History

The genesis of VMFA-531 began as the Royal Air Force was thrust head-on into the field of night fighting to counter the Nazi night bombing raids. During the 1930's the British had been developing airborne and ground radar's with which to counter the imminent threat and were far more advance in these fields than US Navy or Marine aviation. Two Marine aviators who had served with the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics, Captain E. Colston Dyers and Major Frank H. Schwable, were sent on around-the-world tours in 1941 to get a first hand look at British night fighter combat operations against the Germans, squadron training, gunnery and tactical doctrine and the types of aircraft suited for the night fighter missions. The formation of the Marine night fighter program as a countermeasure to the Japanese threat evolved as a direct result of the foresight and determination of these (among other) aviation pioneers.

In 1942, the Navy Department had scheduled a massive procurement of some 27,500 airplanes over the next five years. As a part of the program the Marine Corps received authorizations for eight 12 plane night fighter squadrons to be commissioned between 1 January and 30 June 1945. Ultimately, combat requirements dictated a change of priorities. Thus, the first Marine night fighter squadron VMF(N)-531 was activated on 16 November 1942 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. It was the first squadron commissioned under the CG, MCAS Cherry Point, with LtCol Schwable commanding.

The first aircraft possessed by VMF(N)-531 were two North American SNJ-4 Texans, assigned when the squadron was activated. They were later augmented by SB2A-4 Brewster Buccaneers. These aircraft were reclaimed Dutch dive bombers initially ordered for defense of the Netherlands East Indies, which were flown until the twin-engine Lockheed Ventura PV-l became operational as a night fighter. The Ventura, an older aircraft, was essentially the only twin-engine available during these austere times, for the first night fighter squadron. Major modifications were required before the first Ventura was delivered on 15 February 1943.

MAG-53 reported to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, FMF, on 16 April 1943. In response to Japanese night air attacks on Guadalcanal, the first Marine night fighter squadron, VMF(N)-531, deployed to the South Pacific, via the West Coast in the summer of 1943. In August, the first contingent of squadron aircraft launched from the Hawaiian Islands for Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Islands arriving on 25 August 1943 and then on to the Russell Islands, arriving in Banika on 11 September 1943. Air patrols began on 16 September 1943, as a member of MAG-21, 1st MAW. Thus VMF(N)-531 became the first Naval Aviation night fighter squadron in the South Pacific and the first of any of the US services to participate in combat as a radar equipped night fighter squadron.

Of note, the night fighters were never popularized as were the day fighters or the employment of close air support which at the time was unique to the Marine Corps. Aside from the obvious security restrictions, Marines in the Pacific simply did not know that the night fighters existed.

By 18 October 1943, the squadron was working together with its own Ground Control Intercept (GCI) personnel, a unit responsible for a large portion of the fighter direction at night in the Central Solomon Islands, located at Liapari Point on Vela Lavella. The squadron operated from fields in the Russell Islands, Vela Lavella, and Bougainvillea, participating in the New Georgia, Bougainvillea, Bismarck Archipelago, and Northern Solomon's Campaigns, while pioneering Marine GCI and night fighter tactics. The squadron also covered the landings at Treasury Island and Choissul.

The First enemy plane ever destroyed by a night fighter in the Naval service, a "Betty" bomber was shot down on 31 October 1943, by a VF(N)-75 F4U Corsair under the direction of a VMF(N)-531 Fighter Direction Officer located at Pakoi on Vela Lavella.

On 13 November 1943, Captain D. H. Jenkins with a crew of SSgt T. J. Glennon and SSgt A. H. Stout got the first VMF(N)-531 night kill, a "Betty", while under the control of 'Horse Base', a task force about 50 miles southwest of Torokina Point in the Northern Solomon's.

The first kill by a Marine GCI/night fighter team was scored by VMF(N)-531 on 6 December 1943, when LtCol John D. "Iron John" Harshberger, downed a single-engine, twin float plane off Motupina Point on Bougainvillea.

The squadron went on to compile an enviable record of twelve enemy planes shot down by five different pilots and crews, all at night. VMF(N)-531 GCI controllers accounted for a total of ten enemy aircraft losses. The Japanese quickly became wary of risking their planes in areas protected by the GCI/night fighter teams.

