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US Marine Corps - Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron
121 VMFA(AW)-121 'Green Knights' |
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 F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) landing on Tinian Island during Exercise Geiger Fury 12 - May 2012  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) landing on Tinian Island during Exercise Geiger Fury 12 - May 2012  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) landing on Tinian Island during Exercise Geiger Fury 12 - May 2012  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - January 2012  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii - January 2012  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - December 2011  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - November 2010  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - August 2010  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - August 2010  artwork on an F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - August 2010  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq - April 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq - April 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at Al Asad Airbase, Iraq - April 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - February 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at Naval Support Activity Souda Bay, Crete, Greece - February 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) over California - February 2007  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - September 2005  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - September 2005  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - June 2001  The crews of VMFA(AW)-121 stand in front of their aircraft during a reception ceremony held for the first Marine units to relocate from Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in accordance with BRAC 93 - MCAS Miramar, California - August 24, 1994  A joint Navy/Marine Corps color guard brings on the colors as the aircrews and captains from VMFA(AW)-121 stand in front of their aircraft during an arrival ceremony held on the flightline at Naval Air Station Miramar, California - August 24, 1994  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) at MCAS Miramar, California - August 1994  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1993  F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA(AW)-121) - February 1992 VMA(AW)-121 (1969-89)  A-6E Intruder (VMA(AW)-121) at NAS Fallon, Nevada - September 1988  A-6E Intruder (VMA(AW)-121) over Nevada - February 1986  A-6E Intruder (VMA(AW)-121) over Florida - 1982  A-6E Intruder (VMA(AW)-121) - 1981 VMA-121 (1951-69)  A-4E Skyhawk (VMA-121) - Vietnam War - 1960's  A-4E Skyhawk (VMA-121) - Vietnam War - March 1967  A-4C Skyhawk (VMA-121) over MCAS El Toro, California - 1961  A4D-2 Skyhawk (VMA-121) aboard USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) - 1961  F9F-8B Cougars (VMA-121) - circa 1957-58  AD-2 Skyraider (VMA-121) - early 1950's |
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Since its commissioning as a Fighter Squadron 62 years ago, on 24
June 1941, the Green Knights of Marine All Weather Fighter Attack
Squadron 121 have compiled a distinguished history unsurpassed in
the annals of Marine Corps Aviation. The Green Knights began combat
operations operating F4F Wildcats and later F4U Corsairs as charter
members of the Cactus Air Force and throughout Guadalcanal, the
squadron fought from the legendary forward air bases of Espirito
Santo Island, Turtle Bay, Bougainville, and Emirau. VMFA-121 was without equal among Marine Corps Fighter Squadrons during WWII. During the conflict, the Squadron produced 14 Fighter Aces, more than any other squadron, including Congressional Medal of Honor winner, Captain (later Major) Joseph J. Foss. Throughout the war, VMF-121 set the standard for enemy aircraft destroyed, by downing 209 Japanese aircraft (165 flying Wildcats and another 44 flying Corsairs) in aerial combat. After WWII, VMF-121 returned to the United States and Naval Air Station, Glenview, Illinois where the Squadron designation was changed to Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121). The Squadron was flying a variety of aircraft including F4U Corsairs, F8F Bearcats and AD Skyraiders. In mid 1951, VMA-121 received orders to activate its reserve members and departed Glenview, Illinois for Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, California. After completion of training in the Skyraider, the Squadron was transported aboard the carrier USS Sikko Bay to Yokosuka, Japan to begin final preparations for a combat deployment to the Republic of Korea. VMA-121 deployed to K-6 Airfield at Pyongtaek, ROK to conduct strike missions in support of infantry operations. Flying missions as long as 14 hours, the Skyraider could carry 9000 pounds of ordnance, a load which rivaled that of a seagoing WWII destroyer. The Squadron dropped more bomb tonnage during the Korean War than any other Navy