VMFA-334
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 | |
|---|---|
 VMFA-334 Insignia |
|
| Active | August 1, 1943 - October 10, 1944 May 31, 1952 - December 30, 1971 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Attack |
| Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Deactivated |
| Nickname | Falcons Death Dealers (WWII) |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 (VMFA-334) was a United States Marine Corps fighter squadron. Known as the “Falcons”, they were part of Marine Aircraft Group 15 and Marine Aircraft Group 33. They participated in action during World War II and the Vietnam War and were decommissioned in 1975.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Early years
VMFA-334 was activated on August 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 334 (VMSB-334). The squadron traveled around the United States for a year training until they were deactivated on October 10, 1944, a day that many other scout bomber squadrons were deactivated.
[edit] Post World War II years
Marine Attack Squadron 334 (VMA-334) was reactivated on May 31, 1952 at Marine Corps Air Station Miami as part of the general increase in the United States’ military brought on by the Korean War. At this time they were equipped with the F9F Panther. Less than two years later, on January 23, 1954, the squadron transitioned to the FJ Fury and was redesignated Marine Fighter Squadron 334 {VMF-334}.
VMF-334’s first overseas deployment came in Early 1957 when they were sent to Naval Air Station Atsugi for more than a year. They returned to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in January 1958 and began transitioning to the F-8 Crusader.
[edit] Vietnam War
The Falcons were redesignated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 334 (VMFA-334) on August 1, 1967 and again transitioned airframes to the F4 Phantom. The Vietnam War brought the squadrons first combat operations in September 1967 as they flew out of Danang. VMFA-334 remained in Vietnam until the end of 1968 when they withdrawn as part of the overall American drawdown.
In March of 1971 they returned to MCAS El Toro and were deactivated on December 30, 1971
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Crowder, Michael J. (2000). United States Marine Corps Aviation Squadron Lineage, Insignia & History - Volume One - The Fighter Squadrons. Turner Publishing Company. ISBN 1-56311-926-9.
- Crusader in Navy/Marine Corps service
- Marine Gunfighters
- Gator!
- Marine Flying Units
