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   On 14 Sept 1982, VMFA-323 officially began the transition to the world’s foremost strike fighter, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet  The Death Rattler fighter pilots employed their new jets in an intensive series of air-to-air and air-to-ground training exercises, as well as several live missile firings.  In October 1985, VMFA-323 became the first Marine Squadron to deploy the F/A-18 aboard ship, the USS Coral Sea (CV-43) with Carrier Air Wing-13, this time to the Mediterranean Sea.  The squadron distinguished itself in the winter and spring of 1986 during Freedom of Navigation exercises held in international waters and airspace off the coast of Libya.  On 15 April 1986, VMFA-323 provided SAM suppression and fighter Combat Air Patrol (CAP) sorties during the overland strikes on Libyan targets in support of the national policy to deter terrorism.  As a result of this effective protection, no U.S. Navy or Marine Corps aircraft were lost.

   From October 1988 through April 1989, VMFA-323 deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, participating in the 6 month USMC Unit Deployment Program (UDP) for the first time.  Following a short year at MCAS El Toro, Ca., the Death Rattlers again found themselves in Iwakuni  on UDP.  Due to Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, this trip was extended to almost 11 months away from home and family.  They remained forward-deployed in Japan so other Marine squadrons could deploy to the Persian Gulf and kick Iraq out of Kuwait.

   On 7 April 1993, the squadron took delivery of their LOT XV F/A-18C aircraft, the newest model of the combat-teased Hornet, and began to ready itself for the new missions that these aircraft would allow the squadron to accomplish.   During the 1990’s, the primary focus of the Death Rattlers was carrier operations with the USS constellation.  In November 1994, the Snakes departed MCAS El toro for a six-month deployment aboard the “Connie”.  Three of the four months, the squadron supported Operation Southern Watch, flying 411 combat sorties over the skies of Iraq.  In May 1995,  VMFA-323 flew off the “Connie” to their new home, NAS Miramar.  The Snakes made two additional WesPac deployments aboard the USS Constellation, from April to October 1997 and again from June to December 1999, both times supporting Operation southern Watch and other joint exercises aboard.  During this last WesPac deployment, the squadron dropped 22,000 pounds of laser guided munitions on military targets in response to Iraqi violations of United Nations sanctions.

     In 1998, NAS Miramar was officially handed over to the Marine Corps and redisgnated MCAS Miramar.  The Snakes were again awarded the Mike Yunck Award for being the “Best of the Best” of the 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing.  The Death Rattlers were awarded the coveted Mike Yunck Award for a third time.

     The tactical call sign “Death Rattler” has become synonymous with professionalism, sound tactics, and aggressive maintenance personnel.  Death Rattler ground crews have consistently through the years provided the pilots with superbly maintained aircraft.

     The 323 Death Rattlers will continue, as they have in the past, to eagerly and realistically prepare to meet head-on any and all challenges that the future may present.  Always striving to meet the high standards set by the Death Rattlers who preceded them and to add to its proud heritage.   VMFA-323 will continue to live by its motto:

“COME TO FIGHT – COME TO WIN”

Are you a current member of VMFA-323 or still on active duty and were in VMFA-323?  We would like to add you to our Squadron Roster .  We would also like to update the history!