The squadron completed its South Pacific tour based on Green Island, northwest of Bougainvillea, working with patrols of naval surface craft. Despite some communications problems, it was proved that properly controlled night fighter cover can substantially aid surface craft in successfully carrying out their mission of destroying enemy surface craft and shore installations with the assurance that the enemy aircraft will not interfere.

Probably the most important contribution VMF(N)-531 made to the developments that led to later successful operations against the Japanese was to prove the desirability of landing GCI equipment on D-day in order to provide efficient ground control for night fighters during the troops first few critical nights ashore.

By 1 September 1944, the squadron had returned to MCAS Cherry Point and was deactivated on 3 September only to be reactivated on 13 October 1944 at MCAAF Kinston, NC, and reassigned to MAG-53, 9th MAW.

When the war with Japan ended, VMF(N)-531 was in full operation, training replacement pilots and airborne intercept operators for overseas assignment. In February 1946, the squadron, along with MAG-53, was relocated to MCAS Cherry Point and 531 became a paper shell without aircraft and only cadre personnel. In March the "Grey Ghosts" were assigned to the 2nd MAW.

The squadron operated out of Cherry Point with training flights of a routine nature. In June 1948, the squadron was assigned to MAG-14 and on 14 October 1948, the "Grey Ghosts" were redesignated as VMF(AW)-531, Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 531. In September 1949, the squadron was reassigned to MAG-24.

During the Korean Conflict, operations continued at MCAS Cherry Point flying the Douglas F-3D Skyknight, with the dual mission of training pilots and airborne intercept operators for the Korean replacement drafts, and FMF commitments.

Following the Korean Conflict the Grey Ghosts remained at MCAS Cherry Point as part of MAG-24. Beginning in February 1959. The Douglas F4D Skyray, an 'all weather' single seat, delta wing, jet interceptor, began replacing the slower F3D's.

In July 1960, the 'Grey Ghosts' returned to MAG-24 at MCAS Cherry Point. Following a year of normal training operations the squadron again deployed to NAS Atsugi from July 1961 until July 1962, as a member of MAG-11.

Back at MCAS Cherry Point in MAG-24, the 'Grey Ghosts' became the second Marine squadron, first on the east coast, to transition to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Transition training started in July 1962, at NAS Oceania, VA, with the Navy Replacement Air Group. By late September enough aircraft were on board at Cherry Point for the squadron to commence training operations.

VMF(AW)-531 was the first Marine Fighter Squadron to join NORAD, reporting to NAS Key West, FL, in early 1963, and playing a significant role in the air defense commitment during the Cuban Missile crisis. The 'Grey Ghosts' returned to MCAS Cherry Point in June.

In August of 1963. The squadron was redesignated as VMFA-531, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 531, the same designation carried today, and that dual role started preparation for yet another West Pac deployment.

On 16 June 1964, the squadron departed MCAS Cherry Point to join MAG-11 at NAS Atsugi, arriving via MCAS El Toro, Kaneohe Bay, and Wake Island. The next few months were devoted to increasing preparedness for possible Vietnam deployment.

On 10 April 1965, within 3 hours after receiving orders reached the squadron, the first division of Phantoms left NAS Atsugi on the 2,500 mile flight to DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, utilizing in-flight refueling. The 'Grey Ghosts' became the first Marine jet squadron to see combat since Korea, the first fixed wing unit to provide integrated enroute escort and landing support for helicopters in tactical combat operations, and the first F-4 Phantom squadron to base and operate in Vietnam.

In April 1968, VMFA-531 was relocated to MAG-33, 3rd MAW, MCAS El Toro, CA. with a mere two individuals. Over the next two months the squadron would receive combat weary F-4B Phantoms from several Marine squadrons stationed in South Vietnam. As these aircraft were in need of significant maintenance, some even arriving via truck, it would be more than ninety days before the first of these aircraft would take to the skies over southern California. This aircraft B/N: 148373, squadron number "00", was affectionately known as "Double Nuts". She is currently on display at MCAS El Toro. Although, not in 531 paint scheme. It was also during this tour at El Toro, that the squadron earned the well-deserved nickname of "Five-Thirsty-First".