or Marine Corps squadron, devastating enemy airfields, supply dumps, bridges, and railroad yards. During the Korean War the Squadron insignia depicted Al Capp’s “WolfGirl” from the comic strip L’il Abner. The feared “Wolf Raiders” of VMA-121 remained in South Korea for several years after the cease-fire in 1953. Returning to MCAS El Toro in 1957, the squadron assumed its role in the Unit Deployment Program with scheduled rotations to Japan and traded in its AD Skyraider aircraft and joined the jet age with the F9F-8B. The Cougar equipped with the LABS system for loft bombing, was the first aircraft flown by the squadron capable of delivering nuclear weapons. In late 1958, the Squadron traded the Cougars for brand new A-4 Skyhawks. Spending most of the next year at the likes of Fallon, Yuma, and China Lake, the “Green Knights” became the first squadron to complete the entire special weapons delivery syllabus. In January 1960, the Squadron deployed to Iwakuni, Japan for a scheduled six month UDP. However, in July the “Green Knights” were embarked onboard the USS TICONDEROGA and in October 1960, they transferred to the USS CORAL SEA (CVA-43) for six months. Finally ending their 15 month odyssey, the Squadron returned home to MCAS El Toro. During November of 1962, the “Green Knights” deployed their new A-4s to NAS Cecil Field on the coast of Florida in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. In August, 1966, the Green Knights were once again called to battle and ferried their Skyhawks to Iwakuni and ultimately, Chu-Lai Air Base, Republic of Vietnam. After six months of combat operations, the Squadron rotated back to Iwakuni, Japan and Naha Air Base, Okinawa before returning to Chu-Lai for another combat tour in 1968. During the first six months of that deployment, VMA-121 supported 118 major operations, providing the eagerly sought “Marine brand” of close air support to all allied units. In early 1969 the Squadron was reconstituted at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina and newly designated VMA(AW)-121 to reflect the Squadron’s transition to the all weather attack mission with the Grumman A-6E Intruder. The Green Knights were now capable of acquiring and destroying surface targets in any weather, day or night, with a wide variety of ordnance. After a 12 month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, during 1977-1978, the Squadron was reassigned to MCAS El Toro. During this period, numerous updates and modifications to the A-6 constantly enhanced its capabilities, as the Green Knights operated from air bases in Sardinia, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Okinawa, the Philippines and Korea. When the Target Recognition and Attack Multi-sensor (TRAM) version of the A-6 aircraft was developed, VMA(AW)-121 was proud to be the first Marine Corps A-6 squadron to receive it. In November 1985, VMA(AW)-121 was transferred to Commander, Carrier Air Wing Two (CVW- 2), attached to USS RANGER (CV-61). Once again based aboard an aircraft carrier, the Green Knights brought expertise to CVW-2 in close air support, while rising to new challenges in areas such as war at sea, integrated service warfare and tanker support through back-to-back deployments onboard USS RANGER with CVW-2. On December 8, 1989 the Squadron was redesignated as VMFA(AW)-121, becoming the first Marine Corps F/A-18D Night Attack Hornet Squadron. Slightly over one year later, the Squadron deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. During the Desert Storm Air Campaign, the Squadron flew 557 sorties and 1,655.5 combat hours (more than any other Navy or Marine Corps tactical jet squadron) in support of the First and Second Marine Divisions liberating Kuwait. Returning to El Toro following the cessation of hostilities, the Green Knights returned to the unit deployment rotation and relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California during August 1994. The Green Knights made three deployments to WestPac before returning to combat over Iraq in March of 2000. The squardron flew 287 sorties in support of Operation Southern Watch while based at Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, VMFA(AW) was placed on a 96-hour “prepare to deploy” tether and remained on alert until called into action in April 2002. The squadron deployed with six aircraft to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, followed by the remaining six aircraft and personnel a month later. The squadron flew more than 900 combat sorties over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, returning to MCAS Miramar in October 2002. Only 3 months after returning from Kyrgyzstan, the Green Knights deployed to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. From February to May 2003, the squadron flew more than 750 combat sorties over Iraq in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom, and returned to MCAS Miramar on May 12th 2005, the squadron returned to the Middle East, flying from February to September 2007 out of Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in support of OIF 