Hobby Master Archive

The 242 Squadron began in 1943 as VMTB 242 equipped with Grumman TBM-3 Avengers using Bugs Bunny riding a torpedo as their patch. In 1960 the unit became Marine Attack Squadron 242 flying A-4D Skyhawks, in 1964 they became VMA(AW)-242 equipped with A-6A Intruders. During the Vietnam War they became known as the “Batmen” and later just “Bats”. In 1977 they equipped with the newer A-6E that they flew until 1990 when the F/A-18D arrived. F/A-18D Hornet 165685 joined VMFA(AW)-242 “Bats” on April 28, 2012 becoming DT-01 in July that year.