VMFP-3

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3
VMFP-3 insignia
Active	July 1, 1975 - September 30, 1990
Country	United States
Branch	USMC
Role	Reconnaissance
Part of	Inactive
Nickname(s)	Eyes of the Corps
Tail Code	RF

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3) was activated on July 1, 1975 as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. The squadron was deactivated on September 30, 1990.

Mission

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

History

Photo and electronic reconnaissance had previously been conducted by three Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons (VMCJ-1, 2, 3) located at MCAS Iwakuni, MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS El Toro, respectively. These squadrons, (each flying RF-4Bs and EA-6As) were consolidated into two reconnaissance squadrons- VMAQ-2 at MCAS Cherry Point operating all the EA-6s, and VMFP-3 operating all the RF-4Bs. Each squadron would deploy detachments to Iwakuni to fly missions previously flown by VMCJ-1.

Two RF-4B Phantoms in flight in 1990.

Overseas detachments, in addition to supporting FMF operations, continued the 7th fleet support started by VMCJ-1 in 1974. RF-4Bs were permanently deployed aboard the USS Midway until 1984.

The mission of the VMFP-3 was replaced by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System carried by the F/A-18D Hornet aircraft.

See also

• United States Marine Corps Aviation
• List of inactive United States Marine Corps aircraft squadrons

References

Notes

Bibliography

Web

• VMFP-3 History

External links

• Photo of an RF-4B Phantom II, with VMFP-3 markings, on display at the National Museum of Naval Aviation

• Photo of an RF-4B Phantom II, with VMFP-3 markings, on display at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar