VMA-542 is the USMC's first East Coast operational F-35 squadron

Officials from Marine Attack Squadron 542 (VMA-542) held a re-designation ceremony on Dec. 1 at MCAS Cherry Point, to celebrate the squadron’s transition from an AV-8B Harrier squadron to the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35 squadron.

A U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier assigned to Marine Attack Squadron 542 flies over Bodo, Norway during Fjord Fury, June 6, 2018. Exercise Fjord Fury is designed to conduct combined training with NATO allied forces, foster relationships with host and partner nations, and improve the squadron’s combat readiness. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jailine L. Martinez)

VMA-542 has been redesignated as VMFA-542 at the ceremony.

The F-35B is the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, which will allow the squadron to operate from amphibious assault ships and short airstrips.

Since it was activated in March 1942, VMA-542 has participated in every major conflict for the United States, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. VMA-542 has also participated in multiple deployments and operations, such as Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Southwest Asia, Operation Noble Anvil in Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya, Operation Odyssey Lightning in Libya, Operation Inherent Resolve in Afghanistan, and deployments in support of multiple Marine Expeditionary Units.

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