During December 1970, VMFA-531 was initially assigned to MAG-13 and further reassigned to MAG-11 in September 1971. In September 1972 , the 'Grey Ghosts' deployed aboard the USS Forestal (CVA-59) for a Mediterranean cruise. During the carrier based deployment, as a member of Attack Carrier Air Wing 17, the squadron distinguished itself with the 6th Fleet and Allied Forces while operating in the theater. During July 1973, the squadron was once again relocated to MCAS El Toro, CA, in MAG-11.

In the spring of 1975, VMFA-531 was selected to become the second Marine Corps F-14 Tomcat squadron. There upon, the squadron was administratively transferred to MCAS Beaufort, SC. Upon cancellation of Marine participation in the F-14 program, the 'Grey Ghosts' returned to El Toro on 29 August 1975, and were refitted with the F4-N Phantom II.

During the buildup phase the 'Grey Ghosts' fired the first AIM-7F Sparrow missile from an F-4N. The Grey Ghosts returned to El Toro in June 1980, after completing a successful tour of duty in the Indian Ocean, which included 102 consecutive days at sea in support of the Iranian Crisis.

Deployment aboard the USS Coral Sea to the Indian Ocean set the stage for a. first in the annals of Naval and Marine Corps Aviation. For the first time in history, an entire Carrier Battle Group's maritime superiority was provided exclusively by Marine Corps fighters, VMFA-531 and VMFA-323.

Transition training to the McDonnell/Douglas F/A-18 commenced in January of 1983 as NAS Lemoore, CA, under VFA-125's tutelage. On 29 May 1983, the 'Grey Ghosts' became the third fleet squadron, following the Black Knight's of VMFA-314 and the Death Rattler's of VMFA-323, to receive the Hornet. By August, the full compliment of twelve state-of-the-art aircraft were resident at Ghost Town.

From 10 September through 24 September 1983, the 'Grey Ghosts' were deployed to Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, as participants in the Canadian exercise Maple Flag XII. This was the first deployment for a Fleet F/A-18 squadron outside of CONUS. A close relationship was established with the Canadians 410 Squadron, their first CF-18 squadron. The Cougars of 410 Squadron, interestingly, were the first night fighter squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II.

The first F/A-18 TRANSPAC took place on 22 March 1984 when the 'Grey Ghosts' launched four Hornets to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, in conjunction with a ten day deployment. Prior to landing a Kaneohe Bay, the Hornets successfully fired two AIM-7F Sparrow and two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles against BQM-74C airborne drones at the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility northwest of the island of Kauai. The missile shot was the first ever conducted following a transoceanic flight. Additionally, the 81/2 flight was the longest ever recorded by the F/A-18A, reconfirming its tactical flexibility and reliability. The 'Grey Ghosts' completed their first F/A-18 combat readiness evaluation (MCCRES) on 7 June 1984. In keeping with the VMFA-531 tradition of excellence the evaluation was superb, including a surge operation of 80 sorties in eleven hours, proving the F/A-18's reliability and maintainability.

In August 1985, the squadron accomplished another first in its employment of the F/A-18. The 'Grey Ghosts' deployed to Inshas Air Base, Egypt, as a participant in Exercise Bright Star-85. It was the longest, 7000 miles, land based, self-sustaining deployment for the aircraft. While in Egypt, the squadron supported an amphibious landing of Marines, provided air cover for air strikes against Egyptian bases and fought the entire fighter inventory of host nation aircraft.

During the remainder of 1985 and through the fall of 1986, the squadron conducted an extremely intense training schedule operating in the far corners of the US from Key West, FL, to Adak, AK, and many places in between.

In June of 1987 the 'Grey Ghosts' became the first F/A-18 squadron to work with US Army helicopters on coordinated night low altitude infrared laser designated ordnance deliveries at Robert Gray AAF at Fitbody, TX. Following this, the squadron participated in Red Flag-87-5. After Red Flag, the 'Grey Ghosts' perfumed another 'first' by being the first fleet F/A-18 squadron to drop MK-20 Rockeye bombs.

