VMT-1 began the evolution in 1947 as an independent squadron and shortly thereafter became part of Marine Training Group 20.

Subsequent evolutions were as a unit of Force Aviation Headquarters Group until 1958, at which time VMT-1 again became a separate squadron of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.

With a new mix of aircraft, the A-4M, and TA-4J, the squadron was tasked to train replacement aircrews to Fleet Marine Force duty.

In December 1983, the first AV-8B Harrier II was delivered, and until March 1985, VMAT-203 was assigned the dual missions of training both AV-8A/C pilot and AV-8B replacement aircrews.

An aircraft from the squadron crashed on 29 December 2008 near Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.