VMFP-3

Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron Three (VMFP-3) was activated in the Third Marine Air Wing at MCAS El Toro, California on 1 July, 1975. 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.

VMFP-3 mission was to conduct aerial multisensor imagery reconnaissance to include aerial photographic, infrared, and side looking airborne radar reconnaissance in support of Fleet Marine Force operations. In addition to it's stated mission, VMFP-3 had been responsible for many other tasks. 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.

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