Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 143 (VMSB-143) was commissioned on 7 September 1942 at Naval Air Station San Diego, California.

During this time they took part in mine laying operations of Kahili Harbor on Bougainville on 21 March 1943 and supported ground troops during the New Georgia campaign.

[citation needed] On 19 May 1943 planes from VMSB-143 and the Navy's Torpedo Squadron 11 (VT-11) strafed and bombed the Japanese cargo ship Hōun Maru causing it to run aground in Buin Harbor.

[2] Returning to the United States in June 1944, the squadron was based at Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara.

[1] In August 1945, famed comic strip artist Alex Raymond was made an honorary member of the unit while serving alongside them in the Pacific War.