Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 235 (VMFA-235) was a United States Marine Corps squadron that most recently flew F/A-18 Hornets.
Known as the "Death Angels", the squadron participated in action during World War II, the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm and was decommissioned on June 14, 1996.
The Vietnam War
Redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter (All Weather) Squadron VMF(AW)-235 deployed to Vietnam on February 1, 1966 flying the F-8E Crusader.
Between February 2 and November 15, 1966 the “Death Angels” flew over 6,000 combat sorties in support of over 22 major operations.
They returned to Vietnam on February 15, 1967 this time for over a year until May 11, 1968.
They were the last active duty Crusader squadron. Upon leaving Vietnam, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay.
On September 6, 1968 they were redesignated Fixed Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron VMFA-235 and equipped with the F-4 Phantom.
The 1980s & 1990s
In November 1989, VMFA-235 transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet.
After Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the squadron was deployed to the Shaikh Isa Air Base, Bahrain, on August 22, 1990 in support of Operation Desert Shield.
They were the first Fighter squadron in theater, and were recognized with the "Phoenix Award", a highly prestigious Department of Defense award, for outstanding performance.
During Operation Desert Storm they flew over 2800 sorties in support of coalition forces. In March, 1990, after seven months of operations,
VMFA-235 redeployed to Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
The squadron moved to MCAS El Toro in 1994 and was attached to Marine Aircraft Group 11.
They moved again to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in 1996 and were decommissioned later that year on June 14.
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