VMFP-3
title: "VMFP-3" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["tactical-reconnaissance-squadrons-of-the-united-states-marine-corps", "inactive-units-of-the-united-states-marine-corps", "reconnaissance-units-of-the-united-states-marine-corps", "military-units-and-formations-disestablished-in-1990"] topic_path: "geography/united-states" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMFP-3" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox military unit"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| unit_name | Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 |
| image | VMFP-3 (1983) - Copy.jpg |
| image_size | 225 |
| caption | VMFP-3 insignia |
| dates | 1 July 1975 – 30 September 1990 |
| country | United States of America |
| branch | United States Marine Corps |
| role | reconnaissance |
| command_structure | inactive |
| nickname | Eyes of the Corps |
| colors | RF |
| colors_label | tail code |
| :: |
|unit_name=Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 | image= VMFP-3 (1983) - Copy.jpg | image_size = 225 |caption= VMFP-3 insignia |dates= 1 July 1975 – 30 September 1990 | country = United States of America | allegiance = | branch = United States Marine Corps |type= |role=reconnaissance |size= |command_structure= inactive |current_commander= |garrison= |ceremonial_chief= |colonel_of_the_regiment= |nickname= Eyes of the Corps |patron= |motto= |colors=RF |colors_label=tail code |march= |mascot= |battles= |notable_commanders= |anniversaries=
Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 (VMFP-3) was an aviation unit of the United States Marine Corps active between 1975 and 1990.
Mission
Conduct aerial multisensor imagery reconnaissance, including aerial photographic, infrared, and side-looking airborne radar reconnaissance, in support of Fleet Marine Force operations.
History
VMFP-3 was activated on 1 July 1975 as part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California (USA). The squadron was deactivated on 1 July 1990 ( see ALMAR24-1990).
Photo and electronic reconnaissance had previously been conducted by three Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons (VMCJ-1, 2, 3) located at MCAS Iwakuni (Japan), MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS El Toro, respectively. These squadrons (each flying RF-4Bs and EA-6As) were consolidated into two squadrons:VMAQ-2 at MCAS Cherry Point, operating all the EA-6s, and VMFP-3 operating all the RF-4Bs. Each squadron would deploy detachments to Iwakuni to fly missions previously flown by VMCJ-1.
Overseas detachments, in addition to supporting FMF operations, continued the 7th Fleet support initiated by VMCJ-1 in 1974. RF-4Bs of VMFP-3 were permanently deployed aboard the aircraft carrier from 1975 to 1984. A six-plane detachment operated as part of Carrier Air Wing Five, while retaining their own tail code "RF."
::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/RF4B_VMFP3.JPEG" caption="Two RF-4B Phantoms in flight"] ::
In 1990, Marine tactical reconnaissance was taken over by the Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System, carried by McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet aircraft of Marine fighter attack squadrons (VMFA). Consequently, all RF-4Bs were retired and VMFP-3 was disbanded.
Gallery
File:Marine Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron 3 insignia 1979.png|Secondary insignia utilized by the squadron in the 1970s
References
;Notes
;Bibliography
;Web
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