VMA (AW)-242

• Origins in WWII: The squadron’s roots trace back to VMFA-242, commissioned on July 1, 1943, as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242) during WWII, flying TBM Avengers in the Pacific. • Vietnam War Service: Redesignated as VMA(AW)-242, the unit saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War, flying the A-6A Intruder in all-weather attack missions from Da Nang Air Base starting in 1970. • Nickname "Bats": The squadron’s nickname, "Bats," comes from their all-weather, night-attack role, symbolized by their bat-themed insignia. • First A-6 Intruder Deployment: VMA(AW)-242 was one of the first Marine units to operate the A-6A Intruder, a state-of-the-art all-weather attack aircraft at the time. • Distinguished Unit Citations: The squadron earned numerous awards for its service in Vietnam, including the Navy Unit Commendation and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat, VMA(AW)-242 participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief operations in Asia and the Pacific region. • Move to Japan: The squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, in 1990, enhancing the USMC’s forward-deployed capabilities in the Pacific. • Transition to F/A-18D Hornet: After retiring the A-6E Intruder in 1990, VMA(AW)-242 transitioned to the F/A-18D Hornet and was redesignated as VMFA(AW)-242, continuing its all-weather attack mission. • Global War on Terrorism: "Bats" participated in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, supporting coalition ground forces with precision strikes. • Modern Era and F-35B Transition: In 2020, the squadron began converting to the advanced F-35B Lightning II, becoming VMFA-242, one of the first forward-deployed USMC squadrons to operate the stealth fighter in the Pacific.