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.