VMFA-242

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242
VMFA-242 Patch
Active1 Jul 1943 - 23 Nov 1945
1 Oct 1960 - present
CountryUnited States
BranchUSMC
TypeFighter/Attack
RoleClose air support
Air interdiction
Aerial reconnaissance
Part ofMarine Aircraft Group 12
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
III Marine Expeditionary Force
Garrison/HQMarine Corps Air Station Iwakuni
Nickname(s)Bats
Profane (callsign)
Motto(s)"Victory by Dawn"
Tail CodeDT
Mascot(s)bat
EngagementsWorld War II
* Battle of Saipan
* Battle of Tinian
* Battle of Iwo Jima
Vietnam War
Operation Iraqi Freedom
* Operation Phantom Fury
Commanders
Commanding OfficerLtCol. Alexander M. Mellman
Executive OfficerLtCol. Benjamin M. Boera[1]
Coffee Mess OfficerCapt. Alex J. Buchmann
Assistant to the Coffee Mess OfficerCapt. Allan M. Flack
Aircraft flown
AttackA-6 Intruder
A-4 Skyhawk
F/A-18D Hornet
F/A-18C Hornet
BomberTBM Avenger
FighterF-35B Lightning II

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242) is a United States Marine Corps squadron flying F-35B Lightning II STOVL Stealth Fighter. The squadron, known as the "Bats", is based at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 12 (MAG-12) and the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW). The radio callsign is "Profane".

  1. ^ "1st Marine Aircraft Wing Notablecommanders ltcol Andy SOLUM > Subordinate Units > Marine Aircraft Group 12 > VMFA - 242". www.1stmaw.marines.mil. Retrieved 6 August 2020.