VMFA-323, designated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323, is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit. Known by the nickname “Death Rattlers,” the squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, and operates the Lockheed Martin F‑35B Lightning II. The squadron’s mission is to provide close air support, air interdiction, offensive air superiority, and electronic warfare in support of Marine Corps operations.
Overview
- Branch: United States Marine Corps
- Type: Marine Fighter Attack Squadron
- Nickname: Death Rattlers
- Base: Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, USA
- Current Aircraft: Lockheed Martin F‑35B Lightning II (since 2021)
History
- World War II: The unit was originally commissioned as Marine Fighter Squadron 323 (VMF‑323) on 1 July 1943 at Camp Kearny, California. During the latter stages of World War II, VMF‑323 deployed to the Pacific theater, where it flew the Vought F4U Corsair in combat operations against Japanese forces.
- Post‑war and Korean War: The squadron was deactivated after WWII and later reactivated in the late 1950s, continuing to operate fighter aircraft in support of Marine Corps requirements.
- Vietnam War: VMFA‑323 (by then redesignated as a fighter‑attack squadron) participated in combat operations over Vietnam, employing aircraft such as the McDonnell Douglas F‑4 Phantom II.
- Cold War to 21st Century: The squadron transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) F/A‑18 Hornet, conducting a variety of training, expeditionary deployments, and support missions worldwide.
- F‑35B Transition: In 2021, VMFA‑323 completed its transition to the fifth‑generation F‑35B Lightning II, becoming one of the Marine Corps’ early operational units equipped with the STOVL (short‑take‑off/vertical‑landing) stealth fighter.
Aircraft Operated
- Vought F4U Corsair (WWII)
- McDonnell F2H Banshee (post‑WWII)
- McDonnell Douglas F‑4 Phantom II (Vietnam era)
- McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A‑18 Hornet (late 20th century–2021)
- Lockheed Martin F‑35B Lightning II (2021–present)
Deployments and Operations
VMFA‑323 has participated in numerous expeditionary deployments and exercises, including:
- Combat operations in the Pacific during World War II
- Air support missions in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
- Joint exercises with allied forces throughout the Indo‑Pacific region
- Support of operations in the Middle East during the Global War on Terror
Organizational Structure
VMFA‑323 is part of Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG‑11), which falls under the command of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).
Recognition
The squadron’s “Death Rattlers” moniker reflects its long‑standing reputation for aggressive air combat performance and close‑air support proficiency.
Current Status
As of the latest publicly available information, VMFA‑323 continues to train for and execute the full spectrum of Marine Corps aviation missions using the F‑35B platform, maintaining readiness for rapid deployment in support of U.S. national security objectives.