**Officially Licensed USMC VMFA-142 Gators Sticker — Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Vinyl Sticker** The Flying Gators — a Marine Reserve squadron that proved weekend warriors are anything but. In 2005, VMFA-142 became the first Marine reserve fixed-wing unit activated to combat since Korea. VMFA-142, the "Flying Gators," was first activated on March 1, 1942, as Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 142 (VMSB-142) at Camp Kearny, California. After WWII service in the Pacific, the squadron was reactivated in 1946 at NAS Miami, Florida, beginning its long tenure as a Marine Air Reserve unit. The Flying Gators flew A-4 Skyhawks for decades before transitioning to the F/A-18A Hornet in 1990. As part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, VMFA-142 integrated into Carrier Air Wing Reserve Twenty (CVWR-20), becoming part of the Navy TACAIR concept. In February 2005, the Flying Gators made history as the first fixed-wing Marine reserve unit activated to combat since the Korean War, deploying to Al Asad Air Base in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The squadron was placed in cadre status in 2008. • **Type:** 4" vinyl die-cut sticker • **Finish:** UV-protected, fade and tear resistant • **Made:** 100% USA • **Detail:** Full-color VMFA-142 Flying Gators squadron insignia • **Application:** Laptops, water bottles, toolboxes, flight bags, crew rooms **Perfect For:** VMFA-142 Flying Gators Marines and alumni, Marine Reserve aviators, F/A-18 Hornet and A-4 Skyhawk veterans, 4th MAW Reserve personnel, and OIF veteran sticker collectors.
