Naval Air Station, Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas -- Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112 has continued to ensure the highest combat readiness possible through various training opportunities throughout the year. Always seeking combat relevant training, the squadron, which is attached to the headquarters group, Marine Aircraft Group 41, deployed approximately 100 Marines on September 9 along with 12 F/A-18 Hornets to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) II – its first deployment since the fatal attacks on the United States during September 11, 2001.
“The recent deployment to Iraq is a historic moment for the squadron,” said Col. Richard Giudice, commanding officer of VMFA-112. “This squadron has not seen combat for over 50 years,” added Giudice.
“My primary goal is to ensure the safety of each of the “Cowboy” Marines and ensure a safe return home.”
Marines of VMFA-112 were first mobilized for the Global War on Terrorism on June 27, 2009 before departing with the main body in September for a seven-month tour in Iraq. They are joined by two more units from Fort Worth, Texas - Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 41 and Marine Air Control Squadron (MACS) 24.
A brief history of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112)
According to historical records, VMFA-112 was activated March 1, 1942 in San Diego, California, flying the F-2A “Brewster Buffalo.” Originally know as the “Wolfpack,” in October 1942 VMFA-112 deployed to Noumea, New Caledonia, flying the F-4 “Wildcat,” and later participated in the Guadalcanal, Southern Solomons, and Iwo Jima campaigns.
In 1943, VMFA-112 began flying the F-4U “Corsair,” and continued operations in the Southern Pacific Theater. In November 1944, the squadron deployed aboard the USS Bennington and conducted air operations until deactivation on September 10, 1945.
VMFA-112 was reactivated as a reserve squadron on July 1, 1946 at Naval Air Station Dallas, Texas. The squadron flew the F-4U “Corsair” until 1955 when it received its first jet aircraft, the F-9F “Panther.” Five years later, the squadron transitioned to the F-J3 “Fury,” which it operated until the arrival of the F-8 “Crusader” in 1965.
By February of that same year, the squadron was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 41 and in October its sister-squadron, VMF-111, was deactivated, with Leatherneck personnel and aircraft to be absorbed by VMFA-112, making it one of the largest reserve squadrons in terms of the number of aircraft assigned.
In July of 1967, the unit changed its name to the “Cowboys,” and redesigned the squadron insignia to reflect the local Dallas Cowboys NFL team.
During 1975, the squadron was re-designated as Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 112 (VMFA-112) and transitioned to the F-4 “Phantom.” In 1976, the squadron upgraded to the McDonnell Douglas F-4N Phantom II, and became Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112.
VMFA-112 flew the venerable “Phantom” until 1992, when the very last Marine F-4 was retired at a ceremony at Naval Air Station Dallas, and the “Cowboys” of VMFA-112 transitioned to the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 “Hornet” which they still fly today.
On October 8, 1992, Capt. Joe “Crip” Riley flew the first Hornet sortie for the Cowboys. VMFA-112 moved to Naval Air Station – Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth in September 1996.
F/A-18 A+ Hornet Fast Facts
Primary function: Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft under all-weather conditions and attack and destroy surface targets.
Crew: 1
Mission:
- Intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in conjunction with ground or airborne fighter control under all-weather conditions.
- Conduct day and night close air support under the weather.
- Conduct day and night precision deep air support, under the weather. Deep air support consists of radar search and attack, interdiction, and strikes against enemy installations using all types of weapons compatible with assigned aircraft.
- Conduct armed escort of friendly aircraft.
- Conduct day and night suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD).
- Be able to operate from aircraft carriers, advanced basses, and expeditionary airfields.
- Be able to deploy or conduct extended range operations employing aerial refueling.