VMO-2
| Marine Observation Squadron 2 | |
|---|---|
VMO-2 insignia
|
|
| Active |
|
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Observation |
| Role | Artillery spotting Aerial reconnaissance |
| Part of | Deactivated |
| Garrison/HQ | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | Cherry Deuce The Angry Two |
| Tail Codes |
VS(1st) UU(2nd) |
| Engagements |
World War II * Battle of Saipan * Battle of Tinian * Battle of Okinawa Vietnam War Operation Desert Storm |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Multirole helicopter |
OH-34D Huskie UH-1E Huey AH-1G Cobra |
| Reconnaissance |
F4F Wildcat OY-1 Grasshopper OV-10 Bronco |
Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2) was an observation squadron of the United States Marine Corps which saw extensive action during World War II and the Vietnam War. They were based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan and Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton, California and saw their final combat in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991. They were deactivated on 23 May 1993.
Provide aerial fire support spotting and intelligence in support of the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
Artillery Spotting Division, Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251) was activated at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia on 1 November 1943. In February 1944, VMO-251 was redesignated VMO-2 and attached to the 2nd Marine Division in Hawaii flying hundreds of missions in the OY-1 aircraft. The squadron participated in the Battle of Saipan where they were the first American airplanes to land at Marpi Point Field. During the Battle of Tinian the squadron reconnoitered the island and registered the various batteries positions. The Battle of Okinawa would see their last combat of the war. During the battle, aircraft from the squadron would again be the first American planes to land on the island and they would continue in their primary role of reconnaissance and artillery-spotting missions. Following the surrender of Japan, the squadron remained in Japan until June 1946 when it sailed for the United States. Arriving at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, VMO-2 was reassigned to Marine Aircraft Group 22 (MAG-22), 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Here the squadron was deactivated on 26 August 1946.
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