VMFA-122

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122
VMFA122 New Logo
VMFA-122 Insignia
Active1 March 1942–present
Country United States of America
Branch United States Marine Corps
TypeFighter/Attack
RoleClose air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 13
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Air Station Yuma
Nickname(s)The Flying Leathernecks (December, 2016 – present)
Werewolves (January, 2008-December, 2016)
Crusaders (1957-4 January 2008)
Candystripers (WWII)
Werewolves (WWII)
"The Last Blue Collar Squadron"
Tail CodeDC
Mascot(s)Mach Altus
Engagements
Commanders
Commanding OfficerLtCol. Bijan. C. Derakshan
Executive OfficerMaj. Brandon Smith
Notable
commanders
Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington
MajGen. Marion E. Carl
LtCol. John Fogg
Aircraft flown
FighterF4F Wildcat
F4U Corsair
FH-1 Phantom
F2H Banshee
F6F Hellcat
F9F Panther
FJ Fury
F-8 Crusader
F-4 Phantom
F/A-18A/C Hornet
F-35B Lightning II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 (VMFA-122) is a United States Marine Corps fighter attack squadron flying the F-35B Lightning II. The squadron is based out of Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, AZ and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 13 (MAG-13) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW). The squadron nickname is the "Flying Leathernecks," and their traditional radio call sign is "Nikel". On 14 November 2017, VMFA-122 opened a new chapter of their history, transitioning from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet to the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II and moving from MCAS Beaufort and MAG-31, 2nd MAW to MCAS Yuma and MAG-13, 3rd MAW.