A re-designation and change of command ceremony for Marine Attack Squadron (VMA) 211 is scheduled to be conducted Thursday at 8:30 a.m.

The squadron is scheduled to transition from the AV-8B Harrier to the F-35B Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter. The squadron will be re-designated from VMA-211 to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 211. A change of command ceremony is also scheduled where Lt. Col. William Maples will relinquish command to Lt. Col. Chad Vaughn.

The squadron flew its final flights with the AV-8B Harrier May 6 and received its first two F-35B aircraft May 9.

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a supersonic, multi-role, multi-service aircraft that represents a quantum leap in air dominance capability. It combines next-generation fighter characteristics of radar-evading stealth, supersonic speed, fighter agility and advanced logistical support with the most powerful and comprehensive integrated sensor package of any fighter aircraft in history to provide unprecedented lethality and survivability.

The AV-8B Harrier was designed to attack and destroy surface and air targets, escort helicopters, engage in air-to-air defense, provide reconnaissance and apply offensive and defensive support with its arsenal of missiles, bombs and an onboard 25 mm cannon.

For more information on the squadron’s history, please click here.

Interested media must RSVP by 4 p.m. Tuesday. Interested media may RSVP to miramarmedia@usmc.mil or at (858) 577-6000.

All media will be required to meet at the MCAS Yuma main gate at 7:45 a.m. where they will be met by a uniformed public affairs officer.

For additional information, please call the Public Affairs Office at (858) 577-6000 or follow our Twitter feed @MCASMiramarCA.

For MCAS Miramar and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing press releases, please visit our Press Release Page.

-USMC-