Quantcast

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314: A legacy of bravery through decades

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314: A legacy of bravery through decades
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, known as the "Black Knights," holds a prominent place in the United States Marine Corps' aviation history. The squadron, originally called "Bob's Cats," was established on October 1, 1943, at Cherry Point, North Carolina. During World War II, they flew the Vought F4U Corsair and played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, particularly during the invasion of Okinawa in May 1945. Their efforts earned them the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary courage and heroism.

Following World War II, VMF-314 was decommissioned but was reactivated in 1952 amid rising Cold War tensions. The squadron transitioned to jet aircraft with the F9F Panther at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro. They were actively involved in the Korean War from September 1953 to July 1954, providing close air support and precision strikes against enemy forces.

In 1957, VMF-314 adopted the nickname "Black Knights" and introduced the Douglas F-4D Skyray into their fleet. This era saw significant advancements in their capabilities with all-weather flying and advanced radar systems. In 1961, they transitioned to the F4B Phantom, enhancing their operational range and mission complexity.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

During the Vietnam War, beginning in 1965, the Black Knights conducted various missions including close air support and interdiction operations. They flew over 25,000 combat hours and were awarded the Hanson Trophy for their performance.

The squadron continued to evolve with new aircraft like the F/A-18A Hornet in 1982 and participated in operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm in the Persian Gulf. Post-Cold War engagements included peacekeeping missions in Somalia.

After September 11, 2001, they supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. More recently, during Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS, they provided critical air support.

In 2019, VMF-314 became the first Marine Corps squadron to transition to the fifth-generation stealth fighter Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II. This move equips them with advanced technology for modern warfare scenarios.

Despite their rich history of service and achievements across various conflicts worldwide, "the Black Knights are not content honoring the past; they remain focused on the future." Their commitment to excellence continues as they adapt to emerging threats while upholding their legacy within Marine Corps aviation.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

With the commencement of the 2025 summer flight schedule, ITA Airways has seamlessly integrated into the Lufthansa Group terminals in Frankfurt and Munich.

Mar 30, 2025

Air China is set to resume its Toronto flights after a 33-year hiatus.

Mar 29, 2025

United Airlines has confirmed that a Boeing 767-300ER, which departed from London on March 26, returned to London Heathrow after experiencing mechanical problems.

Mar 29, 2025

American Airlines has introduced new routes to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, following its "March Map-Ness" contest.

Mar 29, 2025

A Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo is back in operation after being grounded due to smoke detected in its cabin.

Mar 29, 2025

The Southern Museum of Flight in Birmingham, Alabama, presents an extensive collection of over 120 aircraft, showcasing a range of experimental, military, and general aviation aircraft.

Mar 29, 2025