VMFA-314

• Oldest Active Marine Fighter Squadron: VMFA-314, known as the "Black Knights," is one of the oldest active Marine fighter squadrons, commissioned on 1 October 1943. • World War II Origins: The squadron was originally activated as VMF-314 and flew the F4U Corsair during World War II, participating in campaigns in the Pacific. • Korean War Service: The squadron was reactivated after WWII and deployed to Korea in 1953, flying F4U Corsairs in combat operations near the end of the war. • Vietnam War Deployments: VMFA-314 was the first Marine squadron to deploy to Vietnam with the F-4B Phantom II in 1965, flying over 25,000 combat sorties. • First Marine Squadron to Deploy F/A-18 Hornet: In 1982, VMFA-314 became the first Marine squadron to transition to the F/A-18A Hornet, leading the way for the USMC's adoption of the aircraft. • Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm: The Black Knights participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991), flying over 1,500 sorties and expending more than 800,000 pounds of ordnance. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: VMFA-314 played a significant role in the initial stages of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, flying close air support and strike missions. • First USMC Operational F-35C Squadron: In January 2020, VMFA-314 became the first Marine squadron to achieve Initial Operational Capability (IOC) with the F-35C Lightning II, the carrier-variant of the stealth fighter. • Historic Carrier Deployment: In 2022, VMFA-314 made history as the first USMC F-35C squadron to deploy operationally aboard an aircraft carrier (USS Abraham Lincoln), integrating with Navy air wings. • Squadron Insignia and Motto: The Black Knights’ emblem features a knight’s helmet and chess piece, symbolizing strength and strategy. Their motto is "Courage, Honor, Strength."