![]() ![]() In November 1989, VMFA-235 transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The 1980s & 1990s A VC-1 A-4E refueling a F-4J of VMFA-235 in 1977 Ordnance on a VMFA-235 Hornet during Operation Desert Storm, 1991. On Septemthey were redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-235 and equipped with the F-4 Phantom. Upon leaving Vietnam, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. They were the last active duty Crusader squadron. They returned to Vietnam on Februthis time for over a year until May 11, 1968. Between February 2 and Novemthe “Death Angels” flew over 6,000 combat sorties in support of over 22 major operations. Redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter (All Weather) Squadron VMF(AW)-235 deployed to Vietnam on Februflying the F-8E Crusader. In 1957 the squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.Ī VMF(AW)-235 F-8E at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, in 1966 The Vietnam War In September 1952 they transitioned to the F9F Panther and in March 1954 they again transitioned to the FJ Fury. The squadron was recalled to active duty in September 1950 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 15 at MCAS El Toro flying the F4U Corsair. He participated in eleven missions as a rear gunner, leading to his later nickname of "Tail-Gunner Joe". The squadron's most notable member in this period was future senator Joseph McCarthy, who served as its intelligence officer until July 1944. The squadron was decommissioned on November 10, 1944.ĭuring 8,000 hours of flying operations, the squadron had only one casualty an aircraft ground-looped while landing, breaking the pilot's arm. ![]() During World War II they flew the SBD Dauntless and participated in Operation Cartwheel, the Battle of Bougainville and operations in and around Rabaul. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron was commissioned on Januat Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California as Fixed Wing Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 235 (VMSB-235). History World War II Joseph McCarthy in his U.S. ![]() Known as the "Death Angels", the squadron participated in action during World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and was decommissioned on June 14, 1996. Later F-4J 153833 was upgraded to an F-4S, converted to a drone and shot down in 2004.Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 (VMFA-235) was a United States Marine Corps squadron that most recently flew F/A-18 Hornets. In late 1977 the “Red Devils” were posted to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. In 1973 the squadron was the last Marine squadron to leave Vietnam returning to Iwakuni. On Mathe “Red Devils” became VMF(AW)-232 and were sent to Iwakuni, Japan arriving on September 2, 1966. At home they received the new F-4 Phantom II and began painting their “Red Devil” insignia on the aircraft. In late 1967 VMF-232 “Red Devils” completed a tour of Vietnam. In mid 1970 the F-4 Phantom II was being replaced by the new and improved F-14 Tomcat. The F-4J had the distinction of scoring the only USMC air-to-air combat victory in Vietnam and it also was the last US operational aircraft in South East Asia. Also missing was an internal gun but Sparrow and Sidewinder missiles were used for intercepting. ![]() The “J” version was basically an upgraded “B” version with new radar and avionics as well as a better the “J” version is what isn’t there the infrared seeker under the nose was deleted. The F-4J was the last version produced for the USN and USMC. ![]()
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