpoon missiles during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115), loaded with AGM-84D Harpoon missiles during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Northern Edge 23-2 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - July 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) - AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) loading exercise at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - June 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) - AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) loading exercise at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - June 2023  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) over the East China Sea - June 2023  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) near Mount Fuji, Japan - June 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) near Mount Fuji, Japan - June 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Gwangju Air Base, Republic of Korea - April 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - March 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - March 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - March 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - March 2023  CATM-84K SLAM-ER (Standoff Land Attack Missile-Expanded Response) training missile loading exercise on an F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - March 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Northern Strike 23-1 at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan - January 2023  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Northern Strike 23-1 at Selfridge ANGB, Michigan - January 2023  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - July 2022  F/A-18D+C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - July 2022  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - June 2022  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) - US CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) - February 2022  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) - US CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) - February 2022  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) - US CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) - February 2022  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) - US CENTCOM area of responsibility (AOR) - February 2022  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia - January 2022  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia - January 2022  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) at Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia - December 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Red Flag 21-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada - August 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during Exercise Red Flag 21-3 at Nellis AFB, Nevada - July 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) during training with the Finnish Air Force at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  USMC and Finnish Air Force F/A-18 Hornets during common training at Rissala Air Base, Kuopio, Finland - June 2021  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe - July 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe - July 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe - July 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) over Hawaii - July 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - May 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) armed with AGM-84 Harpoon missiles at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  an AGM-84D Harpoon missile was loaded onto an F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - April 2020  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe - February 2020  change of command ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - January 2019  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 5th Fleet AOR - September 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - undisclosed location - August 2018  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) refueling over Iraq - May 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) refueling over Iraq - May 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) refueling over Iraq - May 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) refueling over Iraq - May 2018  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) refueling over Iraq - May 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) departing Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - April 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) departing Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - April 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) departing Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - April 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - April 2018  F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-115) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - April 2018  F/A-18A++ Hornet (VMFA-115) - 2018 > continue > VMFA-115 image page 2 < |
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VMF-115 was organized on 1 July 1943 at Santa Barbara, California
under the command of Major John S. MacLaughlin. Sixteen days later,
the command was assumed by one of the Marine Corps' most famous
Aces, Major Joseph Foss, holder of the World War II Marine Corps
record of twenty-six enemy aircraft shot down. The squadron quickly
picked up the nickname, "Joe's Joker's." In May 1944, the squadron
joined the Pacific campaign flying the legendary F4U-1 Corsair. At the conclusion of World War II, the squadron deployed to Peking, China to protect US interests in that area and support the III Marine Amphibious Corps supervising the surrender and repatriation of 630,000 Japanese troops and civilians in North China. In December 1949, VMF-115 became the first Marine Corps squadron to receive a full complement of Grumman F9F-2 Panther jet fighters and, during November 1950, was first to serve aboard a carrier, qualifying all 18 pilots without incident aboard the USS Roosevelt. In February 1952, VMF-115 deployed to K-3 Airfield near Pohang, Korea for combat operations. VMF-115 provided decisive Close Air Support during several battles including the famous withdrawal at the Chosin Reservoir. In the spring of 1957, the Squadron received the Marine Corps' first F4D Skyrays and were designated VMF(AW)-115. After flying Skyrays longer than any other squadron, VMF(AW)-l15 was re-designated VMFA-115 on 1 January 1964 