01 July 2025 USS America Celebrates the 82nd Birthday of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 at Sea Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA 242) also known as the “Bats”, with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), have a long-standing history, ranging from taking part in the Battle of Iwo Jima, providing support in Operation Iraqi Freedom, to more recently winning the Robert M. Hanson award...