Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort will host the activation of the Marine Corps’ newest training squadron for the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter jets. The activation ceremony for Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 502 (VMFAT-502) will take place at 5:13 p.m. on June 26, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.

This marks the activation of the Marine Corps’ second F-35 Fleet Replacement Squadron and will be commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Carlton Wilson.
The squadron, formally known as VMA-513, was deactivated on July 12, 2013. On June 26, 2020 VMA-513 will be activated then re-designated as VMFAT-502. Marine Fighter Squadron 513 has had a significant role over the past 75 years of Marine Corps Aviation and with its re-designation as VMFAT-502 it will continue to play a significant role in Marine Aviation’s story going forward.

For media interested in products related to the activation ceremony, please contact Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s Communication Strategy and Operations.