Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122
An active United States Marine Corps F-35B fighter attack squadron known as the Werewolves.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122, designated VMFA-122, is an active United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. It operates the short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing F-35B Lightning II and belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 13 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron's mission is to conduct anti-air warfare, offensive air support, and other assigned air operations for Fleet Marine Forces from expeditionary bases, advanced airfields, and aircraft carriers. Its traditional radio call sign is Nikel, while its current nickname is the Werewolves. The unit was commissioned as Marine Fighting Squadron 122 on March 1, 1942, at Camp Kearny in San Diego. It entered combat during the Guadalcanal campaign as part of the Cactus Air Force, initially flying the F4F Wildcat from Henderson Field and Espiritu Santo. In 1943, under Major Gregory 'Pappy' Boyington, the squadron transitioned to the F4U Corsair and recorded 35.5 aerial victories during its first combat tour. After returning to the United States, it retrained and reorganized before deploying again in the Pacific. During the Battle of Peleliu in 1944 and 1945, its aircraft delivered close air support, rockets, and napalm against Japanese positions, sometimes operating from an airstrip close to Marine ground forces. VMF-122 returned to the United States in January 1946 and was reactivated in November 1947 with the FH Phantom. It became the first Marine squadron to operate jet-propelled aircraft and also fielded the Marine Corps' first aerial demonstration team, the Flying Leathernecks. During the early 1950s it progressed through the F2H Banshee, F9F-5 Panther, FJ Fury, and F-8 Crusader. The unit demonstrated an early commitment to carrier aviation, becoming the first Marine jet squadron qualified for both day and night carrier operations in 1951. In 1962 it was redesignated VMF(AW)-122 after receiving all-weather F-8E Crusaders and flew combat air patrols during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The squadron entered the Vietnam War era after transitioning to the F-4B Phantom II and receiving the VMFA-122 designation. It deployed to Da Nang in 1967, flying thousands of sorties and delivering large quantities of ordnance in support of Marine and allied forces. During the 1968 siege of Khe Sanh, it conducted hundreds of sorties and provided intensive close and general air support. Further Vietnam-era operations included service from Chu Lai, followed by assignments and deployments in Hawaii, Japan, and the Western Pacific. In 1986, VMFA-122 accepted its first F/A-18A Hornet after two decades as an F-4 Phantom unit. It later transitioned to the F/A-18C and participated in the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program, including repeated deployments to Japan and other locations around the Pacific. The squadron returned to combat operations during the post-2001 period, deploying to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq from 2008 to 2009 and to Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. A major organizational change began in 2017, when VMFA-122 moved from MCAS Beaufort and Marine Aircraft Group 31 of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to MCAS Yuma and MAG-13 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. On November 14, 2017, it formally began converting from the F/A-18C to the F-35B. The squadron completed its first F-35B flight on March 29, 2018. Today, the unit represents the Marine Corps' expeditionary fifth-generation fighter capability, combining stealth, advanced sensors, networked operations, and vertical landing capability with the service's traditional emphasis on support to forward-deployed Marine forces.
History
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 traces its lineage to its commissioning as Marine Fighting Squadron 122 at Camp Kearny, San Diego, on March 1, 1942. Equipped with F4F Wildcats, it entered combat in October of that year as part of the Cactus Air Force during the Guadalcanal campaign. In 1943 the squadron changed to the F4U Corsair. During its first tour it operated under Major Gregory Boyington and recorded 35.5 aerial victories. Its second wartime tour took it to Peleliu, where its aircraft flew close-support missions against Japanese defensive positions, using guns, rockets, and napalm. The squadron remained in combat there until the end of the Pacific war. After returning to the United States in January 1946, the unit was reactivated in November 1947 with the FH Phantom. This made it the first Marine squadron to employ jet-powered aircraft. It also formed the Flying Leathernecks, the Marine Corps' first and only aerial demonstration team, which toured for two years. The squadron subsequently transitioned to the F2H Banshee and became an early carrier-capable jet formation. In 1951 it achieved day-and-night carrier qualification and deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS Oriskany. Later it operated F9F-5 Panthers, FJ Furies, and F-8 Crusaders. The unit became the first Marine squadron to fly the Crusader in 1957 and was redesignated VMF(AW)-122 after receiving all-weather F-8E aircraft in 1962. During the Cuban Missile Crisis it flew combat air patrols from Key West. Following a deployment to Japan, the squadron returned to the United States and converted to the F-4B Phantom II. It received the VMFA-122 designation and deployed to Vietnam in 1967. From Da Nang it flew 2,540 sorties and delivered approximately 4,800 tons of ordnance in five months. During the Siege of Khe Sanh in early 1968, it flew 629 sorties and delivered about 1,300 tons of ordnance in support of Marine forces. The unit later operated from Iwakuni and Chu Lai before returning to Pacific assignments in Hawaii and Japan. The post-Vietnam period included a proposed but unrealized transition to the F-14A Tomcat. The squadron entered cadre status in 1974 in anticipation of that plan, but the Marine Corps ultimately did not acquire the Tomcat. VMFA-122 was reactivated at MCAS Beaufort in 1975 with F-4J aircraft. It flew its last F-4 sortie in September 1985 and accepted its first F/A-18A Hornet in January 1986. Through the late 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, it conducted training deployments in the United States and Europe and participated in the Marine Corps Unit Deployment Program across the Western Pacific. It later operated the F/A-18C. During the post-September 11 period, the squadron continued Pacific rotations while supporting broader preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. It deployed to Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, in August 2008 for its first combat deployment in more than three decades, returning in March 2009. A further deployment to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, ran from November 2010 to May 2011. The squadron's identity changed several times in the twenty-first century. It used Crusaders for much of its postwar history, reverted to Werewolves before its 2008 Iraq deployment, briefly returned to Crusaders in 2012, and subsequently reverted to Werewolves following objections to the Crusaders name and emblem. In December 2016 it adopted Flying Leathernecks. The Werewolves identity was restored in February 2025. A major force-structure transition began in 2017. VMFA-122 moved from MCAS Beaufort and Marine Aircraft Group 31 of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to MCAS Yuma and Marine Aircraft Group 13 of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. On November 14, 2017, it began replacing the F/A-18C with the F-35B Lightning II. After receiving personnel and completing training, the squadron flew its first F-35B on March 29, 2018. Its current role is to provide expeditionary fifth-generation fighter attack capability, including anti-air warfare and offensive air support from advanced bases, expeditionary airfields, and carrier or amphibious aviation platforms.