06-08. In September 2008, March 2010, and December 2011, the squadron deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. In September 2012, the squadron moved to MCAS Yuma in preparation for the transition to a new aircraft, the F-35B. In November 2012, the squadron was officially redesignated VMFA-121 and began F-35B flight operations in January 2013. VMFA-121 achieved Initial Operational Capability on 31 July 2015. On 9 January 2017, VMFA-121 permanently departed Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona transferring to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. On 18 January 2017, VMFA-121 arrived at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan as the first forward deployed permanent F-35B squadron. The Green Knights’ colors proudly display 2 Presidential Unit Citations, 5 Navy Unit Commendations, 4 Meritorious Unit Citations and 10 Battle Streamers. The Squadron has received numerous awards to include; the CNO’s Safety Award for 1960, 1977, 1981, 1982, 1989, 2000 and 2002, the Commandant’s Aviation Efficiency Trophy for 1960, the Marine Attack Squadron of the Year in 1979 and Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron of the Year in 2001 and 2015, and the Commandant’s Aviation Trophy for 2003. source: USMC - - - - - another history: Marine Fighting Squadron 121 (VMF-121) was activated on June 24, 1941. The Green Knights began combat operations flying the F4F Wildcat and later the F4U Corsair as charter members of the Cactus Air Force and throughout the Battle of Guadalcanal. The squadron also fought from the forward air bases of Espirito Santo, Turtle Bay, Bougainville, and Emirau. On September 15, 1944, the Green Knights landed on Peleliu and fought there until July 25, 1945. They returned to the United States to be deactivated on September 9, 1945. During the Pacific War, VMF-121 produced fourteen fighter aces, more than any other squadron, including Medal of Honor recipient, Major Joseph J. Foss. VMF-121 downed 208 Japanese aircraft (165 flying Wildcats and another 44 flying Corsairs) in aerial combat. After World War II, the squadron was reactivated in the United States at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois where the squadron's designation was changed to Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121). During this time they flew a variety of aircraft including the F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat and A-1 Skyraider. Korean War: In mid 1951, VMA-121 received orders to activate its reserve members and departed NAS Glenview for Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. After completion of training in the Skyraider, the squadron was transported aboard the carrier USS Sitkoh Bay to Yokosuka, Japan to begin final preparations for a combat deployment to the Republic of Korea. In June 1953 they also set a then Marine record for a single day's ordnance delivery when 16 AD-2 Skyraiders dropped 156 tons of bombs during the attack on the Sui-ho Dam. VMA-121 deployed to K-6 Airfield at Pyongtaek, Republic of Korea on October 19, 1951 and conducted their first strike on October 27. Their mission was to conduct strike missions in support of infantry operations. The squadron dropped more bomb tonnage during the Korean War than any other Navy or Marine Corps squadron, devastating enemy airfields, supply dumps, bridges, and railroad yards. During the Korean War the Squadron insignia depicted Al Capp's "WolfGirl" from the comic strip Li'l Abner. The "Wolf Raiders" of VMA-121 remained in South Korea for several years after the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953. Returning to MCAS El Toro in 1957, the squadron assumed its role in the Unit Deployment Program with scheduled rotations to Japan and traded in its AD Skyraider aircraft and joined the jet age with the F9F-8B. The Cougar equipped with the LABS system for loft bombing, was the first aircraft flown by the squadron capable of delivering nuclear weapons. In late 1958, the Squadron traded the Cougars for brand new A-4 Skyhawks. Spending most of the next year at the likes of NAAS Fallon, MCAS Yuma, and NOTS China Lake, the "Green Knights" became the first squadron to complete the entire special weapons delivery syllabus. During November 1962, the "Green Knights" deployed in their new A-4s to NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Vietnam War: In August 1966, under the command of LtCol Donald Stiver, the Green Knights ferried their A-4E Skyhawks to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and after preparatory training in Japan and Okinawa, began combat operations from Chu Lai Air Base, South Vietnam in December, 1966. In May 1967 VMA-121 shattered the old ordnance record for Marine Attack Squadrons by delivering over 1750 tons of ordnance in combat operations. After six months of combat operations, the squadron rotated back to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and Naha Air Base, Okinawa before returning to Chu Lai for another combat tour in September 1967. During the first six months of that deployment, VMA-121 supported 118 major operations. In early 1969, the squadron was reconstituted at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina and newly designated as VMA(AW)-121 to reflect the squadron's transition to the all-weather attack mission with the Grumman A-6 Intruder. The Green Knights were now capable of acquiring and destroying surface targets in any weather, day or night, with a wide variety of air-to-ground ordnance. The squadron participated in a 13-month deployment to MCAS Iwakuni as a member of 1st MAW. While stationed in Japan, the squadron participated in training exercises at Cubi Point Philippines and Team Sprit in Yechon, Korea. The Green Knights returned to El Toro in June 1978, and the commanding officer was Lt. Col. "WALDO" Adams. In 1982 the squadron was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (MUC) for achieving 43,000 accident free flight hours. This Commendation spanned from years previously flown in Vietnam without an accident. The award was issued while the squadron was deployed to Iwakuni, Japan and the commanding officer Lt. Col. "JACK" Rippy. On November 11, 1985, operational control of VMA(AW)-121 was transferred to Commander, Carrier Airwing Two attached to the USS Ranger. In July 1987, under the command of LtCol. Joe "Java" Weston, the squadron deployed aboard the Ranger on a six-month WestPAC/Indian Ocean cruise. Arriving on Gonzo Station in the North Arabian Sea, the squadron participated in Operation Earnest Will, the escorting of reflagged Kuwaiti tankers. In February 1989, the squadron once again set sail aboard the Ranger for another WestPAC/Indian Ocean cruise under the command of Pete "NODAC" Jacobs. Upon return to MCAS El Toro in August 1989, operational control of VMA(AW)-121 was transferred back to Commander, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW). The Gulf War & the 1990s: On December 8, 1989 the squadron was redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) ONE TWO ONE (VMFA(AW)-121), becoming the first Marine Corps F/A-18D Hornet night attack squadron. Slightly over one year later, the squadron deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm. During the Desert Storm Air Campaign, the squadron flew 557 sorties and 1,655.5 combat hours (more than any other Navy or Marine Corps tactical jet squadron). Returning to MCAS El Toro following the cessation of hostilities, the Green Knights resumed the unit deployment rotation and relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California during August 1994 when custody of that installation was transferred from the Navy (as NAS Miramar) to the Marine Corps pursuant to BRAC action that also closed MCAS El Toro. The Green Knights made three deployments to the Western Pacific before returning to combat over Iraq in March 2000. During this 2000 deployment, the squadron flew 287 sorties in support of Operation Southern Watch (OSW) while based at Ahmad al-Jaber Air Base, Kuwait, providing much-needed operational tempo (OPTEMPO) relief to active duty USAF, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard A-10 Thunderbolt II fighter squadrons that had been manning the OSW mission at Al Jaber since the end of the first Gulf War. Global War on Terror and beyond: In April 2002, the squadron deployed with six aircraft to Kyrgyzstan, followed by the remaining six aircraft and personnel a month later. The squadron flew more than 900 combat sorties over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, returning to MCAS Miramar in October 2002. Only 3 months after returning from Kyrgyzstan, the Green Knights deployed to Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. From February to May 2003, the squadron flew more than 750 combat sorties over Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and returned to MCAS Miramar on May 12. In March 2005, the squadron deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. The squadron returned to MCAS Miramar on September 15, 2005. In February 2007, the squadron deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08. The squadron deployed as part of the Unit Deployment Program to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan from September 2008 to March 2009, March 2010 to September 2010, and January 2012 to July 2012. On August 17, 2011, an F/A-18D from VMFA(AW)-121 crashed into the Pacific Ocean approximately 85 miles southwest of San Diego. Both pilot and WSO ejected safely. On 28 September 2012, LtCol. Jeff Scott took command of the Green Knights from LtCol. Michael Waterman, marking the end of the F/A-18D Hornet's tenure in VMFA(AW)-121 and ushering in the fifth-generation stealth fighter era. This change of command officially moved the squadron from MAG-11 at MCAS Miramar to MAG-13 at MCAS Yuma. On 20 November, VMFA(AW)-121 was officially redesignated VMFA-121, accepting delivery of the first three F-35B aircraft becoming the first operational F-35B squadron in the Marine Corps Operating Forces and the first operational F-35 squadron in any service. source: wikipedia |
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