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US Marine Corps - Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101
VMFAT-101 'Sharpshooters'
 
vmfat-101 sharpshooters insignia crest patch badge marine fighter attack training squadron usmc 02x  vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron usmc f/a-18 hornet mcas miramar 96x
12/21
STATUS:   established as VMFAT-101 on January 3, 1969
 
ACTIVE UNIT
Homebase: MCAS Miramar, California
 AIRCRAFT:   McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II (1969-87)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet (1987- )
 DEPLOYMENTS:   training / replacement unit
 
images 

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - October 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - California - February 2021

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F/A-18 Hornets (VMFAT-101) at Boise Airport, Idaho - October 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) during Exercise Winter Fury - January 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - July 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) - July 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) - February 2019

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F/A-18 Hornets (VMFAT-101) with USAF F-22 Raptors at MCAS Miramar, California - January 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - June 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) over California - May 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - March 2018

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - October 2015

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - October 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2015

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2015

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - April 2015

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2015

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - January 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - January 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2014

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18c hornet 22
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2014

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F/A-18A Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - September 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - March 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - December 2013

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the Medal of Honor jet was prepared for departure at MCAS Miramar, California - November 14, 2013 - VMFAT-101 is giving the F/A-18B Hornet to the Blue Angels

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the Medal of Honor jet was prepared for departure at MCAS Miramar, California - November 14, 2013 - VMFAT-101 is giving the F/A-18B Hornet to the Blue Angels

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the Medal of Honor jet was prepared for departure at MCAS Miramar, California - November 14, 2013 - VMFAT-101 is giving the F/A-18B Hornet to the Blue Angels

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the Medal of Honor jet was prepared for departure at MCAS Miramar, California - November 14, 2013 - VMFAT-101 is giving the F/A-18B Hornet to the Blue Angels

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2013

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - July 2013

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - January 2013

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 58US Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, and Lt. Col. Robert B. Brodie, commanding officer of VMFAT-101, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet on Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California - November 2, 2012.
The aircraft was painted to honor Medal of Honor recipients: U.S. Marines Sgt. Dakota L. Meyer and Cpl. Jason L. Dunham,
and U.S. Sailors Lt. Michael P. Murphy and Petty Officer 2nd class Michael A. Monsoor

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 64 general james amos
Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 65 general amos
Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

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Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

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Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 60
Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 62 general james amos
Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet medal of honor special painting 63
Marine Corps General James F. Amos, 35th commandant of the Marine Corps, sit in the cockpit of a commemorative Medal of Honor F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101)

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) in special colors at MCAS Miramar, California - November 2012

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) in special colors at MCAS Miramar, California - November 2012

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) in special colors at MCAS Miramar, California - November 2012
The aircraft was prepared for a dedication flight for Medal of Honor recipients: U.S. Marines Sgt. Dakota L. Meyer and
Cpl. Jason L. Dunham, and U.S. Sailors Lt. Michael P. Murphy and Petty Officer 2nd class Michael A. Monsoor

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - August 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - April 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - February 2012

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F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) over California - January 2012

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - December 2010

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) - March 2009

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18c hornet 11
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - June 2008

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18c hornet 35a cockpit
excerpt

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008

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F/A-18C+D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - March 2008

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Miramar, California - April 2006

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - May 2005

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18a hornet 10
F/A-18A Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) - December 2004

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2004

vmfat-101 sharpshooters marine fighter attack training squadron f/a-18b hornet 09
F/A-18B Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - August 2004

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) - September 1996

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T-34C Mentor (VMFAT-101) at MCAS El Toro, California - June 1993

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) - April 1993

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFAT-101) - September 1990

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F/A-18A Hornet (VMFAT-101) near MCAS Yuma, Arizona - 1989

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFAT-101) aboard USS Independence (CV 62) - October 1989


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F-4J Phantom II (VMFAT-101) at MCAS Yuma, Arizona - 1977
 
 
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), the Sharpshooters were commissioned at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, Calif. Jan. 3, 1969, as part of Marine Combat Crew Readiness Training Group 10, 3d Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron trained naval aviators and naval flight officers in the employment of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. VMFAT-101 flew its first training sortie Feb. 20, 1969, and completed its first class of fighter aircrew by August of that year. During the summer of 1970, VMFAT-101 moved to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Ariz. In 1972 the Sharpshooters earned their first Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Aviation Safety Award for Excellence in aviation safety after compiling over 18,300 mishap free flight hours.

In July 1974 VMFAT-101 absorbed the assets of VMFAT-201 from MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. and became the largest fixed wing tactical jet squadron and the sole remaining F-4 training squadron in the Marine Corps. The Sharpshooters earned the 1976 CNO Aviation Safety Award, as well as the Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces Pacific Aviation Safety Award in 1978 and 1979 while it amassed over 30,000 mishap-free flight hours. The Sharpshooters continued to train aircrews in the venerable Phantom II and in 1983 earned the coveted Marine Corps Aviation Association Robert M. Hanson Award as the finest fighter squadron in Marine aviation. May 20, 1987, VMFAT-101 trained its last F-4 replacement aircrew; during July the squadron flew its remaining 10 F-4 aircraft to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., for permanent storage. During the 18 years VMFAT-101 flew the Phantom, the Sharpshooters amassed over 125,000 flight hours training Marine and Navy aircrews for the fleet.

Sept. 29, 1987, VMFAT-101 returned to MCAS El Toro to prepare for duty as the third F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). March 31, 1988, MCCRTG-10 deactivated and VMFAT-101 joined Marine Aircraft Group 11. By October of that year, the Sharpshooters owned 21 F/A-18s, had trained 25 qualified instructor pilots and were ready to begin training new Hornet pilots. By May 1989 VMFAT-101 graduated 23 new F/A-18 pilots and accumulated over 11,000 mishap free Hornet flight hours. In December 1989 the squadron entered its sixth year mishap/injury free.

Jan. 10, 1990, VMFAT-101accepted its first two seat F/A-18D Hornet and began training aircrew for the transition into the Hornet. June 1990 the Sharpshooters had graduated over 150 Hornet aircrew, amassed over 28,000 F/A-18 A, B, C and D which originated from Lot VI to Lot XII. August 27, 1990, Lt.Col. "Cajun" Tullos flew the squadrons 50,000 mishap-free flight hour. The Sharpshooters routinely deployed to MCAS Yuma Ariz., and MCAS Miramar Calif., for fighter weapons training detachments as well as every West Coast Aircraft Carrier for carrier qualifications.

source: USMC

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another history:

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101) is a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet training squadron. The squadron is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California and falls under the command of Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3rd MAW).


Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), was commissioned at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California on January 3, 1969, as part of Marine Combat Crew Readiness Training Group 10, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing. The squadron trained naval aviators and naval flight officers in the employment of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. VMFAT-101 flew its first training sortie February 20, 1969, and completed its first class of fighter aircrew by August of that year.

During the summer of 1970, VMFAT-101 moved to Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona. In 1972 the Sharpshooters earned their first Chief of Naval Operations CNO Aviation Safety Award for Excellence in aviation safety after compiling over 18,300 mishap free flight hours.

In July 1974, VMFAT-101 absorbed the assets of VMFAT-201 from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina and became the largest fixed wing tactical jet squadron and the sole remaining F-4 training squadron in the Marine Corps. The Sharpshooters earned the 1976 CNO Aviation Safety Award, as well as the Commanding General Fleet Marine Forces Pacific Aviation Safety Award in 1978 and 1979 while it amassed over 30,000 mishap-free flight hours. The Sharpshooters continued to train aircrews in the venerable Phantom II and in 1983 earned the coveted Marine Corps Aviation Association Robert M. Hanson Award as the finest fighter squadron in Marine aviation. May 20, 1987, VMFAT-101 trained its last F-4 replacement aircrew; during July the squadron flew its remaining 10 F-4 aircraft to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, for permanent storage. During the 18 years VMFAT-101 flew the Phantom, the Sharpshooters amassed over 125,000 flight hours training Marine and Navy aircrews for the fleet.

