VMA(AW) 121

• World War II Origins: Marine Attack Squadron 121 (VMA-121) was originally commissioned as Marine Fighter Squadron 121 (VMF-121) on June 24, 1941, at Quantico, Virginia. It quickly became one of the most storied Marine fighter squadrons of World War II. • Guadalcanal Aces: During the Battle of Guadalcanal, VMF-121 pilots shot down 208 enemy planes, establishing themselves as one of the most successful Marine squadrons in aerial combat during the campaign. • Medal of Honor Recipient: Captain Joe Foss, flying with VMF-121, became one of the Marine Corps’ greatest aces, shooting down 26 enemy planes and receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions. • Nickname "Green Knights": The squadron is known as the "Green Knights," a moniker that has accompanied them through several redesignations and aircraft transitions. • All-Weather Transition: The squadron was redesignated as Marine All-Weather Attack Squadron 121 (VMA(AW)-121) in 1963, reflecting its new all-weather attack capabilities with the A-6 Intruder. • Vietnam War Service: VMA(AW)-121 deployed to Vietnam, flying combat missions from Da Nang Air Base and earning the Navy Unit Commendation for its performance during the war. • Aircraft Evolution: The squadron has operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, F/A-18 Hornet, and currently the F-35B Lightning II. • Historic F-35B Deployment: In 2017, VMFA-121 (the squadron’s current designation) became the first operational Marine Corps F-35B squadron to be permanently based overseas at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. • Multiple Redesignations: Over its long history, the squadron has been redesignated several times, reflecting changes in mission and aircraft: VMF-121, VMA-121, VMA(AW)-121, and VMFA-121. • Storied Legacy: The Green Knights have amassed a distinguished record in combat operations, humanitarian assistance, and alliance-building missions across the Pacific, earning numerous unit citations and commendations.