The squadron, also known as the "Night Hawks", were part of the Marine Forces Reserve and were based at Naval Air Station Glenview, Illinois until their deactivation on 1 April 1974.

Originally activated during World War II, they fought in the Battle of Okinawa as part of the Tactical Air Force.

On 2 July 1943 the squadron commanding officer, Major Claude Carlson, was killed when he developed hypoxia at high altitude in his F6F Hellcat due to a defective regulator.

[2] The Night Hawks continued to train there through the summer until the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station El Centro, California on 30 September 1944.

[4] During the Battle of Okinawa the squadron was attached to Marine Aircraft Group 33 (MAG-33) and flew from Kadena Airfield[4] They began flying tactical mission on 9 April and continued through 7 August.

The network of Air Warning Squadrons, which would provide ground-controlled intercept around the island, was still being emplaced, there were many issues with sensitive electronics gear, radio interference was rampant and even friendly anti-aircraft fire was a problem.