On 19 April 1988, twelve F/A-18's of VMFA-531 departed on the first leg of the TRANSPAC to Korea to participate as the first West Coast F/A-18 squadron in the Unit Deployment Program. After two night each in Oahu, HI, and Wake Island, the aircraft arrived at Yechon Air Base, Republic of Korea on Sunday 24 April 1988. This began the 'Grey Ghosts' participation in the largest and longest expeditionary Marine Aircraft Group deployment since the Vietnam War. The squadron operated with distinction for over five months from an austere, bare-based, expeditionary, tent-housed environment.

While deployed to Korea, the squadron conducted one major deployment to U-Tapao Air Base, Kingdom of Thailand to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 88. The air combat element included VMFA-531. The detachment was the first Marine aviation deployment to Southeast Asia since the end of US involvement in Vietnam.


	VMF(N)-531 -- Activated 16 November 1942 VMF(AW)-531 -- Redesignated 14 October 1948 VMFA-531 -- Redesignated 1 August 1963 The genesis of VMFA-531 began as the Royal Air Force was thrust head-on into the field of night fighting to counter the Nazi night bombing raids. During the 1930's the British had been developing airborne and ground radar's with which to counter the imminent threat and were far more advance in these fields than US Navy or Marine aviation. Two Marine aviators who had served with the Navy's Bureau of Aeronautics, Captain E. Colston Dyers and Major Frank H. Schwable, were sent on around-the-world tours in 1941 to get a first hand look at British night fighter combat operations against the Germans, squadron training, gunnery and tactical doctrine and the types of aircraft suited for the night fighter missions. The formation of the Marine night fighter program as a countermeasure to the Japanese threat evolved as a direct result of the foresight and determination of these (among other) aviation pioneers. In 1942, the Navy Department had scheduled a massive procurement of some 27,500 airplanes over the next five years. As a part of the program the Marine Corps received authorizations for eight 12 plane night fighter squadrons to be commissioned between 1 January and 30 June 1945. Ultimately, combat requirements dictated a change of priorities. Thus, the first Marine night fighter squadron VMF(N)-531 was activated on 16 November 1942 at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. It was the first squadron commissioned under the CG, MCAS Cherry Point, with LtCol Schwable commanding. By 9 January 1943, the squadron came under the Fleet Marine Force and on 1 April, upon commissioning of Marine Aircraft Group 53, the squadron was absorbed into MAG 53. The first aircraft possessed by VMF(N)-531 were two North American SNJ-4 Texans, assigned when the squadron was activated. They were later augmented by SB2A-4 Brewster Buccaneers. These aircraft were reclaimed Dutch dive bombers initially ordered for defense of the Netherlands East Indies, which were flown until the twin-engine Lockheed Ventura PV-l became operational as a night fighter. The Ventura, an older aircraft, was essentially the only twin-engine available during these austere times, for the first night fighter squadron. Major modifications were required before the first Ventura was delivered on 15 February 1943. MAG-53 reported to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, FMF, on 16 April 1943. In response to Japanese night air attacks on Guadalcanal, the first Marine night fighter squadron, VMF(N)-531, deployed to the South Pacific, via the West Coast in the summer of 1943. In August, the first contingent of squadron aircraft launched from the Hawaiian Islands for Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides Islands arriving on 25 August 1943 and then on to the Russell Islands, arriving in Banika on 11 September 1943. Air patrols began on 16 September 1943, as a member of MAG-21, 1st MAW. Thus VMF(N)-531 became the first Naval Aviation night fighter squadron in the South Pacific and the first of any of the US services to participate in combat as a radar equipped night fighter squadron. Of note, the night fighters were never popularized as were the day fighters or the employment of close air support which at the time was unique to the Marine Corps. Aside from the obvious security restrictions, Marines in the Pacific simply did not know that the night fighters existed. By 18 October 1943, the squadron was working together with