Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 144 (VMSB-144) was formed at Naval Air Station San Diego on 7 September 1942.

On 12 January 1944, the squadron boarded ship to begin their return to the United States.

[2] A month later, on 5 November, they were again redesignated as VMTB-144(CVS) as they trained to operate from the Navy's escort carriers.

[5] In December 1944, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California to continue training.

[5] In June 1945, VMTB-144 moved to Marine Corps Air Station Santa Barbara, California where they stayed until 12 August 1945 when they reported aboard the USS Salerno Bay.