On September 29, 1987, VMFAT-101 returned to MCAS El Toro to beginning training as the Marine Corps’ dedicated F/A-18 Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS). On March 31, 1988, MCCRTG-10 deactivated and VMFAT-101 joined Marine Aircraft Group 11. By October of that year, the Sharpshooters owned 21 F/A-18s, had trained 25 qualified instructor pilots and were ready to begin training new Hornet pilots. By May 1989 VMFAT-101 graduated 23 new F/A-18 pilots and accumulated over 11,000 mishap free Hornet flight hours.

With three times the number of aircraft of a typical F/A-18 squadron, VMFAT-101 is capable of producing 40 replacement pilots (RPs) in addition to refreshing numerous former fleet aviators that are out of currency. Another important function that VMFAT-101 serves is the grooming of Marine Corps and Navy maintenance personnel. With such a large number of aircraft, there is also a very large number of people that earn critical maintenance qualifications and assume leadership positions while they are in the SharpShooters. The focus of flight training while at VMFAT-101 is oriented towards the tactical employment of the F/A-18 in various combat scenarios. Collectively referred to as replacement aircrew (RACs), these aviation officers undergo intense training that normally lasts 44 weeks and is broken into four distinct phases: Transition, Air-to-Ground, Air-to-Air, and Carrier Qualification.

The first training phase is the Transition Phase, which is the shortest phase in duration and covers the most basic aircraft procedures, focusing primarily on Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization knowledge, aircraft combat systems, navigation, night flying, formation flying, and basic radar intercepts. After a student completes the Transition phase, they are comfortable flying the Hornet and operating all of its systems, as well as able to operate and navigate the F/A-18 in any weather, day or night.

The second phase of training is the Air-to-Ground phase. Once the RACs have demonstrated sound aircraft systems knowledge, navigation, and formation flying, it is time to introduce tactical employment of the Hornet in combat scenarios. During the Strike Phase, the RACs practice basic dive bombing, low-altitude tactics, high-altitude target attacks, Joint Direct Attack Munitions employment, close air support and are introduced to night-vision goggle flight. During this phase, the RACs employ a variety of light and heavy inert ordnance, general-purpose bombs, high-explosive rockets and 20mm gun rounds. Additionally, the replacement WSOs are introduced to forward air controller airborne (FAC(A)) procedures.

After completing the Strike Phase, the RACs move on to the dynamic and demanding Air-to-Air Phase. The aircrew begin the phase by learning how to fight the F/A-18 in the basic fighter maneuvers (BFM), i.e., “dog-fighting.” Using Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS-1) training tactics and procedures, fighter weapon instructors teach the RACs how to push the F/A-18 to the limits of its operating envelope.

The final phase of the FRS syllabus is Carrier Qualification (CQ). The RPs undergo an intense period of field carrier landing practice. Their Instructor Landing Signals Officers (LSOs), will carefully monitor their progress every step of the way, while providing techniques and instruction throughout the entire process.

The customers of the VMFAT-101 product are the eleven deployable fleet squadrons and all four Marine Aircraft Groups. Whether the aircrew will be serving in support of CENTCOM AOR requirements, launching off the carrier into combat within weeks of leaving the unit, or serving as part of the USMC Unit Deployment Program to Iwakuni, Japan, the SharpShooters ensure that every Replacement Aircrew they send off is mission-capable from day one. They will arrive ready to take an active role in combat missions, and eventually move on to assume leadership positions within the squadron in one to two years - potentially responsible for leading flights of 2 or 4 aircraft at a time.

The future for VMFAT-101 is bright. Even as the Marine Corps slowly transitions toward the F-35 Lighting II, the F/A-18 Hornet will be supporting the Marine Air Ground Task Force through 2030. The VMFAT-101 SharpShooters continue to maintain a proud heritage from the Phantom II days and produce the highest-caliber combat-ready aircrew. At VMFAT-101 aviators have and will continue to learn the fundamentals that will set the baseline for their careers as naval officers and as aircrew. They will receive the highest level of training as tacticians in the air-to-air and the air-to-ground arenas, but most importantly, they will begin the process of learning what it takes to be a Marine officer in the Hornet community.

source: wikipedia
 
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vmfat-101 sharpshooters insignia crest patch badge marine fighter attack training squadron usmc 02c

vmfat-101 sharpshooters insignia crest patch badge marine fighter attack training squadron usmc 03c
 
 
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