Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 122 | |
---|---|
Active | 1 March 1942–present |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Marine Corps |
Type | Fighter/Attack |
Role | Close air support Air interdiction Aerial reconnaissance |
Part of | Marine Aircraft Group 13 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing |
Garrison/HQ | Marine 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 Code | DC |
Mascot(s) | Mach Altus |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Commanding Officer | LtCol. Bijan. C. Derakshan |
Executive Officer | Maj. Brandon Smith |
Notable commanders | Col. Gregory "Pappy" Boyington MajGen. Marion E. Carl LtCol. John Fogg |
Aircraft flown | |
Fighter | F4F 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.