Hobby Master Archive

Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron (VMFAT-501) “Warlords” was formed in April 2010 at Eglin AFB, Florida as a Fleet Replacement Squadron administratively under Marine Aircraft Group but operationally under the 33rd Fighter Wing that controls USAF and USN F-35 training. On July 17, 2014 VMFAT-501 began the transfer of their aircraft to Beaufort, South Carolina with F-35B 168067 c/n BF-06 VM-01 being the first to arrive. Official training began October 1, 2014 with the Marines declaring the F-35B IOC (Initial Operational Capability) in July 2015.