Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501), also known by their storied nickname “Warlords,” represents a crucial element within the United States Marine Corps . This squadron is not just a unit; it’s a crucible where the future of Marine Corps naval aviation is forged. As the designated Fleet Replacement Squadron for the state-of-the-art F-35B Lightning II , VMFAT-501 is tasked with the formidable responsibility of transforming raw pilots and maintainers into proficient operators of this fifth-generation fighter jet. Stationed at the sprawling Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina , the squadron operates under the administrative oversight of Marine Aircraft Group 31 , itself a component of the esteemed 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing .

The “Warlords” carry a lineage that stretches back through significant periods of American military history, inheriting the mantle and traditions of VMFA-451. This predecessor squadron, originally known as the “Blue Devils,” carved out a reputation for fierce dedication and combat effectiveness, notably during the pivotal campaigns of World War II and the more recent Operation Desert Storm . Though VMFA-451 was decommissioned on 31 January 1997, its spirit and history are now embodied by VMFAT-501, ensuring that the lessons learned and sacrifices made continue to inform the training of today’s aviators. The squadron currently boasts a formidable inventory of 27 F-35B Lightning II aircraft, the backbone of its training mission.

History

The narrative of VMFAT-501 is interwoven with the evolution of Marine Corps aviation, tracing its origins back to the Second World War and encompassing periods of significant technological advancement and operational deployment.

World War II

The genesis of what would become VMFAT-501 can be found in the activation of Marine Fighting Squadron 451 (VMF-451) on 15 February 1944. Its initial base of operations was Marine Corps Air Station Mojave in California . At Mojave, VMF-451 was part of a larger contingent of squadrons collectively referred to as the “Mojave Marines,” all undergoing rigorous training. Equipped with the formidable Chance-Vought F4U-1D Corsair , a piston-engine fighter renowned for its ruggedness and performance, the squadron dedicated nearly a year to mastering carrier-based operations. Under the steady command of Major Henry A. Ellis Jr., who held the post for an impressive 17 months, the “Blue Devils” honed their skills, preparing for the Pacific theater.

On 24 January 1945, VMF-451 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill (CV-17), joining VF-84 and VMF-221 . This marked a significant deployment, being the first fast-carrier task force to operate with three Corsair squadrons. As an integral part of Carrier Air Group 84 (CVG-84), dubbed the “Wolf Gang,” the USS Bunker Hill steamed westward across the vast expanse of the Pacific. Their baptism by fire occurred on 16 February, with combat sorties targeting installations near Tokyo . The initial engagement proved costly and triumphant: the “Blue Devils” claimed their first aerial victory, but also suffered their first casualty. Lieutenant Forrest P. Brown was shot down by anti-aircraft fire, his last known moments being spent adrift in the water.

The squadron’s offensive capabilities were further demonstrated on 18 March, when they unleashed their fury upon Kyushu, successfully neutralizing the Myazaki and Omura airfields and adding another confirmed kill to their tally. April proved to be a particularly devastating month for Japanese aviation. On the 3rd, the “Blue Devils” achieved a remarkable feat, downing 11 enemy aircraft. Just a few days later, on 12 April, they intercepted and destroyed 16 incoming kamikaze aircraft, a testament to their skill and the effectiveness of their Corsairs. A standout performance came from Major Archie Donahue , the squadron’s Executive Officer. He single-handedly eliminated five enemy aircraft – three Vals and two Zekes – in a single engagement. This remarkable achievement made him the first carrier-based Marine “ace-in-a-day” and added to the nine victories he had already secured with VMF-112 in 1943.

The 11th of May was a day of profound significance, and not entirely for positive reasons, for VMF-451 and the other “Wolf Gang” squadrons aboard the Bunker Hill. The day began auspiciously with First Lieutenant J.S. Norris Jr. downing a Zeke near Amami, bringing VMF-451’s confirmed kill count to 34. However, at 10:05 AM, disaster struck. Two kamikaze aircraft, each laden with bombs released just before impact, slammed into the USS Bunker Hill. The carrier immediately erupted in flames, and the rising smoke unfortunately attracted more suicide planes. Despite the inferno and the renewed attacks, the intense anti-aircraft fire from the damaged carrier prevented any further direct hits. The flames were eventually brought under control, and the wounded USS Bunker Hill limped its way back to Ulithi for initial repairs, then proceeded to Pearl Harbor , and finally arrived at Puget Sound , Washington , on 3 June 1945, for comprehensive battle-damage repairs. Following these repairs, VMF-451 rejoined the ground echelon of the squadron at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro , where they remained until the conclusion of the war. Their exceptional service during the Japan , Bonin, and Ryukyu campaigns earned them a prestigious Presidential Unit Citation . The squadron was officially deactivated on 10 September 1945.

