VMFP-3
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| Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 | |
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 VMFP-3 insignia |
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| Active | July 1, 1975 - September 30, 1990 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Role | Reconnaissance |
| Part of | Inactive |
| Nickname | Eyes of the Corps |
Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3) was activated on July 1, 1975 as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron was deactivated on September 30, 1990.
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[edit] Mission
Conduct aerial, multisensor imagery reconnaissance to include aerial photographic, infrared, and side looking airborne radar reconnaissance in support of Fleet Marine Force operations.
[edit] History
Photo and electronic reconnaissance had previously been conducted by three Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons (VMCJ-1, 2, 3) located at MCAS Iwakuni, MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS El Toro, respectively. These squadrons, (each flying RF-4Bs and EA-6As) were consolidated into two reconnaissance squadrons- VMAQ-2 at MCAS Cherry Point operating all the EA-6s, and VMFP-3 operating all the RF-4Bs. Each squadron would deploy detachments to Iwakuni to fly missions previously flown by VMCJ-1.
Overseas detachments, in addition to supporting FMF operations, continued the 7th fleet support started by VMCJ-1 in 1974. RF-4Bs were permanently deployed aboard the USS Midway until 1984.
The mission of the VMFP-3 was replaced by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System carried by the F/A-18D Hornet aircraft.