- 2025
Werewolves nickname restored
[1]The squadron returns to the Werewolves identity after periods under other nicknames.
- 2018
First F-35B flight
[1]The squadron conducts its first flight in the F-35B Lightning II on March 29.
- 2017
Move to Yuma and F-35B transition
[1]VMFA-122 transfers to MCAS Yuma and begins replacing the F/A-18C with the F-35B.
- 2010
Afghanistan deployment
[1]The squadron deploys to Kandahar Airfield through May 2011.
- 2008
Iraq combat deployment
[1]VMFA-122 deploys to Al Asad Air Base for a seven-month combat tour.
- 1986
First F/A-18A Hornet
[1]The squadron accepts its first F/A-18A, beginning its Hornet era.
- 1974
F-14 transition plan cancelled
[1]The squadron enters cadre status in preparation for a planned F-14A transition, but the Marine Corps does not adopt the Tomcat.
- 1967
Vietnam deployment
[1]VMFA-122 deploys to Da Nang and begins extensive combat operations in Vietnam.
- 1965
Transition to F-4 Phantom II
[1]The squadron converts to the F-4B and receives the VMFA-122 designation.
- 1962
All-weather redesignation
[1]The unit becomes VMF(AW)-122 after receiving all-weather F-8E aircraft and flies Cuban Missile Crisis patrols.
Products and positioning
A Marine Corps expeditionary fighter attack squadron built around the F-35B Lightning II, emphasizing forward basing, networked fifth-generation airpower, anti-air warfare, and direct support to Marine ground forces.
Fifth-generation short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing fighter · 2017
F-35B Lightning II
The squadron's current aircraft is the Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II. Its short-takeoff-and-vertical-landing design supports operations from expeditionary airfields, austere forward locations, amphibious assault ships, and other platforms suited to Marine expeditionary operations. The aircraft provides stealth, advanced sensors, data networking, and multirole capabilities for anti-air warfare, offensive air support, and integrated operations with Marine ground and aviation forces.
Multirole fighter · 1986
F/A-18C Hornet
VMFA-122 operated the F/A-18 Hornet from 1986 until its transition to the F-35B. The aircraft supported carrier and expeditionary aviation training, Unit Deployment Program rotations, and combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The squadron accepted the F/A-18C in 2001 as part of an effort to increase its combat capability.
Supersonic fighter-bomber · 1965
F-4 Phantom II
The F-4 was VMFA-122's principal aircraft during the Vietnam War era and remained associated with the squadron for roughly two decades. The unit operated F-4B and later F-4J variants, flying major strike and close-support missions from Da Nang and Chu Lai. The squadron completed its final F-4 sortie in 1985.
Carrier-based supersonic fighter · 1957
F-8 Crusader
VMF-122 became the first Marine Corps squadron to fly the F-8 Crusader in 1957. The aircraft introduced a high-performance supersonic fighter capability to the unit, while the all-weather F-8E later led to the VMF(AW)-122 designation. The squadron also adopted the Crusaders nickname during this period.
World War II fighter-bomber · 1943
F4U Corsair
The F4U Corsair replaced the squadron's F4F Wildcats in 1943 during its Pacific combat service. Under Major Pappy Boyington, VMF-122 used the aircraft in air combat and strike missions and recorded 35.5 aerial victories during its first combat tour.
Marketing campaigns
- 2010Afghanistan operations
Afghanistan
VMFA-122 deployed to Kandahar Airfield and conducted fighter attack operations in support of coalition and Marine forces.
Outcome. The deployment continued through May 2011.