and transitioned to the Mach II capable F-4B Phantom II. The "Able Eagles" were deployed to Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam on 14 October 1965. During the Viet Nam War, VMFA-115 flew more than 34,000 combat sorties, participating in such battles as the Tet Offensive, Hue City, Khe San, and Task Force Delta, and was awarded the Hanson Trophy in 1971 by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In July 1977, VMFA-115 relocated to MCAS Beaufort, SC, and in October 1980 joined Carrier Air Wing (CVW)-17 aboard the USS FORRESTAL. During this cruise VMFA-115 participated in Cold War missions such as intercepting and escorting various Soviet aircraft. After flying Phantoms for more than 20 years, VMFA-115 began the transition to the F/A-18A Hornet on 1 January 1985, and officially stood up with 14 aircraft on 16 August 1985. The following year, the squadron became officially known as the "Silver Eagles.” In July 1987, VMFA-115 returned to the Western Pacific to participate in the Unit Deployment Program at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron was recognized for superior maintenance, receiving the SECDEF Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence, and earned the Hanson Award as Marine Corps Fighter Squadron of the Year for both 1987 and 1988. This was the first time a Marine Fighter Squadron had won the Hanson Award two consecutive years. In 1989, VMFA-115 returned to the Philippines and supported government forces during a coup attempt there. The squadron flew armed combat air patrol and escort missions, helping to stabilize the situation. The squadron’s efforts were recognized again as the coveted Hanson Award became a “Silver Eagle” possession in 1990 for the third time in four years. During the years from 1991 to 2000, the “Silver Eagles” conducted numerous six-month deployments in support of 1st MAW as part of the Western Pacific Unit Deployment Program. Nearing the end of 2001, the squadron was once again designated a carrier squadron. This coincided with the first delivery of the F/A-18A+ aircraft modification. After qualifying all personnel for carrier operations the squadron deployed with CVW-3 aboard USS HARRY S TRUMAN in October 2002. In March 2003, the Silver Eagles fought against Iraqi forces as part of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, delivering more than 150 tons of ordnance. In October 2004, the squadron again deployed with CVW-3 aboard TRUMAN for Operation Iraqi Freedom II, providing close air support and overhead security in support of Iraq’s historic democratic elections. In July 2006, the Silver Eagles returned to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for the first time in seven years as part of the Unit Deployment Program. VMFA-115 deployed to Okinawa and the Republic of Korea. The squadron was presented with the Chief of Naval Operations’ Safety Award while in Japan. In Mar 2008, the Silver Eagles deployed to Al Asad, Iraq for Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. The squadron was the first single seat FAC-A hornet squadron in theater providing close air support and overhead security across Iraq. VMFA-115’s achievements have highlighted the history of Marine Corps aviation; the squadron has seen extensive service in nearly every conflict in which Marines have fought. During the past sixty years, it has carried out its assigned missions with distinction in the South Pacific, Philippines, North China, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand and the Middle East. Even during peacetime, whether training in the Western Pacific, the United States, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or Western Europe, VMFA-115 has set a standard of excellence for other fighter-attack squadrons to follow. The squadron’s record of exceptional performance is recognized by numerous citations and awards. Today’s VMFA-115 Marines may look back on the squadron’s proud history of accomplishment, and look forward to an even more promising future for the squadron and Marine Aviation. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 has received the following awards: - Presidential Unit Citation Streamer with Two Bronze Stars - Navy Unit Commendation Streamer with One Silver and One Bronze Star - Meritorious Unit Commendation Streamer with Four Bronze Stars - China Service Streamer - Asiatic/Pacific Campaign Streamer with One Silver Star - World War II Victory Streamer - National Defense Service Streamer with Three Bronze Stars - Korean Service Steamer with Four Bronze Stars - Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamer with Two Bronze Stars - Vietnam Service Streamer with Two Silver and Four Bronze Stars - Global War on Terror Expeditionary Streamer - Global War on Terror Service Streamer - Armed Forces Service Streamer - Philippine Liberation Streamer with Two Bronze Stars - Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Streamer - Korean Presidential Unit Citation Streamer - Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Streamer - Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Actions Streamer source: USMC - - - - - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115) is a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet squadron. Officially nicknamed the "Silver Eagles" and on occasion Joe's Jokers after their first commanding officer Major Joe Foss, the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (2nd MAW). The squadron has seen combat during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars and has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a final deployment in 2008 to Al Asad Airbase in western Iraq. The Squadron radio callsign is "Blade". The squadron motto, coined by Drama, is "SMOKEM IF YOU GOTEM". It means take a break if feasible. World War II: Marine Fighting Squadron 115 (VMF-115) was organized on July 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California, as a F4U Corsair squadron. One of the Marine Corps most famous aces, Major Joseph Foss assumed command 16 days later. The squadron gained the nickname "Joe's Jokers", and in May 1944 joined the Pacific campaign. VMF-115 was a contributor to the American victory in the Philippines providing close air support, fighter cover, and deep air strikes in Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. With over 18,000 flight hours during 5,856 combat sorties, VMF-115 was credited with shooting down 6½ enemy aircraft while losing 28 aircraft with nine pilots killed in action. To protect U.S. interests after the war and support Marines supervising the surrender of Japan, the squadron deployed to Peking, China. Communist troops began patterns of hostility leading to convoy coverage and "air presence" missions. 