VMFA 314 Operated In Middle East Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

The Black Knights of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 returned after a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group 3 to their home base with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on December 14.

The Carrier Strike Group with the squadron had been assigned to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation in the Middle East supporting efforts to degrade Iranian-backed forces and helping prevent escalation of hostilities in the region.

While operating under U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), VMFA 314 conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage facilities in Yemen marking the first use of the F-35 Lightning II in combat operations. The facilities contained conventional weapons such as anti-ship missiles and one-way attack drones used by Houthis to target U.S. military and civilian vessels plying the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

The squadron flew 770 sorties and compiled more than 1,400 flight hours, 195 hours of which were engaged in direct combat ops, during the deployment as they delivered 72,000 lbs of ordnance.

Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314 said, "The capabilities and determination of what our team can do amazes me. We made history during our time in the Middle East all due to the tireless work of our Marines and support of the Carrier Strike Group and U.S. forces.

“This deployment was not easy, and yet the squadron overcame challenging circumstances and continued to set the standard for Marine Corps fixed-wing aviation. We held our steadfast commitment to excellence day in and day out and I will always be proud of their accomplishments. After months of hard work, we are excited to return home to our loved ones."

FMI:  www.marines.mil/