it was redesignated VMBF-231 and converted to the F4U Corsair fighter. Two months later, on December 30, 1944, it reverted to the name VMSB-231 and remained in the Marshalls until the surrender of Japan in August 1945. During the course of World War II the squadron was credited with downing seven Japanese aircraft in air-to-air combat. Post-war years Following World War II, the squadron was decommissioned in March 1946 while on board the . The squadron's assets were absorbed by VMF(CVS)-214. The squadron was reactivated in the United States Marine Corps Reserve in September 1948 as VMF-231 in Akron, Ohio, and Grosse Ile Township, Michigan, until it was again decommissioned on August 31, 1962. 1970s & 1980s VMA-231 was reactivated on May 15, 1973, and the Marine Corps' oldest squadron became the Corps' newest, flying the Corps' newest aircraft, the Hawker Siddeley AV-8A Harrier. The AV-8A was a high performance, high speed jet aircraft that was uniquely capable of vertical and short take off and landing (VSTOL). October 4, 1976 saw VMA-231 deploying to the Mediterranean aboard with Carrier Air Wing 19. VMA-231's journey included visits to Spain, Italy, Sicily, Kenya, and Egypt. Highlights of the cruise included a transit of the Suez Canal aboard and participation of VMA-231 in Kenya's Independence Day celebration by twelve AV-8A aircraft. VMA-231 rejoined the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing on April 20, 1977, as the squadron safely returned to MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. Also in 1977, VMA-231 was named V/STOL Squadron of the Year, becoming the first recipient of this award. I'm not sure what squadron, but while I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan 1977-1979, there was a squadron of Harriers there. Again, not sure of the date but, I witnessed 2 Harriers crash as a result of a strong gust of wind. 1 pilot was killed if I remember it correctly. Added by Petty Officer First Class WJD 12/02/2022 The Gulf War & the 1990s In June 1990 VMA-231 deployed to the Western Pacific as a squadron for the first time since World War II. Training continued at Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan, as well as the Philippine Islands and Korea. Notably, the squadron weathered the July earthquake in Northern Luzon. Their deployment was extended when they received orders directing them to Southeast Asia in support of Operation Desert Shield. The move necessitated an unprecedented around-the-world trip as the Ace of Spades flew