Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314), known as the “Black Knights”, is a United States Marine Corps F-35C Lightning II squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California. The squadron operates under Marine Aircraft Group 11 (MAG-11) and the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (3d MAW) but deploys with the U.S. Navy’s Carrier Air Wing Nine (CVW-9).

Commissioned on October 1, 1943, at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, as Marine Fighting Squadron 314 (VMF-314), the unit was originally nicknamed “Bob’s Cats.” Flying the F4U Corsair under Marine Aircraft Group 32 (MAG-32), the squadron trained for operations in the South Pacific.​ In 1957, the unit transitioned to the F4D Skyray and was redesignated VMF(AW)-314. Later the squadron adopted the “Black Knights” moniker and won the Commandant’s Aviation Efficiency Trophy. The squadron operated in the Far East, supporting Taiwan from Ping-tung Air Base and deploying aboard USS Hancock and USS Ticonderoga. By 1961, VMF(AW)-314 became the first Marine squadron to fly the F-4B Phantom II, and was redesignated VMFA-314. Between 1961 and 1964, it completed eight deployments, including trans-Pacific missions and carrier operations.

In 1965, VMFA-314 deployed aboard USS Valley Forge for combat operations in South Vietnam. From 1965 to 1970, the squadron flew over 25,000 combat hours from Chu Lai and Da Nang, delivering more than 100 million pounds of ordnance. The unit earned multiple awards, including the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award (1968), Hanson Trophy (1969), and Commandant’s Efficiency Trophy (1969, 1970). After nearly four years of continuous combat deployment, the squadron received the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

In 1982, VMFA-314 transitioned to the F/A-18A Hornet, becoming the first Marine and Navy squadron to operate the aircraft. In 1985, the Black Knights deployed aboard USS Coral Sea with Carrier Air Wing 13, participating in Operation El Dorado Canyon against Libya.

​

During the Gulf War, VMFA-314 was the first Marine Hornet squadron to arrive in Bahrain for Operation Desert Shield and later flew 814 combat sorties in Operation Desert Storm, the most of any Navy or Marine unit.​ In the 1990s, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln and participated in Operation Southern Watch over Iraq and Operation Continue Hope off Somalia. By 1994, VMFA-314 relocated to MCAS Miramar and later deployed with USS Nimitz for a global cruise in support of continued no-fly zone enforcement.

Following the September 11 attacks, VMFA-314 accelerated its deployment aboard USS John C. Stennis, supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. Beginning combat operations on December 18, 2001, the squadron delivered over 69,000 pounds of ordnance. The deployment lasted 265 days, including 98 continuous days at sea.

In 2009, VMFA-314 supported Operation Iraqi Freedom from Al Asad Airbase and returned in September of the same year. In 2014, the Black Knights became the first Marine squadron to conduct offensive airstrikes against ISIS during Operation Inherent Resolve.

On June 21, 2019, VMFA-314 retired the F/A-18A++ Hornet and began its transition to the F-35C Lightning II, receiving its first aircraft on January 21, 2020—becoming the first Marine Corps squadron to operate the carrier-based variant.

In January 2022, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) with Carrier Air Wing Nine, marking the first operational carrier deployment of Marine Corps F-35Cs.

During their 2024 WESTPAC deployment, VMFA-314 operated in the South China Sea before being redirected by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) under Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG-3).

Over a four-month period, the squadron executed a range of missions in support of NAVCENT and CENTCOM, culminating in deep-strike operations against Houthi-controlled military targets in Yemen—the first combat employment of the F-35C. Nicknamed the “Panther,” the F-35C proved decisive in delivering over 72,000 pounds of ordnance within 24 hours, reaffirming VMFA-314’s legacy at the forefront of Marine Corps aviation.

​

Our version of the VMFA-232 Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron artwork, used in the F/A-18c Hornet livery: