VMUT-2

VMUT-2, formerly designated VMU-2, is a United States Marine Corps unmanned aerial vehicle training squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in North Carolina. The unit belongs to Marine Aircraft Group 14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. Its current mission is to function as the Marine Corps' MQ-9A Reaper Fleet Replacement Squadron, training unmanned-aircraft officers and enlisted sensor operators for the Reaper enterprise. The squadron's identity is closely associated with its nickname, the Night Owls. The unit began in June 1984 as Detachment T of the Target Acquisition Battery, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. Its creation made it the Marine Corps' first remotely piloted vehicle organization. In August of that year it became the 1st Remotely Piloted Vehicle Platoon. The platoon traveled to Israel for training on the Mastiff remotely piloted vehicle and subsequently accepted its first aircraft and associated control equipment. During the 1980s the organization expanded its expeditionary role. It deployed with the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit aboard USS Tarawa, became the 2nd Remotely Piloted Vehicle Company in 1986, and transitioned from the Mastiff to the Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle system. The company later tested the upgraded Pioneer Option II system at sea, helping establish shipboard unmanned-aircraft operating procedures. In 1990 it joined the Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Group structure. The unit supported Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1990 and 1991, flying reconnaissance missions for Marine forces in Southwest Asia. It also supported Operation Provide Comfort in northern Iraq and continued providing surveillance assistance to II Marine Expeditionary Force. In 1993 the organization became the 2nd Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company. It received the Pioneer Option II Plus in 1994 and was redesignated Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 in January 1996. The squadron moved to Cherry Point in May 1996 and was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 14. It transferred to Marine Air Control Group 28 in 2000, before returning to Marine Aircraft Group 14 in 2013. VMU-2 became a recurring combat-support unit during the post-2001 wars. It deployed repeatedly to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom, performing aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, target acquisition, and electronic-warfare missions. The squadron operated the Pioneer and later integrated the ScanEagle system. In 2008 it transitioned to the RQ-7B Shadow and completed an operational deployment with that aircraft in Iraq. The unit also supported Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, using Shadow and ScanEagle systems and, later, the RQ-21A Blackjack, Aerosonde, and Kaman K-MAX cargo unmanned aircraft. The squadron introduced the RQ-21A Blackjack into combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 and completed its divestment of the RQ-7B Shadow in 2016. From 2015 through 2021, VMU-2 supplied Blackjack detachments to the 22nd, 24th, and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units for ship-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. During the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit deployment in 2021, a detachment conducted an operational ship-to-shore movement to Afghanistan and flew missions from Hamid Karzai International Airport during Operation Allies Refuge. The Marine Corps decided in 2021 to retire the RQ-21A fleet in favor of the MQ-9A Reaper. VMU-2 flew the Marine Corps' final operational RQ-21A mission on 30 March 2023 and was redesignated VMUT-2 in July 2023. The transition, with RQ-21A divestment completed in fiscal year 2024, changed the unit from an expeditionary tactical UAV squadron into a specialized training organization for the Marine Corps' larger, longer-endurance MQ-9A capability.

VMUT-2 traces its lineage to June 1984, when the Marine Corps formed Detachment T, Target Acquisition Battery, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division. The detachment was reorganized as the 1st Remotely Piloted Vehicle Platoon in August 1984, making it the Corps' first remotely piloted vehicle unit. After training in Israel on the Mastiff system, the platoon accepted its first aircraft and ground-control equipment. The organization became the 2nd Remotely Piloted Vehicle Company in October 1986 while deployed with the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit. It transitioned to the Pioneer unmanned aerial vehicle and received recognition for its contribution to Marine Corps UAV fielding. In the late 1980s it trained across the United States, joined the emerging Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Group structure, and became the first Marine UAV unit to field the Pioneer Option II upgrade. The company also conducted early shipboard trials of that system. In 1990 the company supported Operation Desert Shield and later Operation Desert Storm. It flew 69 sorties and 226 flight hours during the Gulf War period, including 55 combat sorties and 192 combat hours, without losing a Pioneer to enemy action. A detachment subsequently supported Operation Provide Comfort and surveillance activities in northern Iraq. The unit continued supporting II Marine Expeditionary Force through the remainder of 1991. The company was redesignated the 2nd Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Company in 1993 and received the Pioneer Option II Plus in 1994. On 16 January 1996 it became Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2, or VMU-2. The squadron moved from Camp Lejeune to Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in May 1996 and was placed under Marine Aircraft Group 14 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. In August 2000 it moved under Marine Air Control Group 28. A later aviation reorganization returned it to Marine Aircraft Group 14 in May 2013. VMU-2 deployed to Kuwait in February 2003 and supported Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. It performed day-and-night reconnaissance, surveillance, and target-acquisition missions and was the last 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing unit to return from that Iraq deployment in September 2003. A second Iraq deployment in 2004 produced more than 2,100 flight hours and over 700 combat sorties around Fallujah and Ramadi. Further Iraq deployments followed in 2005, 2006, and 2007, with ScanEagle added alongside the Pioneer to expand coverage. In 2008 VMU-2 replaced the RQ-2B Pioneer with the RQ-7B Shadow. Its first Shadow deployment to Iraq produced more than 500 sorties and approximately 2,400 flight hours while ScanEagle missions continued in Anbar Province. The squadron supported Iraq and Afghanistan detachments in 2009 and deployed to Helmand Province in 2010, returning in May 2011 after nearly 20,000 combat flight hours. A further Afghanistan deployment in 2012 used the improved-endurance RQ-7B, ScanEagle, and the Kaman K-MAX cargo unmanned aircraft. The unit reported thousands of Shadow combat hours and supported the delivery and recovery of more than 900,000 pounds of supplies and equipment through the K-MAX program. In 2013 VMU-2 returned to Marine Aircraft Group 14. Later that year it deployed to Afghanistan and used the Aerosonde and K-MAX systems. In 2014 the squadron introduced the RQ-21A Blackjack in combat during operations in Helmand Province. Blackjack missions emphasized reconnaissance and electronic warfare, while other detachments continued to support expeditionary operations. The squadron completed its Shadow divestment in 2016. Between 2015 and 2021 the unit supported the 22nd, 24th, and 26th Marine Expeditionary Units with RQ-21A detachments operating from amphibious ships. The final MEU deployment occurred with the 24th MEU in 2021. During the Afghanistan evacuation period, the detachment moved from USS San Antonio to Hamid Karzai International Airport and flew 183 hours supporting Task Force 51/5 and the joint crisis-response mission. The Marine Corps' 2021 decision to replace the RQ-21A with the MQ-9A Reaper determined the squadron's next role. VMU-2 performed the final Marine Corps operational RQ-21A flight on 30 March 2023, was redesignated VMUT-2 in July 2023, and completed RQ-21A divestment in fiscal year 2024. It now serves as the MQ-9A Reaper Fleet Replacement Squadron, concentrating on the training of UAS officers and enlisted sensor operators.

• 2023

  Final Marine Corps RQ-21A operational flight

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  VMU-2 flew the last operational Marine Corps RQ-21A mission on 30 March.

• 2023

  Redesignated VMUT-2

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron formally adopted its training-squadron designation.

• 2021

  Marine Corps begins RQ-21A divestment

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The service selected a transition toward the MQ-9A Reaper, changing the squadron's future training role.

• 2014

  RQ-21A Blackjack introduced in combat

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  A VMU-2 detachment conducted the first reported Blackjack combat deployment for the squadron in Afghanistan.

• 2008

  Transitioned from Pioneer to RQ-7B Shadow

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The squadron began operational employment of the Shadow system in Iraq.

• 1996

  Redesignated VMU-2 and moved to Cherry Point

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The 2nd UAV Company became Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron 2 and relocated to MCAS Cherry Point.

• 1991

  Gulf War operations

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The company flew reconnaissance missions in support of Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

• 1986

  Reorganized as the 2nd Remotely Piloted Vehicle Company

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The unit deployed with the 13th Marine Amphibious Unit and transitioned toward the Pioneer UAV system.

• 1984

  First Marine Corps remotely piloted vehicle unit formed

  [1]VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org

  The organization was established as Detachment T and soon became the 1st Remotely Piloted Vehicle Platoon.

A specialized United States Marine Corps aviation training unit focused on producing qualified MQ-9A Reaper aircrew and sensor operators while retaining a legacy of expeditionary unmanned surveillance and electronic-warfare operations.

• Unmanned aircraft training platform · 2023

  MQ-9A Reaper

  VMUT-2's current principal platform and training focus. The squadron is intended to serve as the Marine Corps fleet replacement squadron for MQ-9A Reaper operations, preparing UAS officers and enlisted sensor operators for the aircraft's long-endurance reconnaissance and strike-support mission.

• Tactical unmanned aerial vehicle · 2014

  RQ-21A Blackjack

  The Blackjack was VMU-2's principal tactical UAV during its later expeditionary period. The squadron used it for ship-based and land-based intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and electronic-warfare missions, including deployments with Marine Expeditionary Units and operations in Afghanistan.

• Tactical unmanned aerial vehicle · 2008

  RQ-7B Shadow

  VMU-2 operated the Shadow from 2008 and used it extensively for combat surveillance in Iraq and Afghanistan. The squadron employed improved-endurance variants and completed its divestment of the system in 2016.

• Tactical unmanned aerial vehicle · 1986

  RQ-2 Pioneer

  The Pioneer was the unit's principal system from the 1980s through the early 2000s. It supported Gulf War reconnaissance, shipboard trials, exercises, and repeated Iraq deployments before VMU-2 transitioned to the RQ-7B Shadow.

