VMA-242

Marine Attack Squadron 242 (VMA-242), known as the "Bats," was commissioned during World War II in 1943 as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242), flying the TBM Avenger. The squadron saw action in the Pacific Theater, providing close air support and anti-shipping missions. Reactivated and redesignated multiple times, VMA-242 participated in major conflicts including the Vietnam War, flying the A-6 Intruder in night attack missions. In the 1980s, the squadron transitioned to the AV-8B Harrier II and later became VMFA-242, operating the F-35B Lightning II, continuing its legacy of aviation excellence within the U.S. Marine Corps.