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 |
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.
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.