About this Unit
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 212 (VMFA-212), known as the "Lancers," was activated in March 1942 and saw its first combat during World War II in the Solomon Islands campaign, flying F4F Wildcats. The squadron later participated in the Korean War, providing close air support and interdiction missions. During the Vietnam War, VMFA-212 flew F-4 Phantom IIs, conducting air-to-ground and air superiority missions from land bases and aircraft carriers. The unit was deactivated in 2008 after a distinguished service history spanning over six decades.
Historical Facts
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Formation and WWII Service: Marine Fighter Squadron 212 (VMFA-212), originally formed as VMF-212 in March 1942, saw action in the Pacific during World War II, including the pivotal Battle of Guadalcanal.
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Nickname "Lancers": VMFA-212 was known as the "Lancers," a name that became synonymous with their aggressive fighting spirit across multiple conflicts.
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First Deployment: The squadron's first deployment was to Efate Island in the New Hebrides in 1942, from where they provided crucial air support in the Solomon Islands campaign.
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Ace Pilots: During WWII, VMF-212 produced several flying aces, including Major Harold W. Bauer, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Guadalcanal campaign.
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Korean War Participation: VMFA-212 flew F4U Corsairs during the Korean War, conducting ground attack and close air support missions in support of United Nations forces.
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Vietnam War Operations: The squadron transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II and participated in extensive combat operations in Vietnam, flying thousands of sorties from Da Nang Air Base.
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Aircraft Transitions: Throughout its history, VMFA-212 operated a variety of aircraft, including the F4F Wildcat, F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, F-8 Crusader, and F-4 Phantom II.
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Last Active Duty: The squadron was one of the last Marine Corps units to fly the F-4 Phantom II before transitioning to the F/A-18 Hornet in the 1980s.
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Global Deployments: VMFA-212 participated in numerous exercises and deployments throughout Asia and the Pacific, including stints in Japan, the Philippines, and Australia.
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Deactivation: After over 60 years of distinguished service, VMFA-212 was deactivated in 2008 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, marking the end of an era for the "Lancers."
