VMGR-352

VMGR-352, formally Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. Known by the nickname “The Raiders,” it operates KC-130J Hercules aircraft and belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 11 within the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its principal functions are fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial refueling, assault air transport, movement of personnel and equipment, logistical resupply, and support to Marine expeditionary operations. The squadron originated on 1 April 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as Marine Utility Squadron 352, or VMJ-352. It initially flew Douglas R4D Skytrain transports. In June 1944 it became Marine Transport Squadron 352, or VMR-352. During the Second World War it moved elements to Hawaii, operated or transitioned among several transport aircraft, and supported Pacific operations. In 1948–1949 it also supported the Commander of Military Transport Service in connection with the Berlin Airlift. The unit remained in Hawaii until 1949, when it moved to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron supported United States air operations during the Korean War and later expanded its role with the arrival of the KC-130 Hercules. In March 1961 it received its current VMGR designation, reflecting its combined aerial-refueling and transport mission. Its early KC-130 activities included long-range aircraft movements across the Pacific, support during the Cuban Missile Crisis, assistance during the Dominican Republic intervention, and logistics for the Vietnam War. Elements deployed to Southeast Asia from 1962 through 1972, including missions associated with developing and sustaining bases used for helicopter operations. VMGR-352 continued to operate as a flexible expeditionary transport and tanker unit after the Cold War. A seven-aircraft detachment supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from August 1990 through March 1991. During the 1990s, detachments supported humanitarian relief, United Nations operations, evacuation planning, no-fly-zone enforcement, and Marine expeditionary units in Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean area. The squadron moved from El Toro to Miramar on 15 April 1999 under the United States military base-realignment process. Following the September 11 attacks, the Raiders maintained a continuing pattern of detachments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Their duties included aerial refueling, assault support, cargo movement, and logistical support for forces in Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, and other operating areas. In August 2004 the squadron began transitioning to the KC-130J, whose digital flight systems, glass cockpit, and reduced crew requirements modernized the unit. By late 2007, the squadron had completed its transition away from older KC-130 variants. VMGR-352 was also the first Marine Corps squadron to employ Harvest HAWK, an armed KC-130J configuration combining intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and weapons equipment with the aircraft’s transport and tanker functions. The system enabled the aircraft to provide persistent overwatch and deliver weapons such as Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions in appropriate operational circumstances. Its first deployment began in Afghanistan in October 2010. Beyond combat support, the squadron has participated in disaster relief and evacuation operations. It delivered personnel and supplies after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and transported more than 90,000 kilograms of cargo during relief operations after the 2010 Pakistan floods. The unit’s history also includes aviation-safety recognition, operational awards, and public visibility through the appearance of its insignia in the 1986 film Heartbreak Ridge. VMGR-352 remains an operational Marine Corps KC-130J squadron whose value lies in combining tanker, transport, expeditionary logistics, and specialized support capabilities.

