VMA-214 was renamed VMFA-214 as part of the switch from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II
On March 25, 2022, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona, held a re-designation ceremony for Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 214, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW).
According to the article Marine Attack Squadron 214 Transitions to the F-35B by 1st Lt. Zachary Bodner and Lance Cpl. Courtney Robertson, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, VMA-214 was renamed Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 214 as part of the transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightning II. The AV-8B Harrier was replaced by the F-35B Lightning II to give the Marine Corps unrivaled capabilities. The F-35B Lightning II represents an advancement in air superiority by giving Marines the operational mobility and tactical superiority they require to deliver quick and devastating support.
Short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) supersonic, radar-evading stealth is now possible for the first time in aviation history thanks to the F-35B. The F-35B is a key facilitator for other forces in the battlespace thanks to its unmatched basing flexibility and sophisticated network-enabled mission systems, which offer unprecedented multimission capability throughout the spectrum of operations. The F-35B redefines the multirole fighter.
Modern security concerns increasingly require a more even allocation of resources and capabilities across a variety of circumstances. The F-35B has the unique flexibility to operate from a variety of ships, roads, and austere facilities close to frontline combat zones thanks to STOVL capability, significantly increasing sortie generation rates. The F-35B’s unparalleled basing, both ashore and afloat, gives more employment options in every situation.
“Having previously served in VMA-214 and flown the AV-8B for many years, the Black Sheep and the Harrier hold a special place in my heart,” said US Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. “As 3rd MAW says a bittersweet farewell to the Harrier, we are excited to increase our number of F-35B squadrons with the re-designation of VMFA-214.”
On July 1, 1942, VMA-214 was established as Marine Fighter Squadron (VMF) 214 at Oahu, Hawaii, originally flying the F4F Wildcat until switching to the F4U-1 Corsair. Prior to reorganizing as the “Black Sheep” in August 1943, the squadron served two combat tours under the former call sign “Swashbucklers,” under the command of US Marine Corps Major Gregory “Pappy” Boyington.
The new squadron’s namesake was chosen by the Marines of VMF-214 to emphasize the different levels of pilot expertise. The Black Sheep developed their reputation through years of tough battle in World War II, from pilots who had just graduated from flight school to seasoned veterans with numerous combat deployments under their wings. VMF-214 made history by becoming the first Marine fighter squadron to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for exceptional heroism in battle.
The squadron was re-designated VMA-214 on July 9, 1957, as the Black Sheep began operating fixed-wing attack aircraft. The Marines of VMA-214 made a name for themselves in Vietnam as an attack squadron, operating the dependable A-4 Skyhawk out of expeditionary airfields in Chu Lai. Up until 1989, The Black Sheep flew the A-4 before switching to the AV-8B Harrier. The Black Sheep took part in combat missions around the world over the ensuing 30 years, such as Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Restore Hope. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit and VMA-214 most recently finished their final AV-8B deployment together, during which they took part in Operation Inherent Resolve.
“The re-designation of VMA-214 to VMFA-214 is the end of a legacy for the Black Sheep and Marine Aircraft Group-13,” said US Marine Corps Lt. Col. Keith Bucklew, the outgoing commander of VMA-214. “This symbolic event finalizes the sundown for Harriers on the West Coast and closes the chapter on 58 years of attack aircraft operations for the Black Sheep.”
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Samuel Ruiz