List of active United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

This is a list of all of the active squadrons that exist in the United States Marine Corps, sorted by type.

In addition to its VIP transport role, it is also tasked with operational test and evaluation (OT&E) of new flight systems for Marine Corps helicopters.

[33] As the Marine Corps’ number one aviation acquisition priority, the Osprey replaced the aging fleet of CH-46 Sea Knight helicopters and is a cornerstone of the capstone concept of Expeditionary maneuver warfare.

The squadron provides new and conversion training to Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force pilots and units in the use and maintenance of the Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.

Their primary mission is to attack and destroy surface targets, during both day and nighttime operations, under all weather conditions; conduct multi-sensor imagery reconnaissance; provide supporting arms coordination; and intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in all weather conditions.

[59][60][61] VMFAT squadrons train newly designated Naval Aviators to fly Marine Corps Aircraft.

They fly the F-5E Tiger II and provide instruction to active and reserve squadrons through dissimilar adversary combat tactics.

Their primary missions are aerial and rapid ground refueling, transportation of personnel and cargo to include MEDEVACs and parachute insertions, flying the airborne version of the Direct Air Support Center (DASC) and emergency resupply into unimproved landing zones.

They also provide movement of high priority passengers and cargo during wartime in support of operations and other critical commitments.

Its mission is to conduct operational testing and evaluation of Marine Corps fixed, tiltrotor, and rotary-wing aircraft.

[88] VMUs operate the RQ-21 Blackjack unmanned aerial system (UAS) which provides Marine ground forces with reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

Due to the high operational tempo of the VMU squadrons in recent years, the Marine Corps stood up VMU-3 in 2008 and VMU-4, a reserve unit, was activated in 2010 with the lineage of VMO-4.