VMFAT-101

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About VMFAT-101

VMFAT-101, known as the "SharpShooters," was a United States Marine Corps Fleet Replacement Squadron established on January 3, 1969, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron's primary mission was to train new naval aviators and replacement aircrew in the operation of the F-4 Phantom II, and later, the F/A-18 Hornet. Over its five decades of service, VMFAT-101 played a vital role in preparing Marine Corps and Navy pilots and weapon systems officers for operational fleet duty. The unit was deactivated on September 29, 2023, at MCAS Miramar, after training thousands of aviators and contributing significantly to Marine Corps aviation readiness.

Unit Members

michael sauer

U.S. Marine Corps

VMFAT-101View Profile

Karl Reynolds

U.S. Army

VMFAT-101View Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps

115 Phantom in Chu Lai

VMFA-115 • U.S. Marine Corps • 1970

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About VMFAT-101

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Establishment: VMFAT-101 "Sharpshooters" was established on January 3, 1969, at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, to provide advanced jet training for Marine aviators. • Mission: The squadron’s primary mission was to train replacement aircrews for the F-4 Phantom II, and later the F/A-18 Hornet, ensuring fleet readiness. • Name Meaning: The “VMFAT” designation stands for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron, with “101” as its unique number. • Transition to F/A-18: In 1987, VMFAT-101 transitioned from training on the F-4 Phantom II to the more modern F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting advances in Marine Corps aviation. • Long Service: Over five decades, VMFAT-101 trained thousands of Navy and Marine Corps pilots and Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs), becoming one of the longest-serving training squadrons. • Callsign: The squadron’s callsign, “Sharpshooter,” was chosen to reflect the precision and skill expected of the aviators they trained. • Relocation: In 1999, VMFAT-101 moved from MCAS El Toro to MCAS Miramar as part of the Marine Corps’ realignment of aviation assets. • First Female Hornet Pilot: VMFAT-101 was the training squadron for Captain Sarah Deal, the first female Marine Corps aviator to fly the F/A-18 Hornet. • Deactivation: Due to a shift in training requirements and fleet downsizing, VMFAT-101 was deactivated on September 29, 2023, after 54 years of service. • Legacy: The squadron’s impact is long-lasting, with many of the Marine Corps’ and Navy’s top F/A-18 pilots having earned their wings through VMFAT-101’s rigorous training program.