VMO-8 Insignia
No insignia known for WW2
ca. 1970
"Foxtrot Bravo"
Tail marking
Marine Observation Squadron 8
VMO-8
Marine Observation Squadron 8 was activated 28 December 1944 at Quantico, VA. After a short training period, the squadron departed for the West Coast, arriving at San Diego on 6 March 1945. VMO-8 departed 25 March for Guam, arriving 13 April. The squadron was attached to Marine Aircraft Group 21, but placed under the operational control of V Amphibious Corps. VMO-8 flew spotting missions for V Amphibious Corps Artillery up to the end of the war. VMO-8 was deactivated 30 November 1945 at San Diego.
VMO-8 was reactivated during 1968 at Los Alamitos, CA and assigned to MAG-46, 4th MAW. The new squadron was equipped with the OV-10A "Bronco". 1970 saw VMO-8 relocate to El Toro, where it would operate for the next six years.
In 1976, the decision was made to relocate VMO-4 from Detroit to Atlanta, and to deactivate VMO-8. VMO-8 was officially deactivated 1 August 1976.
LINEAGE
1944-45
- Activated 28 December 1944 at Quantico, VA, as Marine Observation Squadron 8.
- Relocated to Miramar, CA during February 1945.
- Relocated to Guam during April 1945 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 21.
- Operated in support of V Amphibious Corps Artillery to end of war.
- Deactivated 30 November 1945 at San Diego.
1968-76
- Reactivated at Los Alamitos 1968 and assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 46, 4th Marine Aircraft Wing, US Marine Corps Reserve.
- Relocated to El Toro, CA during 1970.
- Deactivated 1 August 1976.
HONORS
- WORLD WAR II VICTORY streamer
- ASIATIC-PACIFIC CAMPAIGN streamer
- Nicknames: "Eagles" (ca. 1972)
- ID Code: 7L (1966-68); 5L (1968-72); QN (1972-76)
- Aircraft: OY-1 (WW2); OV-10A (1969-76)
- Squadron Web site: