VMFA-115 Silver Eagles deactived
On 9 November 2023, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 115 Silver Eagles ('VE-xx') was officially deactived. The squadron, operating the classic F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort (SC), will transition to the F-35C Lightning II.
For this transition, the Silver Eagles will relocate to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (NC), where they will become part of Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 14. Transition to the F-35C is scheduled for 2027.
Marine Fighting Squadron (VMF) 115 was organised on 1 July 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara (CA) as a F4U Corsair squadron. Late 2001, the unit received their first F/A-18A Hornets and one year later, October 2002, the squadron deployed with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 aboard the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). VMFA-115 was deactivated in accordance with Force Design 2030 after 80 years of service.
USMC Hornet units that have already transitioned to the F-35 Lightning are: VMFA-122 The Flying Leathernecks, VMFA-225 Vikings, VMFA(AW)-533 Hawks (renamed VMFA-533) to the F-35B, and VMFA-251 Thunderbolts, VMFA-314 Black Knights to the F-35C.
The following Marine Fighter Attack and Marine Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadrons still operate the Hornet:
Credit photo: USMC by Lance Cpl. Kyle Baskin