VMGR-352 was established on 1 April 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point as Marine Utility Squadron 352, designated VMJ-352. Equipped initially with Douglas R4D Skytrain aircraft, it performed transport and utility duties during the Second World War. The unit became Marine Transport Squadron 352, or VMR-352, in June 1944. In 1945, elements moved to Marine Corps Air Station Ewa in Hawaii and operated a mixture of transport aircraft, including Curtiss R5C-1 Commandos and Douglas R5D Skymasters, as the squadron modernized its fleet. During the later stages of the Second World War, the squadron supported Pacific operations and training. From 1948 to 1949 it was assigned to the Commander of Military Transport Service in support of the Berlin Airlift. After leaving Hawaii, it relocated to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California, in December 1949. The squadron then supported air operations connected with the Korean War. The arrival of the KC-130 Hercules broadened the unit’s mission. In March 1961, it was redesignated Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 352, or VMGR-352. The squadron conducted its first trans-Pacific aircraft movement in January 1962, transporting F8U aircraft from California to Japan. It also supported operations related to the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Dominican Republic intervention. Beginning in April 1962, it supported the buildup of Soc Trang as a base for helicopter combat operations in Vietnam. Detachments continued operating in support of the Vietnam War through October 1972. During the Gulf War period, a seven-aircraft detachment operated from August 1990 to March 1991 in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In the 1990s, the Raiders provided transport and logistics support in East Africa, including missions associated with Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Operation Noble Response, and the evacuation-related Operation Safe Departure. In 1999, a detachment supported Operation Northern Watch from Turkey and also assisted earthquake-relief operations. The squadron supported the evacuation of personnel from Johnston Atoll ahead of Hurricane Dora and later conducted missions connected with Operation Southern Watch from Kuwait. The post-2001 period brought sustained expeditionary activity. VMGR-352 deployed to Afghanistan in November 2001 for Operation Enduring Freedom and later supported Operation Iraqi Freedom from bases in the Gulf region. Marine KC-130 units generally deploy detachments rather than moving the entire squadron, allowing the Raiders to maintain a continuing presence across multiple theaters and to support Marine expeditionary units. In August 2004, VMGR-352 began transitioning to the KC-130J. By late 2007 it had become an all-KC-130J squadron. The squadron pioneered the use of Harvest HAWK, an armed and sensor-equipped KC-130J configuration. The capability supplements the aircraft’s traditional tanker and transport roles with surveillance, overwatch, and precision weapons employment. Its initial operational deployment began in Afghanistan in October 2010, where the system was used in support of Marine ground units. VMGR-352 has also performed domestic and international humanitarian missions. It supported the military relief effort after Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and delivered large quantities of cargo during Pakistan flood relief in 2010. The squadron moved from El Toro to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on 15 April 1999 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. In September 2020, one of its KC-130J aircraft survived a midair collision with an F-35 during training and made a controlled emergency landing. The Raiders’ record includes multiple Marine Corps and Navy unit awards, aviation-efficiency recognition, and several aviation-safety awards.

• 2020

  Survived KC-130J and F-35 collision

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  A squadron KC-130J made an emergency landing after colliding with an F-35 during aerial-refueling training.

• 2010

  Deployed Harvest HAWK

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron became the first Marine Corps unit to deploy the armed KC-130J Harvest HAWK system.

• 2007

  Completed transition to KC-130J

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  By late 2007, the squadron no longer operated its older KC-130 variants.

• 2004

  Began KC-130J transition

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  VMGR-352 started converting to the modern KC-130J variant in August.

• 1999

  Moved to MCAS Miramar

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron relocated from MCAS El Toro to MCAS Miramar on 15 April under the BRAC process.

• 1991

  Completed Gulf War detachment

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  A seven-aircraft detachment supporting Desert Shield and Desert Storm accumulated more than 2,500 combat flight hours and 1,144 sorties.

• 1961

  Received the VMGR designation

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron became VMGR-352 in March after adopting the KC-130 Hercules and its aerial-refueling mission.

• 1948

  Supported the Berlin Airlift

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  Based in Hawaii, the squadron was assigned transport-support duties connected with the Berlin Airlift.

• 1944

  Redesignated VMR-352

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  The unit became Marine Transport Squadron 352 in June 1944.

• 1943

  Squadron formed as VMJ-352

  [1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  Marine Utility Squadron 352 was established at MCAS Cherry Point on 1 April with Douglas R4D Skytrain aircraft.

A flexible Marine Corps expeditionary aviation unit designed to extend the range of aircraft, move personnel and supplies, and sustain distributed Fleet Marine Force operations.

• Tanker-transport aircraft · 2004

  KC-130J Hercules

  The KC-130J is the squadron’s principal aircraft. It combines tactical airlift with fixed-wing and rotary-wing aerial refueling, allowing Marine forces to move personnel, equipment, fuel, and supplies while extending the range of other aircraft. Its digital flight-management systems and glass cockpit reduced crew demands compared with earlier Hercules models.

• Armed aerial-overwatch system · 2010

  Harvest HAWK

  Harvest HAWK is a mission-kit configuration for Marine Corps KC-130J aircraft. It adds intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and weapons capabilities to the tanker-transport platform, enabling overwatch and close-support functions alongside conventional logistics and refueling work. The system can employ Hellfire missiles and precision-guided munitions in suitable missions.

• 2010Pakistan flood relief

  Pakistan

  VMGR-352 KC-130Js transported relief cargo across Pakistan after severe flooding.

  Outcome. Delivered more than 90,000 kilograms of cargo.

  Source
• 2005Hurricane Katrina relief

  United States

  The Raiders flew day and night missions carrying supplies and military personnel to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina.