1950s

The “Fightin’ Phillies,” as they were affectionately known, were reactivated on 1 July 1946. This rebirth placed them at Naval Air Station Willow Grove in Pennsylvania , operating as a reserve unit equipped with the Grumman F6F-5 Hellcat . Their reserve status, however, was dramatically altered by the outbreak of hostilities in Korea . On 1 March 1951, the unit was recalled to active duty and received a significant upgrade in equipment, transitioning to the Grumman F9F-2 Panther , one of the early jet fighters in the Marine Corps inventory. VMF-451 relocated to MCAS El Toro and conducted periodic deployments to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii , maintaining readiness in the Pacific.

A pivotal moment in the squadron’s identity occurred in October 1954 when VMF-451 transitioned to the North American FJ-2 Fury , a naval variant of the F-86 Sabre. With this new jet aircraft came a new moniker: the “Warlords.” This change was accompanied by a redesign of their unit insignia, which now featured a striking image of a jet punching through a Carling beer label, a rather unconventional symbol that underscored their bold approach. Their motto also evolved, becoming “Vini, Vici,” a clever, if slightly grammatically questionable, play on words that they interpreted as “we conquered some wine,” diverging from the classic “Veni, Vici” meaning “I came, I conquered.” On 20 October, the “Warlords” embarked their Furys aboard the USS Corregidor (CVE-58), alongside the “Death Angels” of VMF-235 , for deployment to NAF Atsugi , Japan.

In 1956, VMF-451 achieved another milestone, becoming the first Marine squadron to be equipped with the significantly upgraded FJ-4 Fury. The following year saw a change in their operational identification, with the tail code transitioning from AM to VM. In June 1957, the “Death Rattlers” of VMF-323 relieved them at Atsugi, taking possession of their aircraft. The “Warlords” then returned to MCAS El Toro, acquiring VMF-323’s aircraft and remaining stateside until 15 September 1958. On that date, they once again relieved VMF-323, this time at Ping Tung in Southern Taiwan , reclaiming their Furys. The “Warlords” were stationed in Taiwan during the tense Second Taiwan Strait Crisis and returned with their FJ-4s to MCAS El Toro in November 1959, following a period of brief carrier qualifications aboard the USS Lexington (CVA-16).

1960s & 1970s

During their tenure at MCAS El Toro, VMF-451 underwent a series of aircraft upgrades. They transitioned from the FJ-4 Fury to the supersonic Vought F8U-2 Crusader , a potent day fighter, which they flew for 18 months. This was followed by another upgrade to the F8U-2N, an all-weather variant, leading to a redesignation as Marine Fighter Squadron (All Weather) 451 (VMF(AW)-451). On 4 January 1962, the squadron deployed to Naval Air Facility Atsugi , Japan. In a demonstration of evolving logistical capabilities, the “Warlords” became the first squadron to utilize the new KC-130 Hercules for aerial refueling during their transit. Instead of the conventional lengthy sea voyage, they flew their Crusaders to Japan, arriving in just seven days. The squadron remained in the Far East until 1 February 1963, when they received orders to relocate to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina .

A significant deployment occurred on 24 August 1965, when VMF(AW)-451, bearing the AJ tailcode, embarked aboard the USS Forrestal (CVA-59) for a Mediterranean cruise . They returned to MCAS Beaufort on 7 April 1966. The squadron’s technological evolution continued on 1 February 1968, when the “Warlords” traded in their Crusaders for the twin-engine, supersonic McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II . This transition also brought a new designation: Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 451 (VMFA-451). In July 1976, the squadron was scheduled to return to their former operational environment aboard the USS Forrestal (CV-59). Their Phantoms were adorned with distinctive bicentennial markings, and they carried the Carrier Air Wing 17 ’s AA tailcode. However, the Mediterranean deployment was ultimately cancelled, and the unit remained at MCAS Beaufort.

1980s & 1990s

The year 1984 marked a notable achievement for VMFA-451 when they established a safety record of 29,000 accident-free hours operating the venerable F-4 Phantom II . After 21 years of service with the iconic “Rhino,” and under the leadership of Alfred Cunningham award winner Lieutenant Colonel T.D. Seder, the “Warlords” transitioned to a new era of air power. In September 1987, they exchanged their McDonnell Douglas F-4S Phantom IIs for the advanced F/A-18 Hornet .

Their operational tempo increased in May 1989 when the squadron embarked on the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) for a Mediterranean cruise. This deployment was significant as it marked the end of an eight-year absence of Beaufort-based Marine units from carrier assignments. During this cruise, VMFA-451 received the prestigious 1988 Hanson Award, recognizing them as the outstanding Marine fighter-attack squadron. Their commitment to safety continued, surpassing 40,000 accident-free hours. The squadron returned to Beaufort in September 1989.

The squadron’s combat readiness was put to the ultimate test on 23 August 1990, when VMFA-451 deployed to Bahrain in direct support of Operation Desert Shield , the initial phase of the Gulf War . At 0300 on 17 January 1991, the “Warlords” made history, becoming the first Marine unit to engage Iraqi forces during the commencement of Operation Desert Storm . The Commanding Officer , Lieutenant Colonel A.S. “Scotty” Dudley, led a four-plane strike package that was part of a much larger 50-aircraft strike force coordinated by Marine Aircraft Group 11 . The “Warlords” concluded the operation having flown 770 combat sorties, accumulating 1,400 combat hours, and, commendably, returned to MCAS Beaufort with all aircraft and personnel intact.

VMFA-451 spent the final six years leading up to their deactivation on the East Coast . This period included routine deployments and participation in exercises, such as those conducted in Norway . Their last significant deployment was to the Western Pacific , concluding in late July 1996. Following this, the squadron began the process of winding down its distinguished 57-year history. The “Warlords” of VMFA-451 were officially deactivated on 31 January 1997.

Reactivation as a Training Squadron

The legacy of the “Warlords” was not destined for permanent retirement. On 1 April 2010, the squadron was reactivated and redesignated as Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501). The reactivation ceremony took place at the National Museum of Naval Aviation at Naval Air Station Pensacola in Florida . This marked a new chapter, with the squadron assuming the critical role of the F-35B Lightning II Fleet Replacement Squadron .[2][3][4]

Initially, VMFAT-501 was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida . During this period, it operated under the administrative purview of Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31), but its operational command fell under the U.S. Air Force’s 33d Fighter Wing . This wing was responsible for all F-35A training for the Air Force and, at that time, also oversaw F-35B and F-35C training for the Department of the Navy .[5][6]

In July 2014, VMFAT-501 relocated to its permanent home base at MCAS Beaufort. This move realigned the squadron, placing it under MAG-31 for both administrative and operational control, consolidating its place within the Marine Corps’ aviation structure.

September 2018 Crash

On 28 September 2018, a significant incident occurred when an F-35B operated by VMFAT-501 crashed near MCAS Beaufort. Fortunately, the pilot managed to eject safely.[7] This event led to the temporary grounding of the entire F-35 fleet worldwide as a precautionary measure to allow for thorough inspections of all F135-PW-600 engines. Subsequent investigations pinpointed the cause of the crash to a manufacturing defect within an engine fuel tube, which had ruptured and led to a loss of power.[8] This incident was notably the first crash of an F-35 aircraft.

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons
• List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

Notes

• This article incorporates material of public domain origin from United States Marine Corps websites or documents.

• ^ “The Mojave Virtual Museum - The “Mojave Marines”: Life at MCAAS Mojave”. Mojave Transportation Museum. Archived from the original on 3 November 2007. Retrieved 25 June 2008.

• ^ Arrington, PFC Samantha H. (15 April 2010). “History in the making: First F-35B Lightning II squadron stands up”. United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 29 June 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2020.

• ^ “Official Website for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501”. United States Marine Corps. Retrieved 6 January 2010.

• ^ Thomas, Capt Craig (16 November 2009). “Joint Strike Fighter lands closer to Corps’ air arsenal”. Headquarters Marine Corps . United States Marine Corps. Archived from the original on 19 January 2011. Retrieved 1 April 2020.

• ^ “Factsheets: 33rd Fighter Wing”. United States Air Force. Archived from the original on 27 December 2010. Retrieved 6 January 2010.

• ^ “Marine Unit Reborn”. Pensacola News Journal. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 4 April 2010.

• ^ Phillips, Patrick (29 September 2018). “Pilot ejected before military plane crash in Beaufort Co., deputies say”. live5news.com. Retrieved 24 January 2022.

• ^ “F-35 Joint Strike Fighter - Action Needed to Improve Reliability and Prepare for Modernization Efforts” (PDF). Retrieved 22 December 2023.