About this Unit
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 115 (VMFA-115), known as the “Silver Eagles,” was activated in July 1943 as VMF-115 and saw combat in the Pacific during World War II, notably participating in operations on Okinawa. The squadron later served in the Korean War, flying F9F Panthers in support of United Nations forces. Transitioning to the F-4 Phantom II, VMFA-115 saw extensive action during the Vietnam War, conducting close air support and interdiction missions. Today, based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, VMFA-115 operates the F/A-18 Hornet and continues to provide combat-ready fighter-attack capabilities for the United States Marine Corps.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: VMFA-115, originally designated as VMF-115, was commissioned on July 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California, and saw combat in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Nickname "Silver Eagles": The squadron is famously known as the "Silver Eagles," a moniker adopted in the early 1970s that reflects their distinguished legacy and spirit.
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First Combat in Peleliu: VMF-115 participated in the Battle of Peleliu, providing crucial close air support and air superiority for ground forces during the fierce fighting in 1944.
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Korean War Service: The squadron served with distinction in the Korean War, flying the F9F Panther jet and supporting United Nations forces with ground attack and interdiction missions.
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Transition to Supersonic Fighters: VMFA-115 was one of the first Marine squadrons to transition to the supersonic F-4 Phantom II in the mid-1960s, enhancing its capabilities dramatically.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron completed several combat tours in Vietnam, providing close air support, interdiction, and air superiority missions from bases such as Chu Lai and Da Nang.
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First Marine Squadron to Deploy F/A-18 Hornet: In 1985, VMFA-115 became the first operational Marine squadron to transition to the F/A-18A Hornet, marking a significant leap in multi-role fighter capability.
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Global Deployments: The "Silver Eagles" have participated in numerous international exercises and deployments, including operations in the Western Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: VMFA-115 played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom, conducting strike and support missions from land bases and aircraft carriers in support of coalition ground forces.
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Current Home Base: Today, VMFA-115 is based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, and continues to operate the F/A-18 Hornet, representing one of the Marine Corps' premier fighter attack squadrons.
