A large percentage of the squadron’s initial pilots came from the experienced VMF-121 hoping it would require them less time to become combat ready.

Their arrival on Munda coincided with the landings on Vella Lavella which were constantly under attack from Japanese aircraft based on Bougainville.

[2] Upon their return to the U.S., the squadron was based out of Marine Corps Air Station El Centro where they were teamed with VMTB-623 as they trained for the upcoming invasion of Japan.

In the late 1940s, the squadron was again reactivated as part of the Marine Forces Reserve and were based out of Naval Air Station Los Alamitos.

Shortly after the outbreak of the Korean War, the squadron was called to active duty on 23 July 1950, however they did not deploy to combat.