  Outcome. Contributed to the wider United States military disaster-relief airlift.

  Source
• 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom

  Iraq · Bahrain · Kuwait

  VMGR-352 supported coalition operations with aerial refueling and assault transport, alongside other Marine KC-130 squadrons.

  Outcome. Contributed to a large Marine KC-130 deployment supporting coalition forces.

  Source
• 2001Operation Enduring Freedom

  Afghanistan · Pakistan

  The squadron deployed in November 2001 to provide fixed-wing refueling and logistical support for operations in Afghanistan.

  Outcome. Maintained expeditionary tanker and transport support during the early global counterterrorism campaign.

  Source
• 1999Operation Northern Watch

  Turkey · Northern Iraq

  A detachment based at Incirlik supported helicopter aerial refueling for the 66th Expeditionary Rescue Squadron and flew additional missions after earthquakes in Turkey.

  Outcome. Combined no-fly-zone support with humanitarian relief missions.

  Source
• 1998Operation Noble Response

  Kenya · East Africa

  The squadron participated in a United Nations relief effort in East Africa.

  Outcome. Provided aviation support to the relief operation.

  Source
• 1998Operation Safe Departure

  Eritrea · East Africa

  VMGR-352 conducted support missions connected with a non-combatant evacuation operation in Eritrea.

  Outcome. Supported evacuation planning and regional Marine expeditionary operations.

  Source
• 1992Operation Restore Hope

  Kenya · Somalia · East Africa

  The Raiders initially transported food and supplies for Somalia and later supported the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and the evacuation of the United States Embassy.

  Outcome. Supported humanitarian and subsequent security operations in the region.

  Source
• 1990Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm

  Middle East

  A seven-aircraft detachment provided tanker and transport support during the Gulf War period.

  Outcome. The detachment flew more than 2,500 combat hours and 1,144 sorties.

  Source
• 1962Vietnam War support

  Vietnam · Pacific

  VMGR-352 transported materials used to establish and sustain Soc Trang and deployed elements in support of combat operations.

  Outcome. Continued Vietnam-related deployments through October 1972.

  Source

Showing the 10 most recent.

• 2010

  Introduced Harvest HAWK operationallyProduct launch

  Background

  Marine planners sought to add surveillance and precision-strike functions to the KC-130J without removing its tanker and transport roles.

  Action taken

  VMGR-352 became the first squadron to deploy the Harvest HAWK weapons and sensor kit in Afghanistan.

  Aftermath

  The capability enabled the aircraft to conduct armed overwatch and support ground forces in addition to logistics missions.

  Source

• 2004

  Transitioned to KC-130J aircraftGeneration change

  Background

  The Marine Corps modernized its Hercules fleet with a digital-generation aircraft featuring a glass cockpit and reduced crew requirements.

  Action taken

  VMGR-352 began conversion to the KC-130J in August 2004.

  Aftermath

  By late 2007, the squadron operated only KC-130J aircraft.

  Source

• 1961

  Expanded into aerial refuelingStrategy

  Background

  The arrival of the KC-130 Hercules enabled the squadron to combine transport with aerial-refueling operations.

  Action taken

  The Marine Corps redesignated the unit VMGR-352 in March 1961.

  Aftermath

  The squadron developed its enduring tanker-transport role.

  Source

• 2020

  VMGR-352 aircraft crash-landed after midair collision with an F-35[1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  On 29 September 2020, a VMGR-352 KC-130J collided with an F-35 during aerial-refueling training associated with the Weapons and Tactics Instruction Course near Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. The tanker lost two engines and propellers but its crew controlled the aircraft and made a crash landing near Thermal, California. The F-35 pilot ejected successfully.

• 2010

  VMGR-352 began first Harvest HAWK deployment[1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  Product launch · Other

  The squadron deployed the Marine Corps Harvest HAWK armed KC-130J capability to Afghanistan. Its first reported weapons engagement occurred in November 2010 in support of Marine ground forces in Sangin.

• 2002

  VMGR-352 KC-130J crashed in Pakistan during Operation Enduring Freedom[1]VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org

  Other

  On 9 January 2002, a VMGR-352 KC-130J identified by its callsign as RAIDR 04 crashed into mountainous terrain in Pakistan, killing all seven crew members, including Sergeant Jeannette L. Winters.

1. 1VMGR-352en.wikipedia.org