The 1965 buildup of marine aviation in vietnam paralleled that of the iii maf ground forces. Following the landing of the 9th meb in march, two marine fixedwing squadrons, vmcj1 and vmfa 531, later relieved by vmfa 5, joined mag16 at da nang in april. Vmfa531 marines skin diving during the cuban missile crisis 1963. When i returned from vietnam to vmfa531, we had a large number of graduates from top gun and our educations really to use a phrase took off. On january 9, 1943 the squadron became part of the fleet marine force and on april 1 was absorbed by. Search for your new favorite shirt from thousands of great designs. An faisa from vmfa53i joins two other marine hornets in a. Freeman library is open to the public monday friday, 10 am 5 pm, except for state holidays. This was the first time in naval aviation history that the marine corps provided all of the fighter support for a navy carrier and the first time since world war ii that two marine fighter squadrons were deployed aboard a pacific fleet carrier. Impact decals 148 vmfaw531vmfa531 grey ghosts part 1. Vmfa531 grey ghosts 100% cotton quality tshirt high resolution printing full color printing customization.
This was the first time in naval aviation history that the marine corps provided all of the fighter support for a navy carrier and the first time since world war ii that two marine fighter. Mag16 had been, until that time, the mebs composite helicopter group. I knew very little about the people who put it all together and, hopefully, still do until i read this book. A group of marines, and associates, who served in the united states marine corps fighter squadron 531 grey ghosts. To all virtual pilots who see this history, be known that we are always looking for new members willing to take on the roll to commissioning the vmfa 531 once again. Marine fighterattack squadron 531 vmfa531 was activated at mcas cherry point, north carolina, on 16 november 1942 as marine night fighter squadron. This proved to be the first time in history that an entire carrier battle groups maritime superiority was provided exclusively by marine corps fighters units, namely vmfa 531 and vmfa 323. You wont find a more enlightening and inspirational environment than the virginia museum of fine arts. Marine night fighter squadron 531 vmfn531 was activated on november 16, 1942 at marine corps air station cherry point, north carolina. Marine wing headquarters squadron 1 marine aircraft group 12. This latest release from impact decals is part 1 of a series covering vmfaw531vmfa531 gray ghosts, this installment looking at the aircraft between 19581978. Cover your body with amazing vmfa tshirts from zazzle. Vmfa 531, flying f4b phantom ii aircraft, was the first marine fixedwing tactical squadron to deploy to vietnam in 1965.
A history of marine fighter attack squadron 531 facing the problem a half century of distinguished service with multiple unit awards, the pioneer of nightallweather tactics and combat, this is the record of marine fighter attack squadron 531 vmfa 531. A group of marines, and associates, who served in the united states marine corps fighter squadron 531grey ghosts. Marine fighter attack squadron 531 vmfa531 was a united states marine corps fighter squadron consisting of fa18 hornets. Marine fighter attack squadron 531 was a united states marine corps fighter squadron consisting of fa18 hornets. Welcome to the vmfa shop unique jewelry, accessories, toys. On 25 july 1942, the first marine nightfighter squadron of 12 planes was authorized for 1 january 1943. Wed like to hope that our virtual existence flying as the grey ghosts of the vmfa 531 honor those that came before us in the real world. The navy flew the f4b extensively in southeast asia and as technology improved, the navy ordered the f4j to replace the f4b. I served with vmfa 314 from february to september at chu lai as a sergeant in radar and ordinance. Marine night fighter squadron 531 vmfn 531 was activated on november 16, 1942 at marine corps air station cherry point, north carolina.
The table below contains the names of sailors who were assigned to the grey ghosts vmfa 531. If you would like your name, rank, or callsign added to your shirts, please enter this information in the order comments when checking out paying. Mals 12 mwss171 vmfa 242 vmgr 152 vmfa 121 marine aircraft group 24. Virginia museum of fine arts art history classes vmfa. Marine corps retired director of marine corps history and. Academy 148 f4bn phantom ii vmfa531 gray ghosts kit. He has deployed four times to iraq and afghanistan as an embedded journalist. This proved to be the first time in history that an entire carrier battle groups maritime superiority was provided exclusively by marine corps fighters units, namely vmfa531 and vmfa323. When i returned from vietnam to vmfa 531, we had a large number of graduates from top gun and our educations really to use a phrase took off. May 11, 2016 f4n phantom ii, vmfa531 takayoshi wada phantom, more like sky aces by karehb this thread is intended for aviation art only. More about the mcdonnell douglas f4 phantom ii jet. Following the landing of the 9th meb in march, two marine fixedwing squadrons, vmcj1 and vmfa531, later relieved by vmfa5, joined mag16 at da nang in april. Marine all weather fighter attack squadron 553 vmfaaw553 is a united states marine corps fa18 hornet squadron.