its own Ground Control Intercept (GCI) personnel, a unit responsible for a large portion of the fighter direction at night in the Central Solomon Islands, located at Liapari Point on Vela Lavella. The squadron operated from fields in the Russell Islands, Vela Lavella, and Bougainvillea, participating in the New Georgia, Bougainvillea, Bismarck Archipelago, and Northern Solomon's Campaigns, while pioneering Marine GCI and night fighter tactics. The squadron also covered the landings at Treasury Island and Choissul. The First enemy plane ever destroyed by a night fighter in the Naval service, a "Betty" bomber was shot down on 31 October 1943, by a VF(N)-75 F4U Corsair under the direction of a VMF(N)-531 Fighter Direction Officer located at Pakoi on Vela Lavella. On 13 November 1943, Captain D. H. Jenkins with a crew of SSgt T. J. Glennon and SSgt A. H. Stout got the first VMF(N)-531 night kill, a "Betty", while under the control of 'Horse Base', a task force about 50 miles southwest of Torokina Point in the Northern Solomon's. The first kill by a Marine GCI/night fighter team was scored by VMF(N)-531 on 6 December 1943, when LtCol John D. "Iron John" Harshberger, downed a single-engine, twin float plane off Motupina Point on Bougainvillea. The squadron went on to compile an enviable record of twelve enemy planes shot down by five different pilots and crews, all at night. VMF(N)-531 GCI controllers accounted for a total of ten enemy aircraft losses. The Japanese quickly became wary of risking their planes in areas protected by the GCI/night fighter teams. PV-1 Ventura, VMF(N)-531, Bougainvillea, 1944 The squadron completed its South Pacific tour based on Green Island, northwest of Bougainvillea, working with patrols of naval surface craft. Despite some communications problems, it was proved that properly controlled night fighter cover can substantially aid surface craft in successfully carrying out their mission of destroying enemy surface craft and shore installations with the assurance that the enemy aircraft will not interfere. Probably the most important contribution VMF(N)-531 made to the developments that led to later successful operations against the Japanese was to prove the desirability of landing GCI equipment on D-day in order to provide efficient ground control for night fighters during the troops first few critical nights ashore. By 1 September 1944, the squadron had returned to MCAS Cherry Point and was deactivated on 3 September only to be reactivated on 13 October 1944 at MCAAF Kinston, NC, and reassigned to MAG-53, 9th MAW. On 29 November 1944, MAG-53 including VMF(N)-531 moved to MCAS Eagle Lake, TX, near Ft. Worth, where the squadron operated as a training unit. When the war with Japan ended, VMF(N)-531 was in full operation, training replacement pilots and airborne intercept operators for overseas assignment. In February 1946, the squadron, along with MAG-53, was relocated to MCAS Cherry Point and 531 became a paper shell without aircraft and only cadre personnel. In March the "Grey Ghosts" were assigned to the 2nd MAW. In November 1946, the squadron again became a full time operating entity with the assignment of twelve F7F-3N Tigercat's, qualified aircrew and personnel. The squadron operated out of Cherry Point with training flights of a routine nature. In June 1948, the squadron was assigned to MAG-14 and on 14 October 1948, the "Grey Ghosts" were redesignated as VMF(AW)-531, Marine All Weather Fighter Squadron 531. In September 1949, the squadron was reassigned to MAG-24. During the Korean Conflict, operations continued at MCAS Cherry Point flying the Douglas F-3D Skyknight, with the dual mission of training pilots and airborne intercept operators for the Korean replacement drafts, and FMF commitments. Following the Korean Conflict the Grey Ghosts remained at MCAS Cherry Point as part of MAG-24. Beginning in February 1959. The Douglas F4D Skyray, an 'all weather' single seat, delta wing, jet interceptor, began replacing the slower F3D's. By April 1959, the squadron was considered fully combat ready and deployed to MAG-11 at NAS Atsugi, Japan, for a routine tour of overseas duty. In July 1960, the 'Grey Ghosts' returned to MAG-24 at MCAS Cherry Point. Following a year of normal training operations the squadron again deployed to NAS Atsugi from July 1961 until July 1962, as a member of MAG-11. Back at MCAS Cherry Point in MAG-24, the 'Grey Ghosts' became the second Marine squadron, first on the east coast, to