About this Unit
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 2 (VMCJ-2) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit formed in the 1950s. Based primarily at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, the squadron was tasked with providing aerial photographic and electronic reconnaissance. VMCJ-2 operated various aircraft, including the RF-8 Crusader and EA-6A Intruder, supporting Marine Corps and joint operations during the Cold War and Vietnam War eras. The squadron was deactivated in 1975, with its missions and assets absorbed by other Marine Corps aviation units.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Designation: VMCJ-2 was originally activated as VMC-2 (Marine Composite Squadron 2) on September 1, 1952, at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, later redesignated as VMCJ-2 in 1955 after merging with VMJ-2.
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Electronic Warfare and Reconnaissance: VMCJ-2’s primary mission was to conduct electronic warfare (EW) and photo-reconnaissance, making it a vital intelligence-gathering unit for the U.S. Marine Corps during the Cold War and Vietnam eras.
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Unique Aircraft Fleet: The squadron operated a variety of specialized aircraft, including the EF-10B Skyknight, RF-8 Crusader, and EA-6A Intruder, each tailored for reconnaissance and electronic countermeasure missions.
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Cuban Missile Crisis: During the Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962, VMCJ-2 played a crucial role in aerial surveillance missions, providing photographic evidence and intelligence to national decision-makers.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Elements of VMCJ-2 deployed to Southeast Asia, supporting U.S. operations in Vietnam with electronic warfare and reconnaissance missions vital for targeting and threat detection.
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Nickname and Emblem: The unit was known as the “Playboys” and adopted the famous Playboy bunny logo as its unofficial insignia, a symbol still remembered fondly by veterans.
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First to Operate EA-6A: VMCJ-2 was the first Marine squadron to operate the Grumman EA-6A Intruder, a pivotal aircraft in electronic warfare, laying the foundation for later EA-6B Prowler operations.
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Cold War Operations: Throughout the Cold War, VMCJ-2 conducted numerous classified missions along the U.S. East Coast and abroad, tracking Soviet vessels and electronic emissions.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The squadron was deactivated on July 1, 1975, as part of Marine Corps restructuring, but its legacy carried on through successor units like VMAQ-2.
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Veteran Camaraderie: Former members of VMCJ-2 remain active through reunions and online communities, preserving the unit’s storied history and sharing tales of daring missions and technological innovation.
