The squadron, also known as the "Fighting Gamecocks", fought in World War II and later became a part of the Marine Forces Reserve based out of Naval Air Station South Weymouth, Massachusetts.

[1] In the fall of that year they moved to Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina to continue their training.

In October, 1944, the squadron became part of Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33) when they moved to Espiritu Santo.

The squadron was part of the Battle of Okinawa and on 3 April 1945, over 150 of its members were killed when its lead support element was struck by a Kamikaze.

The squadron moved to Naval Air Station South Weymouth in January 1954 and transitioned to the F9F Cougar in March 1955.