Conduct aerial multisensor imagery reconnaissance, including aerial photographic, infrared, and side-looking airborne radar reconnaissance, in support of Fleet Marine Force operations.

Each squadron would deploy detachments to Iwakuni to fly missions previously flown by VMCJ-1.

RF-4Bs of VMFP-3 were permanently deployed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41) from 1975 to 1984.

A six-plane detachment operated as part of Carrier Air Wing Five, while retaining their own tail code "RF."

In 1990, Marine tactical reconnaissance was taken over by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System, carried by McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet aircraft of Marine fighter attack squadrons (VMFA).