VMFA-115

• Origins in World War II: VMFA-115, originally designated as VMF-115, was commissioned on July 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California, and saw combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II. • Nickname "Silver Eagles": The squadron is famously known as the "Silver Eagles," a moniker adopted in the early 1970s that reflects their distinguished legacy and spirit. • First Combat in Peleliu: VMF-115 participated in the Battle of Peleliu, providing crucial close air support and air superiority for ground forces during the fierce fighting in 1944. • Korean War Service: The squadron served with distinction in the Korean War, flying the F9F Panther jet and supporting United Nations forces with ground attack and interdiction missions. • Transition to Supersonic Fighters: VMFA-115 was one of the first Marine squadrons to transition to the supersonic F-4 Phantom II in the mid-1960s, enhancing its capabilities dramatically. • Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron completed several combat tours in Vietnam, providing close air support, interdiction, and air superiority missions from bases such as Chu Lai and Da Nang. • First Marine Squadron to Deploy F/A-18 Hornet: In 1985, VMFA-115 became the first operational Marine squadron to transition to the F/A-18A Hornet, marking a significant leap in multi-role fighter capability. • Global Deployments: The "Silver Eagles" have participated in numerous international exercises and deployments, including operations in the Western Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: VMFA-115 played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting strike and support missions from land bases and aircraft carriers in support of coalition ground forces. • Current Home Base: Today, VMFA-115 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and continues to operate the F/A-18 Hornet, representing one of the Marine Corps' premier fighter attack squadrons.