The operations of SCAT started as a response to developments in Guadalcanal, with the initial deployment of Marine Aircraft Group 25[REF] in August 1942, comprising the United States Marine Corps transport squadron VMJ-253 [REF].
VMJ-152 received a Presidential Unit Citation for executing the longest over-water flight in a two engine aircraft for their initial flight to Guadalcanal from Camp Kearney Mesa (now Miramar Naval Air Station)in 1942.