MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Just in time for the holidays, the “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 returned to their home base at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar after a five-month deployment, the United States Marine Corps announced.
The “Black Knights” of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314 were welcomed home by awaiting family members on Saturday after making history at sea.
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Marine Fighter Attack Squadron returns home from combat deployment in time for holidays (FOX 5/KUSI) -
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron returns home from combat deployment in time for holidays (FOX 5/KUSI) -
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron returns home from combat deployment in time for holidays (FOX 5/KUSI)
VMFA-314 returned to their home base with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing after a five-month deployment with Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3 to the U.S. 7th and 5th Fleet areas of operation.
The U.S. Marine Corps says VMFA-314 deployed on July 11, 2024 aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), after completing a four-week composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX).
While deployed, the “Black Knights” Marine Fighter Attack Squadron conducted dual-carrier operations with the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and supported efforts to degrade Iranian-backed capabilities.
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240607-N-NA571-2048 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 7, 2024) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to taxi across the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting integrated exercises to bolster strike group readiness and capability in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Valerie Morrison) -
240810-N-NH911-1169 PACIFIC OCEAN (Aug. 10, 2024) An F-35C Lightning II, assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 314, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Abraham Lincoln, flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is underway conducting routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Daniel Kimmelman) -
241025-N-AB116-9160 U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (Oct. 25, 2024) A U.S. Navy officer observes flight operations as an F35-C Lightning II, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 314, taxis on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). (Official U.S. Navy photo)
The Marine Corps says VMFA-314 conducted multiple strikes on Houthi weapons storage
facilities in Yemen, which housed conventional weapons, including anti-ship missiles and one-way attack drones, used by the Iranian-backed Houthis to target U.S. military and civilian vessels navigating international waters in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
The Marine Corps noted it marked the first use of the F-35C Lightning II in combat operations.
“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,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Davis, commanding officer of VMFA-314. “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.”
The Abraham Lincoln Strike Group worked with more than 10 allied nations to strengthen joint maritime capabilities. VMFA-314 flew more than 1,400 flight hours across 770 sorties during the five-month deployment, with 195 hours and 61 sorties in direct support of combat operations.
The Black Knights were led by commanding officer, Lt. Col. Jeffrey “Wiki” Davis, and executive officer, Maj. Nicholas “Pwee” Koza.
“It’s incredible. You get used to being underway and on the ship and with the Marines. It really starts to hit you as you get closer to San Diego… you start to see Coronado, San Diego and you finally see Miramar. And as you are pulling down the line you see all the families waiting for you. Definitely a joyful, emotional day,” said Lt. Col. Davis.
The Marine Corps says the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG 77) and USS Stockdale (DDG 106) remain deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations supporting global maritime security operations.
Tony Shin contributed to this report