An faisa from vmfa53i joins two other marine hornets in. David wood is the national security correspondent for the baltimore sun. At mcas cherry point, the squadron flew the f4b phantom until 30 june 1970, when it was recommissioned as cadre, awaiting delivery of the first marine av8a harrier on 16 april 1971 and redesignation as vma5. On january 9, 1943 the squadron became part of the fleet marine force and on april 1 was absorbed by marine aircraft group 53 mag53. I shared many of his feelings about ocs not the most fun part of my life. Uss nimitz med cruise 7677 vmfa333 world famous fighting shamrocks. Marine allweather fighter attack squadron 533 vmfaaw 533 is a united states marine corps fa18 hornet squadron. The vmfa shop searches the world to provide a diverse selection of unique jewelry, home accessories, toys, stationery, and books, focusing on merchandise related to the museums collections and exhibitions as well as educational items and work from virginia artists. During november 1979, vmfa323 and vmfa531 deployed aboard the uss coral sea. Please keep in mind that this list does only include records of people who submitted their information for publication on this website. No part of this website may be reproduced without the express written consent of military uniform supply. This proved to be the first time in history that an entire carrier battle groups maritime superiority was provided exclusively by marine corps fighter units, namely vmfa 531 and vmfa 323. The reading room offers tables and chairs for research, and four public computers, which can access the internet, all of the librarys subscription electronic resources, and the museums collections database. Also known as the hawks, the squadron is based at marine corps air station beaufort, south carolina and falls under the command of marine aircraft group 31 mag31 and the 2nd marine aircraft wing 2nd maw.
Marine fighterattack squadron 531 vmfa531 was activated at mcas cherry point, north carolina, on 16 november 1942 as marine night fighter squadron 531 vmfn531, the marine corps first nightfighter squadron. Visit the vmfa 542 forums opens in a new tab visit the vmfa 542 facebook page opens in a new tab vmfa 542 cruise book 19671968 79 images. To all virtual pilots who see this history, be known that we are always looking for new members willing to take on the roll to commissioning the vmfa531 once again. During deployments a vrc fleet tactical support squadron detachment provides carrieronboard delivery and is embarked aboard the carrier but is no real part of the air wing. When liberty was restricted at nas key west boca chica key, we often would walk south through the swamp to the island shore. Nov 29, 2011 uss nimitz med cruise 7677 vmfa 333 world famous fighting shamrocks. On january 9, 1943 the squadron became part of the fleet marine force and on april 1. Sep 12, 2012 to all virtual pilots who see this history, be known that we are always looking for new members willing to take on the roll to commissioning the vmfa 531 once again. Commanding general assistant wing commander sergeant major subordinate units. Marine all weather fighter attack squadron 553 vmfa aw553 is a united states marine corps fa18 hornet squadron. This proved to be the first time in history that an entire carrier battle groups maritime superiority was provided exclusively by marine corps fighter units, namely vmfa531 and vmfa323.
Marine night fighter squadron 531 vmfn 531 was activated on november 16, 1942 at marine corps air station cherry point, north carolina 1. While that was its final designation, it began its career as vmfn 531, the marine corps. Known as the grey ghosts, the squadron participated in action during world war ii and the vietnam war. In 197172, vma5 participated in the navys interim d sea control ship evaluation and the dods sortie rate validation test. Marine night fighter squadron 531 vmfn531 was activated on november 16, 1942 at marine corps air station cherry point, north carolina 1. During november 1979, vmfa 323 and vmfa 531 deployed aboard the uss coral sea. Plastic model kit of the mcdonnell douglas f4 phantom ii, a tandem twoseat, twinengine, allweather, longrange supersonic jet interceptor and fighterbomber originally developed for the united states navy by mcdonnell aircraft. A history of marine fighter attack squadron 531 facing the problem a half century of distinguished service with multiple unit awards, the pioneer of nightallweather tactics and combat, this is the record of marine fighter attack squadron 531 vmfa531. Brigadier general karch greets lieutenant colonel william c. Mals 12 mwss171 vmfa 242 vmgr 152 vmfa121 marine aircraft group 24. Wed like to hope that our virtual existence flying as the grey ghosts of the vmfa. From gallery talks and tours to art classes, seminars, teacher programs, and family fun, the museum offers a variety of learning experiences for every age and every interest. The history books states that vmfa115 completed its last combat mission on 22 february 1971 concluding three successful tours in the republic of vietnam.
The mcdonnell douglas f4 phantom iipage contains all related products, articles, books, walkarounds and plastic scale modeling projects dedicated to this aircraft. While the f4j was entering service with the navy, the f4b was exhibiting fatigue after a decade of flight ops and 228 of these aircraft were refurbished and. In the last 6 months of 1972, vmfa115 and vmfa232 had the highest daily sortie rate of all f4 units in southeast asia. Additionally they deployed throughout the far east both on land as well as onboard the fast attack carrier uss hancock and uss ticonderoga. It was also during the buildup phase that the grey ghosts fired the first aim7f sparrow missile from an f4n aircraft. May 11, 2016 f4n phantom ii, vmfa 531 takayoshi wada phantom, more like sky aces by karehb this thread is intended for aviation art only. The history and museums division welcomes any comments on the narrative or additional information on vmfa 531. Later, i went home and finished college, went through ocs and retired as a major in 1990. F4n phantom ii, vmfa531 takayoshi wada aircraft art. While that was its final designation, it began its career as vmfn531, the marine corps. As we gather together with our brothers today in celebration, let us never forget our brothers who gave it all and now stand guard in heaven waiting for us to join them.
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