"Snipers of VMFT-401" |
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| On March 18, 1986, Marine Fighter Training Squadron (VMFT-401) was activated at MCAS Yuma, Arizona, the result of the US Marine Corps desire to form its own adversary squadron. As part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing of the Marine Corps Reserve, VMFT-401 was assigned the mission to provide dissimilar air-combat training to active and reserve fleet squadrons. Shortly after an inauguration ceremony on August 13, 1987, VMFT-401, known as the “Snipers”, began flying Israeli built F-21A KFIRs in adversary missions against F-18 Hornets from VMFA-235. In the first year of operation, the Snipers flew 4,000 accident-free sorties against 59 different squadrons, as well as participating in sixteen major exercises. |
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Original Painting 36" x 24" - Acrylic on Canvas |
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| On September 22, 1989, the Snipers transferred their thirteen F-21A KFIRs back to Israeli custody, receiving eleven USAF F-5E and one F-5F Tigers II. VMFT-401 is the Marine Corps’ only adversary squadron, and with the excellent flying conditions over the Arizona desert, the Snipers continue to be the flight-time leader of the Marine Reserve. |
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| Featured in 'The Snipers of VMFT-401' by Bob Lawson, Hook Magazine, Winter 1989 |
