VMFA115

• Origins in World War II: VMFA-115, originally designated as VMF-115, was commissioned on July 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California, and flew the F4U Corsair. • Pacific Combat Service: The squadron saw extensive action in the Pacific Theater during World War II, including campaigns in the Marshall Islands, Peleliu, and Okinawa. • Nickname "Silver Eagles": VMFA-115 is known as the "Silver Eagles," a moniker adopted in the 1950s which reflects their proud history and service. • Korean War Involvement: The squadron was one of the first Marine units to be deployed to Korea, conducting close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions. • Transition to Jets: VMFA-115 was among the first Marine squadrons to transition from propeller-driven aircraft to jet aircraft, flying the F9F Panther and later the FJ Fury. • Vietnam War Deployments: The squadron flew F-4 Phantom IIs and conducted extensive combat sorties from Da Nang Air Base, providing air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance during the Vietnam War. • First Marine F/A-18 Squadron in Japan: In 1985, VMFA-115 became the first Marine Hornet squadron forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, enhancing the US presence in the Pacific. • Global War on Terror: VMFA-115 has participated in numerous operations in support of the Global War on Terror, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. • Multiple Aircraft Platforms: Over its history, VMFA-115 has flown a variety of aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, F-4 Phantom II, and currently the F/A-18 Hornet. • Unit Awards and Decorations: The squadron has earned numerous commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Navy Unit Commendations, for their exemplary performance in combat and peacetime operations.