VMFA (AW)- 242

Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA(AW)-242), known as the "Bats," was originally commissioned in 1943 during World War II as Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242). The unit has since undergone several redesignations and aircraft transitions, notably flying the A-6 Intruder in the all-weather attack role and later transitioning to the F/A-18D Hornet. VMFA(AW)-242 has participated in numerous operations, including combat missions in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and deployments supporting Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, and operates the advanced F-35B Lightning II, continuing its legacy as a premier strike fighter squadron in the Indo-Pacific region.