About the Black Knights

Our Mission

VMFA-314 is tasked with attacking and destroying surface targets, day or night, under all weather conditions during expeditionary, joint, or combined operations. They also provide supporting arms coordination and conduct other operations as directed.

Based at MCAS Miramar, California, under Marine Aircraft Group 11 and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the Black Knights deploy with the Navy’s Carrier Air Wing Nine—forward-deployed around the world, ready to respond to any contingency and project power in support of national interests.

Heritage & Traditions

The Black Knights trace their lineage to Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314), commissioned on October 1, 1943, and originally nicknamed “Bob’s Cats.” Throughout their history, the squadron has flown the F4U Corsair, F9F Panther, F4D Skyray, F-4 Phantom II, F/A-18 Hornet, and now the F-35C Lightning II—earning the Presidential Unit Citation over Okinawa in World War II and serving in Vietnam, Libya, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

The squadron officially became the Black Knights in 1957 and has repeatedly led Marine Corps aviation into new eras: the first Marine squadron to fly the F-4 Phantom II, the first tactical squadron in the Marine Corps and Navy to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, and the first Marine squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II. The squadron’s name and insignia reflect the noble tradition of knighthood—warriors bound by honor, courage, and commitment—and its motto says the rest: “Once a Knight is Never Enough.”

The Black Knight Insignia

The Black Knights insignia features a knight’s helmet against a distinctive shield, symbolizing the squadron’s warrior spirit and martial tradition. The black and gold colors represent strength, valor, and excellence in combat aviation.

Every piece of Black Knights merchandise proudly displays this iconic emblem, connecting fans and supporters to the squadron’s proud heritage.

Our Values