VMFA(AW)-332 - Wikipedia
Global War on Terror[edit]
The Moonlighters arrived at
Andersen Air Force Base,
Guam, on January 11, 2002 and took over
Operation Noble Eagle, relieving
VMFA-212 and
VMFA-232. During the squadron’s tour in Guam, they flew 262 sorties and amassed 582.7 hours of flight time.
In January 2002, VMFA(AW)-332 joined the VMFA-212 to form two composite squadrons, providing the Lancers the capability of conducting ATARS reconnaissance missions and FAC(A) in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and
Operation Southern Watch (OSW). The squadrons exchanged four aircraft as well as aircrew and maintainers for this effort. During this deployment, the squadron deployed to
Okinawa, the
Philippines,
Khorat and MCAS Iwakuni, and surpassed 90,000 mishap-free flight hours.
On September 11, 2003, they again returned to Japan to as part of the Unit Deployment Program. During this deployment, the squadron deployed to
Dhaka,
Bangladesh in support of
Operation Sumo Tiger as well as to
Thailand, Guam, and
Townsville, Australia. On May 26, 2005, the “Moonlighters” reached the 100,000 mishap-free flight hour mark, recognizing 27 years of professionalism and safety.
LtGen James Amos presented the squadron with the 100,000 award on July 20, 2005. This achievement represents the longest record of mishap-free flight of any tactical aviation squadron in Marine Corps history.