VMO-6
| Marine Observation Squadron 6 | |
|---|---|
VMO-6 insignia
|
|
| Active |
|
| Country | United States |
| Branch | USMC |
| Type | Observation |
| Role | Artillery spotting Aerial reconnaissance |
| Garrison/HQ | Inactive |
| Nickname(s) | "Tomcats" "Cherry Six" "Klondike" "Seaworthy" |
| Tail Code | WB |
| Engagements |
Banana Wars * Occupation of Nicaragua World War II * Battle of Okinawa Korean War * Battle of Pusan Perimeter * Battle of Inchon * Battle of Chosin Reservoir Vietnam War * Battle of Khe Sahn * Operation Dewey Canyon |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Earl E. Anderson |
Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) was an observation squadron of the United States Marine Corps which saw extensive action during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II and the Korean War and Vietnam War. The squadron would become the first Marine Corps helicopter squadron to participate in combat operations when they participated in the Battle of Pusan Perimeter in August 1950. They were deactivated on January 1, 1977.
Flight E, 3d Air Squadron was activated December 1, 1920 at Marine Corps Air Station Quantico, Virginia. The name of the squadron changed to Division 1, VF-1M on August 24, 1922 and again to Division 1, VO-3M on September 1, 1925. In 1927 they were re-designated Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VO-6M). In 1928, while flying the Curtiss F8C-1 Falcon they deployed aboard the USS Saratoga from which they fought the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. During this time the Squadron also flew the Atlantic TA-1 and TA-2. In 1928 they returned to MCB Quantico where they took up the role of doing flight demonstrations for new officers at The Basic School.
During the 1930s VO-6M flew the Vought Vought 02U-1 and the Curtiss F8C-5 Helldiver. Calling themselves the "Helldivers", in 1932 they were representing the Marine Corps at major events such as the Canadian Air Pageant and the US National Air Races in Cleveland, Ohio. During this time the Marines took on the mission of defending advanced naval bases and the Commandant of the Marine Corps recommended a light bombing squadron be activated in 1934. This required the deactivation of an observation squadron so VMO-6 was deactivated on June 30, 1933.
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