Marine Attack Squadron 533 (VMA-533), known as the "Hawks," was originally commissioned during World War II in 1943 as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 533 (VMSB-533). The squadron distinguished itself in the Pacific Theater, notably participating in the Battle of Okinawa. Postwar, the unit transitioned through various aircraft and missions, eventually becoming a jet attack squadron and adopting the A-6 Intruder and later the AV-8B Harrier II. VMA-533 served with distinction in multiple conflicts, including the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, before being deactivated in 2007.