31 months after initial deployment, VMF-115 left the Pacific theater. Korean War: In 1949, VMF-115 was the first Marine Corps squadron equipped with Grumman F9F-2 Panther jets, and on November 20, 1950, the first Marine squadron to carrier qualify all 18 pilots aboard the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. The squadron then deployed to Pohang, Korea, for combat operation in February 1952. In late-June 1952 they participated in the attack on the Sui-ho Dam. Throughout the Korean War, VMF-115 expended more ordnance than any other Marine jet fighter squadron. A total of 15350 flight hours were logged on 9250 combat sorties with a price of 19 aircraft lost. Six pilots were lost with their aircraft in a single day and a total of 14 pilots were killed in action. Close air support was provided by VMF-115 in battles such as Bunker Hill, The Hook, Reno, Carson-Elko, Vegas, Berlin, East Berlin, and the Marines famous battle at the Chosin Reservoir. In the spring of 1957, the squadron received the Marine Corps' first Douglas F4D-1 Skyrays were redesignated VMF(AW)-115 and deployed to MCAF Mojave for the next six months for testing. Between 1957 and 1964, the squadron was usually based at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. From 19 April 1962 to 27 August 1962 the squadron was deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA-62) as part of Carrier Air Group Seven (CVG-7) to the Mediterranean Sea. From October 1962 to February 1963 the squadron was deployed to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Vietnam War: In 1964/65 the squadron transitioned the McDonnell F-4B Phantom II and was redesignated VMFA-115. The "Able Eagles" were deployed to Da Nang Air Base, Republic of Vietnam on October 14, 1965. During the Vietnam War, VMFA-115 flew more than 34000 combat sorties, providing close air support for Marines during such battles as the Tet Offensive, Battle of Hue, Battle of Khe Sahn, and Task Force Delta. The squadron was awarded the Hanson Trophy in 1971 by the Commandant of the Marine Corps. In March 1971 VMFA-115 was relocated to Iwakuni, Japan. In April 1972, the squadron moved its operations to Royal Thai Air Base Nam Phong, Thailand. Here they continued to fly air to ground sorties in addition to playing a key fighter role in Operation Linebacker missions over North Vietnam. Post Vietnam: In July 1977, VMFA-115 relocated to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina, and in October 1980 joined Carrier Air Wing 17 (CVW-17) aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59). During this cruise VMFA-115 participated in Cold War missions such as intercepting and escorting various Soviet aircraft. After flying Phantoms for more than 20 years, VMFA-115 began the transition to the F/A-18A Hornet on January 1, 1985, and officially stood up with 14 aircraft on August 16, 1985. The following year, the squadron became officially known as the "Silver Eagles.” In July 1987, VMFA-115 returned to the Western Pacific to participate in the Unit Deployment Program (UDP) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron was recognized for superior maintenance, receiving the Secretary of Defense Phoenix Award for Maintenance Excellence, and earned the Hanson Award as Marine Corps Fighter Squadron of the Year for both 1987 and 1988. This was the first time a Marine Fighter Squadron had won the Hanson Award two consecutive years. In 1989, VMFA-115 returned to the Philippines and supported government forces during a coup attempt there. The squadron flew armed combat air patrol and escort missions, helping to stabilize the situation. The squadron’s efforts were recognized again as the coveted Hanson Award became a “Silver Eagle” possession in 1990 for the third time in four years. During the years from 1991 to 2000, the “Silver Eagles” conducted numerous six-month deployments in support of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as part of the Western Pacific Unit Deployment Program (UDP). Global War on Terror: Nearing the end of 2001, the squadron was once again designated a carrier squadron. This coincided with the first delivery of the F/A-18A+ aircraft modification. After qualifying all personnel for carrier operations the squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing 3 (CVW-3) aboard USS Harry S. Truman in October 2002. In March 2003, the Silver Eagles fought against Iraqi forces as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, delivering more than 150 tons of ordnance. In October 2004, the squadron again deployed with CVW-3 aboard Truman for Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing close air support and overhead security in support of Iraq’s historic democratic elections. In July 2006, VMFA-115 returned to the Western Pacific for the first time since 2000 to serve under 1st MAW/III Marine Expeditionary Force for a UDP deployment. The Silver Eagles flew training sorties at various locations in Japan and squadron Marines also spent a month at Osan Air Base in South Korea. In February 2008, VMFA-115 deployed to Al Asad Airbase, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) where they were the Marine Corps’ first forward-air-controller capable, single-seat F/A-18 Hornet squadron to deploy to Al Asad. The Squadron returned to MCAS Beaufort on September 17, 2008. In September 2009, the squadron transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 12 as part of the Unit Deployment Program at MCAS Iwakuni with a full complement of twelve F/A-18A+ Hornets. They returned to the States on March 1, 2010 after a seven-month deployment where they supported operations in Okinawa, Thailand, Korea the Philippines and Brunei. In 2013, they deployed to Isa Air Base, Bahrain, from March until October, returning to MCAS Beaufort upon completion. They once again transferred to Marine Aircraft Group 12, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan under the Unit Deployment Program from July through December, 2014. On December 7, 2016 an FA-18C of the squadron crashed into the sea off Okinawa. The pilot, Captain Jake Fredrick, ejected but did not survive. His body was recovered by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. As of the 2019 Aviation Plan, the Silver Eagles will become the third Marine F-35C squadron, scheduled to transition in FY2023. source: wikipedia |
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