- 2008Operation Iraqi Freedom support
Iraq
The squadron deployed from MCAS Beaufort to Al Asad Air Base in Iraq for its first combat deployment in more than 30 years.
Outcome. The seven-month deployment ended with the squadron's return to the United States on March 21, 2009.
- 1968Siege of Khe Sanh
Khe Sanh · Republic of Vietnam
VMFA-122 supported Marines defending Khe Sanh with intensive fighter attack and close air support missions.
Outcome. The squadron flew 629 sorties and delivered approximately 1,300 tons of ordnance during the siege.
- 1967Vietnam War operations
Republic of Vietnam
Operating F-4 Phantom aircraft from Da Nang, the squadron conducted anti-air, strike, and Marine ground-support missions.
Outcome. The unit flew 2,540 sorties and delivered approximately 4,800 tons of ordnance during its initial five-month deployment.
- 1944Battle of Peleliu
Peleliu · Palau
VMF-122 provided close air support from Peleliu, sometimes operating from an airstrip close to Marine ground positions. Rockets and napalm were used against Japanese strongholds.
Outcome. The squadron continued combat operations on Peleliu through the end of the Pacific war.
- 1942Guadalcanal campaign
Solomon Islands
The squadron operated as part of the Cactus Air Force from Henderson Field and Espiritu Santo, flying fighter and ground-support missions during its first combat tour.
Outcome. The first combat tour ended in July 1943 after the squadron had transitioned to the F4U Corsair and recorded 35.5 aerial victories.
Brand decisions
2025
Reversion to the Werewolves identityOtherBackground
VMFA-122 had used several nicknames over time, including Crusaders and Flying Leathernecks.
Action taken
The squadron reverted to the Werewolves nickname in February 2025.
Aftermath
Werewolves became the unit's current public identity.
2017
Move to Yuma and conversion to F-35BGeneration changeBackground
The Marine Corps reorganized the squadron from the Beaufort-based 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to the Yuma-based 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing as part of its fifth-generation aviation modernization.
Action taken
VMFA-122 moved to MCAS Yuma and began replacing its F/A-18C aircraft with F-35B Lightning IIs on November 14, 2017.
Aftermath
The squadron flew its first F-35B on March 29, 2018, and became an expeditionary Marine fifth-generation fighter unit.
1986
Transition from F-4 Phantom to F/A-18 HornetGeneration changeBackground
After completing its final F-4 sortie in September 1985, the squadron required a new multirole fighter platform.
Action taken
VMFA-122 accepted its first F/A-18A Hornet on January 22, 1986.
Aftermath
The Hornet became the squadron's principal aircraft for training deployments, Pacific rotations, and later combat operations.
1974
Prepare for a planned F-14A transitionStrategyBackground
The Marine Corps placed VMFA-122 in cadre status in anticipation of making it the service's first F-14A squadron.
Action taken
The planned transition was abandoned after the Marine Corps decided not to acquire the Tomcat. The squadron was reactivated in 1975 with F-4J aircraft.
Aftermath
The unit remained an F-4 Phantom squadron until beginning its F/A-18 transition in 1986.
Recent events
- 2025
VMFA-122 returns to the Werewolves identity[1]
Other
The squadron's nickname reverts to Werewolves after earlier periods using Crusaders and Flying Leathernecks.
- 2018
VMFA-122 conducts its first F-35B flight[1]
Product launch
After relocating and completing conversion training, the squadron flies its first F-35B Lightning II sortie.
- 2017
VMFA-122 moves to Yuma and begins F-35B conversion[1]
Product generation
The squadron shifts from MCAS Beaufort and MAG-31 to MCAS Yuma and MAG-13 while replacing its F/A-18C aircraft with F-35Bs.
- 2010
VMFA-122 deploys to Afghanistan[1]
Other
The unit deploys to Kandahar Airfield and conducts operations through May 2011.
- 2008
VMFA-122 deploys to Iraq[1]
Other
The squadron leaves MCAS Beaufort for a combat deployment to Al Asad Air Base, returning in March 2009 after seven months.
- 1986
VMFA-122 accepts its first F/A-18A Hornet[1]
Product generation
The squadron begins its transition from the F-4 Phantom to the F/A-18 Hornet, establishing a new multirole fighter era.
- 1968
VMFA-122 supports the Siege of Khe Sanh[1]
Other
The squadron conducts 629 sorties and delivers approximately 1,300 tons of ordnance in support of Marines at Khe Sanh.
- 1967
VMFA-122 deploys to Vietnam[1]
Other
The newly redesignated F-4 Phantom squadron begins operations from Da Nang, flying extensive strike and support missions.
- 1962
VMF(AW)-122 supports Cuban Missile Crisis air defense[1]
Regulation
After receiving all-weather F-8E Crusaders, the squadron deploys to Key West to fly combat air patrol during the crisis.
- 1951
VMF-122 conducts Mediterranean carrier deployments[1]
Other
The squadron becomes the first Marine jet squadron qualified for both day and night carrier operations and deploys aboard USS Oriskany.
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