VMFP-3

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About VMFP-3

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3) was a United States Marine Corps photo-reconnaissance squadron established on July 1, 1975. Based at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, VMFP-3 operated the RF-4B Phantom II aircraft, providing tactical aerial photographic reconnaissance to support Marine Air-Ground Task Force operations. The squadron played a key role in training and readiness exercises throughout the late Cold War era, frequently deploying to the Western Pacific and participating in joint-service operations. VMFP-3 was deactivated on July 1, 1990, as advancements in reconnaissance technology and shifting defense priorities rendered its mission and aircraft obsolete.

Unit Members

Don Gibson

U.S. Marine Corps

VMFP-3View Profile

Bruce J Penn

U.S. Marine Corps

VMFP-3View Profile

Photos

Signatures of Buddies (3 of 4)

U.S. Marine Corps • 1955

Signatures of Buddies (4 of 4)

U.S. Marine Corps • 1955

Buddies of Lawrence Welch

U.S. Marine Corps • 1955

Daddys Little Girl

U.S. Marine Corps • 1955

About VMFP-3

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origin: Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3) was established on July 1, 1975, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California. • Unique Mission: VMFP-3 was the only Marine Corps squadron tasked with providing tactical aerial photographic reconnaissance for the entire Fleet Marine Force. • RF-4B Phantom II: The squadron flew the RF-4B, a reconnaissance version of the famous F-4 Phantom II, equipped with advanced cameras and sensors instead of guns. • Support to Navy: VMFP-3 provided detachments aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, supporting both Marine and Navy operations, a rare integration for Marine aviation units. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Eyes of the Corps" due to its critical reconnaissance role and emblem featuring a stylized eye. • Pacific Focus: VMFP-3 primarily operated in the Pacific theater, regularly deploying to Japan, Korea, and the Western Pacific for exercises and real-world missions. • Cold War Role: The unit was pivotal during the Cold War, gathering intelligence on Soviet and Chinese military activities in the Pacific region. • Deactivation: VMFP-3 was deactivated on August 1, 1990, as the RF-4B was retired and reconnaissance transitioned to newer platforms like the F/A-18 with reconnaissance pods. • Legacy: Many of VMFP-3’s aircraft were preserved in museums after deactivation, and the squadron’s legacy continues in Marine Corps aerial reconnaissance history. • Notable Achievements: VMFP-3 aircrews won numerous awards for excellence in reconnaissance, safety, and maintenance, and several members went on to prestigious careers in both military and civilian aviation.