About this Unit
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), known as the "Black Knights," was originally commissioned in 1943 during World War II, flying F4U Corsairs in the Pacific Theater. The squadron has since participated in major conflicts including the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terror. Over the decades, VMFA-314 has transitioned through several aircraft, most notably the F-4 Phantom II and the F/A-18 Hornet. In 2019, VMFA-314 became the first operational Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II, marking a new era of advanced capabilities for the unit.
Historical Facts
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Oldest Active Marine Fighter Squadron: VMFA-314, known as the "Black Knights," is one of the oldest active Marine fighter squadrons, commissioned on 1 October 1943.
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World War II Origins: The squadron was originally activated as VMF-314 and flew the F4U Corsair during World War II, participating in campaigns in the Pacific.
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Korean War Service: The squadron was reactivated after WWII and deployed to Korea in 1953, flying F4U Corsairs in combat operations near the end of the war.
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Vietnam War Deployments: VMFA-314 was the first Marine squadron to deploy to Vietnam with the F-4B Phantom II in 1965, flying over 25,000 combat sorties.
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First Marine Squadron to Deploy F/A-18 Hornet: In 1982, VMFA-314 became the first Marine squadron to transition to the F/A-18A Hornet, leading the way for the USMC's adoption of the aircraft.
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Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm: The Black Knights participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), flying over 1,500 sorties and expending more than 800,000 pounds of ordnance.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: VMFA-314 played a significant role in the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, flying close air support and strike missions.
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First USMC Operational F-35C Squadron: In January 2020, VMFA-314 became the first Marine squadron to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the F-35C Lightning II, the carrier-variant of the stealth fighter.
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Historic Carrier Deployment: In 2022, VMFA-314 made history as the first USMC F-35C squadron to deploy operationally aboard an aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln), integrating with Navy air wings.
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Squadron Insignia and Motto: The Black Knights’ emblem features a knight’s helmet and chess piece, symbolizing strength and strategy. Their motto is "Courage, Honor, Strength."