transition to the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. Transition training started in July 1962, at NAS Oceania, VA, with the Navy Replacement Air Group. By late September enough aircraft were on board at Cherry Point for the squadron to commence training operations. VMF(AW)-531 was the first Marine Fighter Squadron to join NORAD, reporting to NAS Key West, FL, in early 1963, and playing a significant role in the air defense commitment during the Cuban Missile crisis. The 'Grey Ghosts' returned to MCAS Cherry Point in June. In August of 1963. The squadron was redesignated as VMFA-531, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 531, the same designation carried today, and that dual role started preparation for yet another West Pac deployment. On 16 June 1964, the squadron departed MCAS Cherry Point to join MAG-11 at NAS Atsugi, arriving via MCAS El Toro, Kaneohe Bay, and Wake Island. The next few months were devoted to increasing preparedness for possible Vietnam deployment. F-4B Phantom II, VMFA-531, DaNang, 1965 On 10 April 1965, within 3 hours after receiving orders reached the squadron, the first division of Phantoms left NAS Atsugi on the 2,500 mile flight to DaNang, Republic of Vietnam, utilizing in-flight refueling. The 'Grey Ghosts' became the first Marine jet squadron to see combat since Korea, the first fixed wing unit to provide integrated enroute escort and landing support for helicopters in tactical combat operations, and the first F-4 Phantom squadron to base and operate in Vietnam. Returning from the war zone in July 1965, the squadron was reformed at MCAS Cherry Point in MAG-24 to train combat crews for duty in Vietnam. In April 1968, VMFA-531 was relocated to MAG-33, 3rd MAW, MCAS El Toro, CA. with a mere two individuals. Over the next two months the squadron would receive combat weary F-4B Phantoms from several Marine squadrons stationed in South Vietnam. As these aircraft were in need of significant maintenance, some even arriving via truck, it would be more than ninety days before the first of these aircraft would take to the skies over southern California. This aircraft B/N: 148373, squadron number "00", was affectionately known as "Double Nuts". She is currently on display at MCAS El Toro. Although, not in 531 paint scheme. It was also during this tour at El Toro, that the squadron earned the well-deserved nickname of "Five-Thirsty-First". F-4N Phantom II, VMFA-531, MCAS El Toro, 1971 During December 1970, VMFA-531 was initially assigned to MAG-13 and further reassigned to MAG-11 in September 1971. In September 1972 , the 'Grey Ghosts' deployed aboard the USS Forestal (CVA-59) for a Mediterranean cruise. During the carrier based deployment, as a member of Attack Carrier Air Wing 17, the squadron distinguished itself with the 6th Fleet and Allied Forces while operating in the theater. During July 1973, the squadron was once again relocated to MCAS El Toro, CA, in MAG-11. In the spring of 1975, VMFA-531 was selected to become the second Marine Corps F-14 Tomcat squadron. There upon, the squadron was administratively transferred to MCAS Beaufort, SC. Upon cancellation of Marine participation in the F-14 program, the 'Grey Ghosts' returned to El Toro on 29 August 1975, and were refitted with the F4-N Phantom II. November 1979 once again found the squadron deployed on an aircraft carrier, this time aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43), as a member of Carrier Air Wing 14. During the buildup phase the 'Grey Ghosts' fired the first AIM-7F Sparrow missile from an F-4N. The Grey Ghosts returned to El Toro in June 1980, after completing a successful tour of duty in the Indian Ocean, which included 102 consecutive days at sea in support of the Iranian Crisis. F-4N Phantom II, VMFA-531, USS Coral Sea, 1980 Deployment aboard the USS Coral Sea to the Indian Ocean set the stage for a. first in the annals of Naval and Marine Corps Aviation. For the first time in history, an entire Carrier Battle Group's maritime superiority was provided exclusively by Marine Corps fighters, VMFA-531 and VMFA-323. On 24 November 1982, the last of the squadron's venerable F-4N's departed MCAS El Toro, as a flight of eight, ending over 20 years of service with the Phantom. Transition training to the McDonnell/Douglas F/A-18 commenced in January of 1983 as NAS Lemoore, CA, under VFA-125's tutelage. On 29 May 1983, the 'Grey Ghosts' became the third fleet squadron, following the Black Knight's of VMFA-314 