KNFW Ft worth Joint Reserve Base NAS Ft worth host the Marine VMFAT-502 Nightmares
Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502) is the United States Marine Corps’ sole Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) dedicated to the F-35B Lightning II. Their primary mission is to train newly designated Marine Corps pilots and Weapon Systems Officers (WSOs/NFOs), as well as maintainers, to operate and support the F-35B. They produce combat-ready aircrew and personnel for Marine F-35B operational squadrons.
The “Nightmares” Nickname: This iconic name dates back to their service in the Vietnam War flying the F-4 Phantom II. It originated from the terrifying effect their night missions had on enemy forces. It also have the night owl as their Mascot of the squadron. The name was officially adopted and has been proudly carried ever since, symbolizing a legacy of excellence and combat prowess.
- VMFAT-502 transitioned from the AV-8B Harrier II to the F-35B around 2014-2015.
- They specialize in training pilots on the unique Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities of the F-35B, which is essential for operating from amphibious assault ships (LHDs/LHAs) and expeditionary airfields.
- Training includes all aspects of operating the advanced 5th-generation fighter: flight characteristics, sensor fusion, weapons systems, mission planning, and tactics.
- Location: They are based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina.
- Significance: As the only two F-35B FRS for the Marines, VMFAT-502 is absolutely critical to the Corps’ ability to field and sustain its F-35B fleet. They are the pipeline ensuring new pilots and maintainers are qualified and proficient on this complex and vital aircraft. Warlords is the West Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron FRS squadron base out of MCAS Miramar.
- Legacy Continues: While the aircraft has changed dramatically from the F-4 Phantom to the F-35B, the “Nightmares” moniker endures. It represents a proud heritage of demanding training standards and preparing Marines for the high-stakes realities of combat aviation, now using the world’s most advanced STOVL fighter.
We caught 8 of their jets came in to train with our local MArine Squadron VMFA-112 “Cowboys” Here are some of the actions we got in 2025-2-27.
Air Actions
Hot ramp and Ground actions
