About this Unit
Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMCJ-3) was a United States Marine Corps aviation unit established in 1958. The squadron was tasked with electronic warfare and photo-reconnaissance missions, supporting Marine forces with crucial intelligence and electronic countermeasures. Operating aircraft such as the EF-10B Skyknight and later the EA-6A Intruder, VMCJ-3 played a significant role during the Cold War, particularly in the Pacific theater. The unit was deactivated in 1975 as Marine Corps reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities were reorganized and merged into new squadrons.
Historical Facts
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Origins: VMCJ-3 (Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 3) was established on September 2, 1958, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California.
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Mission: The squadron’s primary mission was to provide both electronic warfare (EW) and photographic reconnaissance support to the Fleet Marine Force, combining the roles of previous VMC (Photo Recon) and VMAQ (Electronic Warfare) squadrons.
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Aircraft Operated: VMCJ-3 operated various specialized aircraft, including the EF-10B Skyknight, the RF-8A Crusader, and later the EA-6A Intruder, each equipped for reconnaissance and EW missions.
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Vietnam War Service: Detachments from VMCJ-3 deployed to Da Nang Air Base and supported U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, conducting electronic countermeasure and reconnaissance missions under hostile conditions.
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“Whale” Nickname: The EA-3B Skywarrior, another aircraft occasionally used by VMCJ-3, was affectionately nicknamed the "Whale" due to its large size and unique appearance.
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Electronic Countermeasures: VMCJ-3 played a key role in jamming North Vietnamese radar and communications, protecting strike aircraft and ground forces from enemy air defenses.
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Notable Incident: In September 1967, an RF-8A Crusader from VMCJ-3 was shot down over North Vietnam, highlighting the dangers faced by reconnaissance crews.
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Integration: VMCJ-3 was part of a larger Marine Corps effort to integrate reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities, a forerunner to modern multi-role electronic warfare squadrons.
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Deactivation: The squadron was deactivated on September 30, 1975, with its mission and assets transferred to the newly formed VMAQ squadrons, marking the end of the “composite” squadron era.
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Legacy: The pioneering work of VMCJ-3 set the stage for subsequent Marine Corps electronic warfare and reconnaissance units, influencing tactics and technology used in later conflicts.