and the Death Rattler's of VMFA-323, to receive the Hornet. By August, the full compliment of twelve state-of-the-art aircraft were resident at Ghost Town. F/A-18 Hornet, VMFA-531 From 10 September through 24 September 1983, the 'Grey Ghosts' were deployed to Canadian Forces Base, Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada, as participants in the Canadian exercise Maple Flag XII. This was the first deployment for a Fleet F/A-18 squadron outside of CONUS. A close relationship was established with the Canadians 410 Squadron, their first CF-18 squadron. The Cougars of 410 Squadron, interestingly, were the first night fighter squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. In October 1983, the 'Grey Ghosts' provided the first fleet Hornet pilots to graduate from the Navy Fighter Weapons School, TOP GUN, five week course of instruction. The first F/A-18 TRANSPAC took place on 22 March 1984 when the 'Grey Ghosts' launched four Hornets to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, HI, in conjunction with a ten day deployment. Prior to landing a Kaneohe Bay, the Hornets successfully fired two AIM-7F Sparrow and two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles against BQM-74C airborne drones at the Barking Sands Pacific Missile Range Facility northwest of the island of Kauai. The missile shot was the first ever conducted following a transoceanic flight. Additionally, the 81/2 flight was the longest ever recorded by the F/A-18A, reconfirming its tactical flexibility and reliability. The 'Grey Ghosts' completed their first F/A-18 combat readiness evaluation (MCCRES) on 7 June 1984. In keeping with the VMFA-531 tradition of excellence the evaluation was superb, including a surge operation of 80 sorties in eleven hours, proving the F/A-18's reliability and maintainability. During 1984-1986 VMFA-531 led all Navy/Marine tactical Hornet squadrons in both Full Mission Capable and Mission Capable aircraft readiness rates and flight hour production. In August 1985, the squadron accomplished another first in its employment of the F/A-18. The 'Grey Ghosts' deployed to Inshas Air Base, Egypt, as a participant in Exercise Bright Star-85. It was the longest, 7000 miles, land based, self-sustaining deployment for the aircraft. While in Egypt, the squadron supported an amphibious landing of Marines, provided air cover for air strikes against Egyptian bases and fought the entire fighter inventory of host nation aircraft. During the remainder of 1985 and through the fall of 1986, the squadron conducted an extremely intense training schedule operating in the far corners of the US from Key West, FL, to Adak, AK, and many places in between. In June of 1987 the 'Grey Ghosts' became the first F/A-18 squadron to work with US Army helicopters on coordinated night low altitude infrared laser designated ordnance deliveries at Robert Gray AAF at Fitbody, TX. Following this, the squadron participated in Red Flag-87-5. After Red Flag, the 'Grey Ghosts' perfumed another 'first' by being the first fleet F/A-18 squadron to drop MK-20 Rockeye bombs. On 19 April 1988, twelve F/A-18's of VMFA-531 departed on the first leg of the TRANSPAC to Korea to participate as the first West Coast F/A-18 squadron in the Unit Deployment Program. After two night each in Oahu, HI, and Wake Island, the aircraft arrived at Yechon Air Base, Republic of Korea on Sunday 24 April 1988. This began the 'Grey Ghosts' participation in the largest and longest expeditionary Marine Aircraft Group deployment since the Vietnam War. The squadron operated with distinction for over five months from an austere, bare-based, expeditionary, tent-housed environment. While deployed to Korea, the squadron conducted one major deployment to U-Tapao Air Base, Kingdom of Thailand to participate in Exercise Cobra Gold 88. The air combat element included VMFA-531. The detachment was the first Marine aviation deployment to Southeast Asia since the end of US involvement in Vietnam. The 'Grey Ghosts' returned to MCAS El Toro on 6 October 1988. During the Gulf War, VMFA-531 remained at El Toro, many of its' planes and personnel fought with other Marine squadrons stationed in Saudi Arabia and surrounding countries. "In my heart, I know 531 will see action again, only time will tell, but I know our reputation will bring us back to the forefront again.", Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Keith A. Smith. The 'Grey Ghosts' of VMFA-531 were decommissioned on 27 March 1992