Squadron History
Over 80 years of service, honor, and excellence in Marine Corps aviation.
The Black Knights of VMFA-314 have a storied history spanning more than eight decades of service to the United States Marine Corps. From the skies over Okinawa to Vietnam, Libya, the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq, the squadron has answered the nation’s call across generations of aircraft—often as the first to fly them—while maintaining the proud traditions that define the Black Knights.
Timeline
Squadron Established
Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314) was commissioned on October 1, 1943, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, flying the F4U Corsair. The squadron was originally nicknamed "Bob's Cats."
World War II
VMF-314 deployed to the Pacific, first to Midway and then to Ie Shima in May 1945 for the Battle of Okinawa. Squadron pilots were credited with 14 aerial kills, and VMF-314 was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation before serving in the occupation of Japan.
Decommissioned & Reborn
Decommissioned on April 30, 1947, the squadron was recommissioned in 1952 at MCAS Miami, Florida, flying the Corsair and then the new F9F Panther. Deployments to Puerto Rico and Japan followed, earning the Korean Service Medal for operations in 1953-54.
The Black Knights Are Born
Flying the new F4D Skyray as VMF(AW)-314, the squadron officially took the name Black Knights and deployed throughout the Far East, including aboard the carriers USS Hancock and USS Ticonderoga.
First Marine Phantom Squadron
The Black Knights became the first Marine squadron to transition to the F-4B Phantom II and were redesignated VMFA-314, deploying eight times between 1961 and 1964.
Vietnam War
Flying from Chu Lai and Da Nang, VMFA-314 logged more than 25,000 combat hours and delivered over 100 million pounds of ordnance in support of Marines and allied ground forces. Forty-nine months of continuous combat operations earned the squadron the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
First Hornet Squadron
The Black Knights became the first tactical squadron in the Marine Corps and Navy to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, spearheading the transition to a new generation of strike fighter.
Operation El Dorado Canyon
Embarked aboard USS Coral Sea with Carrier Air Wing 13, VMFA-314 flew Freedom of Navigation operations near Libya and combat missions in support of Operation El Dorado Canyon in the Gulf of Sidra.
Desert Shield & Desert Storm
The first Marine F/A-18 squadron to arrive in Bahrain for Operation Desert Shield, the Black Knights flew 814 combat sorties in Desert Storm—more than any other Navy or Marine Corps squadron—without losing a single aircraft or squadron member.
Enduring Freedom
Deploying aboard USS John C. Stennis in November 2001, VMFA-314 delivered over 69,000 pounds of ordnance in support of U.S. forces in Afghanistan during a deployment extended to 265 days.
Iraqi Freedom
From Al Asad Air Base, the squadron flew more than 1,700 combat missions and 4,600 flight hours over 179 days of sustained combat operations in Al Anbar Province.
Inherent Resolve
VMFA-314 became the first Marine squadron to conduct offensive operations against ISIS, executing the opening combat missions of Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq and Syria.
First Marine F-35C Squadron
After the Hornet sundown on June 21, 2019, VMFA-314 became the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the F-35C Lightning II, receiving its first aircraft on January 21, 2020.
First F-35C Carrier Deployment
Departing aboard USS Abraham Lincoln with Carrier Air Wing Nine, the Black Knights became the first Marine Corps F-35C squadron to deploy on an aircraft carrier, operating for eight months in the Western Pacific.
F-35C Combat Debut
Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, VMFA-314 executed the combat debut of the F-35C, delivering over 72,000 pounds of ordnance in strikes supporting operations in the Central Command region.
Continuing the Legacy
Deployed again aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, the Black Knights spearheaded offensive strikes during Operation Epic Fury and continue to operate from MCAS Miramar, California, at the leading edge of Marine Corps aviation.
Aircraft Flown
Awards & Decorations
Throughout its history, VMFA-314 has been awarded numerous unit citations and decorations for outstanding performance in combat and peacetime operations, including:
- Presidential Unit Citation with two Bronze Stars
- Navy Unit Commendation with four Bronze Stars
- Meritorious Unit Commendation with Bronze Star
- Korean Service Medal
- Robert M. Hanson Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year Award (1968, 2015, 2025)
- Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award (1968)
- Commandant's Aviation Efficiency Trophy (1957, 1969, 1970)
Honor the Legacy
Wear a piece of Black Knights history with our official merchandise collection.
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