VMFAT-501

• Heritage: VMFAT-501 traces its lineage back to VMF-451 ("The Blue Devils"), first commissioned in February 1944 during World War II. • World War II Service: The original VMF-451 flew the F4U Corsair and participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater, notably supporting the Okinawa campaign. • Multiple Aircraft Transitions: Over its history, the squadron has flown the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, FJ Fury, F8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom II, and F/A-18 Hornet before becoming the F-35B training unit. • Deactivation and Reactivation: The original VMFA-451 was deactivated in 1997, but its heritage was revived in 2010 when VMFAT-501 was established. • First F-35B Training Squadron: VMFAT-501 became the first operational training squadron for the F-35B Lightning II, the Marine Corps’ Short Takeoff/Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter. • Nickname: The squadron is known as the “Warlords,” a moniker inherited from a former F-14 Tomcat squadron (VF-17/VF-31) and now carried forward with the F-35B. • Emblem and Motto: The Warlords’ emblem features a stylized knight’s helmet and sword, symbolizing strength and readiness. • First F-35B Flight: On April 22, 2012, VMFAT-501 conducted the first F-35B flight at Eglin Air Force Base, marking a milestone in Marine Corps aviation. • Training Mission: The squadron trains both new pilots and maintainers on the F-35B, preparing them for operational deployments with front-line units. • Relocation: Originally based at Eglin AFB, Florida, VMFAT-501 relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, in July 2014 to consolidate F-35B training under Marine Corps control.