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Concept
VMA-331
Summary
Marine Attack Squadron 331 (VMA-331) was an attack squadron in the United States Marine Corps. The squadron, also known as the “Doodlebugs” and “Bumblebees,” was part of Marine Aircraft Group 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and was based out of Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. The squadron fought in World War II and Operation Desert Storm. It was decommissioned as part of the post Cold War drawdown of the US Military on October 1, 1992.
Marine Scout Bomber Squadron 331 (VMSB-331) was formed on January 1, 1943 at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. The squadron flew SBD Dauntless dive bombers. On June 1, 1943, the squadron's personnel and aircraft were divided to form VMSB-332. Also in June of that year the squadron moved and became the first unit to arrive at Bogue Field, North Carolina. This was followed by a move to San Diego in September to prepare for movement to the South Pacific. The squadron deployed overseas, finally arriving at Nukufetau Airfield on November 15, 1943. VMSB-331 operated from that island during the invasion of the Gilbert Islands. On November 30, 1943, the squadron sent a detachment to Tarawa to aid in patrol operations until December 26, 1943. In October 1944, the squadron was redesignated Marine Fighter Bomber Squadron 331 (VMBF-331), but they reverted to VMSB-331 on December 30, 1944. VMSB-331 remained the Pacific and carried out air strikes against by-passed Japanese positions in the Marshall Islands for the remainder of the war.
Following the war, VMSB-331 returned to the United States in October 1945 and was decommissioned quickly thereafter on November 21, 1945.
VMA-331 was reactivated on April 23, 1952 at Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida. In 1959, VMA-331 was the last squadron in the Marine Corps to deploy overseas while flying the A-4D "Skyhawk". VMA-331 deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico during the blockade of Cuba. Two Skyhawks were lost during a two plane section take-off the day the squadron left MCAS Beaufort for the Caribbean.
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