VMFA (AW)- 242

• Origins in World War II: VMFA(AW)-242 traces its lineage back to Marine Torpedo Bombing Squadron 242 (VMTB-242), which was activated on July 1, 1943, at El Centro, California, and flew TBM/Avenger aircraft during World War II. • Nickname – “Bats”: The squadron is famously known as the “Bats,” a nickname adopted due to their night flying capabilities and their squadron insignia featuring a bat in flight. • Vietnam War Service: VMFA(AW)-242 deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in 1966, flying A-6A Intruders and conducting all-weather attack missions against North Vietnamese targets. • First Marine Squadron with A-6E Intruders: The squadron was among the first in the Marine Corps to operate the advanced A-6E Intruder, an all-weather attack aircraft, enhancing the Corps’ night and adverse-weather strike capabilities. • Gulf War Participation: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, VMFA(AW)-242 flew combat missions from Shaikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, striking key Iraqi targets with precision-guided munitions. • Transition to F/A-18D Hornet: In 1990, the squadron transitioned from the A-6E Intruder to the F/A-18D Hornet, becoming a Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. • Global Deployments: VMFA(AW)-242 has deployed worldwide, including to Japan as part of the Unit Deployment Program, and supported operations in the Western Pacific, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. • Humanitarian Missions: The squadron has participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief operations, including operations in response to natural disasters in the Pacific region. • Transition to F-35B Lightning II: In 2020, VMFA(AW)-242 became the first forward-deployed Marine squadron in Japan to transition to the F-35B Lightning II, the Marine Corps’ newest stealth fighter. • Current Station: VMFA(AW)-242, now VMFA-242 after transitioning to the F-35B, is currently based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, playing a key role in U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy.