About this Unit
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 513 (VMFA-513), known as the "Flying Nightmares," was originally commissioned in 1944 as VMF-513. The squadron saw combat in World War II, the Korean War—where it became the first Marine squadron to fly jet aircraft in combat—and the Vietnam War, providing close air support and night-fighting capabilities. In the 1980s, VMFA-513 transitioned to flying the AV-8B Harrier II, becoming one of the Marine Corps’ premier vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) attack squadrons. The squadron participated in Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom before being deactivated in 2013.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: VMFA-513, originally activated as VMF-513, was established on February 15, 1944, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, flying the F4U Corsair during World War II.
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Nickname "Flying Nightmares": The squadron earned its famous nickname "The Flying Nightmares" due to its proficiency in night fighting and night operations.
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Korean War Pioneers: VMFA-513 made history in the Korean War by flying the first Marine jet combat mission in 1950, operating the F9F Panther.
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Night Fighter Legacy: The unit specialized in night fighting tactics, being one of the first Marine squadrons to focus on nocturnal operations, which made them highly effective in both Korea and later conflicts.
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Vietnam War Service: The squadron deployed to Vietnam in 1965, flying the F-4B Phantom II and later the A-6A Intruder, providing close air support and interdiction missions for ground forces.
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AV-8B Harrier II Transition: In 1987, VMFA-513 became one of the first Marine units to transition to the AV-8B Harrier II, a vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) aircraft, enhancing its expeditionary capabilities.
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First Combat Use of Harrier II: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VMFA-513 was the first Marine squadron to employ the AV-8B Harrier II in combat operations.
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Global Deployments: The squadron participated in numerous operations, including Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and other deployments throughout the Western Pacific and Middle East.
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Deactivation: After nearly 70 years of distinguished service, VMFA-513 was deactivated on July 12, 2013, as part of the Marine Corps' force structure realignment.
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Legacy of Innovation: Throughout its history, VMFA-513 was known for pioneering new tactics, aircraft, and operational concepts, leaving a lasting legacy in Marine Corps aviation.