• Small unmanned aerial vehicle · 2005

  ScanEagle

  VMU-2 integrated ScanEagle alongside larger tactical UAVs during Iraq and Afghanistan operations. Its use expanded aerial reconnaissance coverage and supported persistent surveillance missions.

• Cargo unmanned aircraft · 2012

  Kaman K-MAX CRUAS

  The K-MAX cargo unmanned aircraft supported VMU-2's Afghanistan operations as an assault-support and logistics capability. During the 2012 deployment it delivered and retrograded supplies and equipment for coalition forces.

• 2021Operation Allies Refuge

  Afghanistan

  A Blackjack detachment associated with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit moved from USS San Antonio to Hamid Karzai International Airport during the evacuation effort.

  Outcome. The detachment flew 183 hours supporting Task Force 51/5 and the joint crisis-response mission.

  Source
• 2014First RQ-21A Blackjack combat deployment

  Helmand Province · Afghanistan

  A VMU-2 detachment used the newly introduced Blackjack for reconnaissance and electronic-warfare missions.

  Outcome. The detachment flew approximately 120 combat sorties and nearly 1,000 flight hours before returning to Cherry Point.

  Source
• 2012Operation Enduring Freedom

  Helmand Province · Southern Afghanistan

  The squadron employed improved-endurance Shadow aircraft, ScanEagle, and K-MAX cargo unmanned aircraft.

  Outcome. VMU-2 conducted thousands of Shadow combat hours and supported the movement of more than 900,000 pounds of supplies and equipment through K-MAX operations.

  Source
• 2010Operation Enduring Freedom 10.2

  Helmand Province · Afghanistan

  VMU-2 operated RQ-7B Shadow and ScanEagle systems in support of coalition forces.

  Outcome. The squadron returned in May 2011 after nearly 20,000 hours of combat flight operations.

  Source
• 2005Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 and 05-07 support

  Iraq

  VMU-2 integrated ScanEagle with Pioneer operations along the Euphrates River Valley.

  Outcome. The additional system more than doubled reported aerial reconnaissance coverage for the Marine expeditionary force.

  Source
• 2004Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06

  Fallujah · Ramadi · Iraq

  The squadron supported I Marine Expeditionary Force operations with Pioneer UAV missions in the Sunni Triangle.

  Outcome. It flew more than 2,100 hours and over 700 combat sorties.

  Source
• 2003Operation Iraqi Freedom

  Iraq · Persian Gulf

  VMU-2 conducted day-and-night aerial reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition after deploying through Kuwait.

  Outcome. The squadron completed a seven-month combat deployment and was the last 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing unit to return from Iraq in September 2003.

  Source
• 1991Operation Provide Comfort

  Northern Iraq

  A detachment provided surveillance information during the Kurdish relief effort.

  Outcome. The detachment returned to North Carolina on 31 May 1991.

  Source
• 1990Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm

  Saudi Arabia · Southwest Asia

  The 2nd Remotely Piloted Vehicle Company supported Marine forces with Pioneer reconnaissance missions during the Gulf War period.

  Outcome. The unit completed 69 sorties and 226 flight hours, including 55 combat sorties, and returned to Camp Lejeune in March 1991.

  Source

• 2021

  Shift to MQ-9A Reaper trainingStrategy

  Background

  The Marine Corps decided to divest its RQ-21A systems and adopt the MQ-9A Reaper for a larger, longer-endurance unmanned-aircraft capability.

  Action taken

  The service assigned VMU-2's successor role as the Reaper fleet replacement training squadron.

  Aftermath

  The squadron flew its final operational RQ-21A mission in 2023, was redesignated VMUT-2, and completed RQ-21A divestment in fiscal year 2024.

  Source

• 2014

  Transition to the RQ-21A BlackjackGeneration change

  Background

  The Marine Corps began replacing the RQ-7B Shadow with the smaller expeditionary Blackjack system.

  Action taken

  VMU-2 introduced Blackjack detachments and ultimately completed Shadow divestment in 2016.

  Aftermath

  The unit used Blackjack for land-based combat missions and Marine Expeditionary Unit shipboard ISR.

  Source

• 2008

  Transition from Pioneer to RQ-7B ShadowGeneration change

  Background

  The Marine Corps replaced the squadron's long-serving Pioneer system with the newer Shadow tactical UAV.

  Action taken

  VMU-2 conducted transition training at Cherry Point and deployed the Shadow operationally to Iraq.

  Aftermath

  The squadron flew more than 500 sorties and approximately 2,400 flight hours during its first Shadow deployment.

  Source

1. 1VMUT-2en.wikipedia.org
2. 2United States Marine Corps VMU-2 unit pagemarines.mil