The Mojave
Virtual Museum
The "Mojave Marines": Life at MCAAS Mojave
At least 32 USMC squardons are believed to have trained at Mojave, some of which were formed here, others that were just passing through. This listing is incomplete, and we invite all additions, corrections and suggestions; contact Alan or Carol.
Marine Attack Squadrons (VMA)
VMA-332
VMA-332 was commissioned in June 1943, at the newly constructed Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. Originally designated Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 332 (VMSB-332), the squadron flew Douglas SBD DAUNTLESS dive bombers out of Cherry Point, Bogue Field, and MCAS Mojave before departing for the Pacific, first at Ewa, Hawaii and then on to Midway. VMA-332 web site with more information.
Marine Fighting Squadrons (VMF)
VMF-115
VMF(AW)-115 deployed to MCAF Mojave in the spring of 1957. They had recently received the new F4D Skyray which was the first Marine Corps aircraft to be equipped with an afterburner. While they were deployed they were required to install a great number of services changes to the aircraft which took over 6 months. This earned them the nickname of "The Desert Rats". (Info courtesy of Jim Janke)
VMF-121
Information is a bit sketchy, but it appears that VMF-121 trained in Corsairs at Mojave sometime between June, 1943 and September 1944.
VMF-124
VMF-124 was the first Corsair-equipped squadron, arrived Guadalcanal on Feb. 12, 1943, and escorted a rescue mission before lunch. They remained in the Solomons until September 1943, when they were reorganized and trained at Mojave until September 1944.
VMF-214
VMF-214, the famous Black Sheep Squadron trained at Mojave.
VMF-225
VMF-225 was founded at MCAS Mojave on 1 January 1943, Captain Jack R. Amends as it's first Commanding Officer. VMF-225 web site with more information.
VMF-323
VMF-323 spent time at Mojave on several different occasions. In July, 1953, commanded by Lt. Col William M. Watkins, the squadron received 16 F9F-2 Panthers and began training with them, before returning to El Toro in August.
They returned again in February of 1955, under Maj. Richard Hey, Jr. for more training, staying until the fall of that year.
In May, 1957 VMF-323 practiced air-to-air gunnery at MCAS Mojave with their FJ-4 Furys (Navy version of the F-86 Sabre) prior to their deployment to Japan. VMF-323 web site with more information.
VMF-451
VMF-451 was activated on 15 February 1944 at MCAS Mojave, California. The "Blue Devils" were equipped with the Chance-Vought F4U-1D Corsair and spent nearly a year training for carrier-based operations under the command of Major Henry A. Ellis Jr., who remained the Commanding Officer for 17 months. They left for duty aboard the USS Bunker Hill on 24 January, 1945. VMF-451 web site with more information.
 VMF-513 personnel six months prior to moving to Mojave (photo from this web site. |
VMF-513
Marine Attack Squadron 513 was first commissioned as VMF-513 on 15 February 1944 at Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Oak Grove, North Carolina, flying the Grumman F6F "Hellcat." The squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Auxiliary Field Walnut Range, Arkansas, in September 1944. In December of the same year, the squadron moved to Mojave, California, where it was redesignated VMF(CVS)-513. On 15 June 1945, VMF(CVS)-513 departed San Diego, California, aboard the USS VELLA GULF and participated in carrier operations in the Pacific, making stops in Ewa, Enewetak, Saipan, and Guam. VMF-513 web site with more information. Another VMF-513 web site.
Marine Bombing and Torpedo Squadrons (VMB/VMTB)
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VMTB-233
Little is known at the moment about when and how long the squadron was here, other than that we have a photo of the squadron in the Photo Library.
VMTB-622
VMTB-622 was originally commissioned as VMB-612 on 10 May 1944 at MCAS Cherry Point, and then moved to MCAF Newport on 10 September to continue operational training; by the end of December 1944, the squadron was equipped with eight PBJ-1Hs and one PBJ-1J (the Navy version of the B-25 Mitchell bomber). In February 1945, the squadron moved to MCAAS Mojave, California where it was redesignated VMTB-622 on 15 May 1945 and re-equipped with Eastern Aircraft TBM Avengers.
Marine Composite Squadrons (VMCJ)
VMCJ-3
When VMCJ-3 was formed at El Toro on 12 December 1955 its inventory of aircraft consisted of the F9F-5P reconnaissance version of the Panther and the AD-5 electronic warfare version of the Guardian. 1957 saw an update of the EW platform with the arrival of the F3D-2Q Sky Knight. The new electronic warfare platform provided a basis for the use of EW aircraft on joint missions with strike aircraft. Though based at El Toro, they trained at Mojave. VMCJ-3 squadron history web site.