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| VMGR-152 | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 |
| Dates | 1 March 1943–present |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Marine Corps |
| Type | Aerial refueler transport squadron |
| Role | Aerial refueling, cargo transport, airlift |
| Command structure | 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing, Marine Aircraft Group 49 |
| Garrison | Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst |
| Nickname | "Sumos" |
| Aircraft tanker | Boeing KC-130J Super Hercules |
| Battles | World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom |
VMGR-152 is a United States Marine Corps aerial refueler transport squadron that provides fixed-wing aerial refueling, assault support, and logistical airlift. The squadron traces lineage to World War II and has served in multiple conflicts, supporting both United States Marine Corps and joint force operations. VMGR-152 operates KC-130J aircraft and is based at Joint Base McGuire–Dix–Lakehurst under Marine Aircraft Group 49 and the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Originally commissioned during World War II, the squadron participated in Pacific theater operations and later supported Korean War logistics and Vietnam War airlift. Post-Vietnam, the unit transitioned through multiple aircraft types and reorganizations while participating in Cold War-era readiness activities alongside units such as Marine Aircraft Group 16 and commands including Fleet Marine Force formations. During the 1990s and 2000s, the squadron supported Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, integrating with United States Air Force tanker networks and NATO partners. In the 2010s and 2020s, VMGR-152 modernized with the KC-130J and executed expeditionary deployments to support U.S. Central Command, U.S. Africa Command, and humanitarian responses to crises involving organizations like United Nations agencies and U.S. Northern Command-directed domestic missions.
The squadron's primary mission is aerial refueling for fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, enabling operations by units including Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, and joint assets from Air Mobility Command. Secondary roles include assault support airlift, cargo and personnel transport for elements such as 2nd Marine Division, aeromedical evacuation support with Fleet Marine Force, and tactical logistics for expeditionary units in Central Command and Indo-Pacific Command theaters. VMGR-152 also supports training exercises with allies like Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, and participates in readiness programs coordinated by U.S. Transportation Command.
The squadron currently fields the Boeing KC-130J Super Hercules, featuring the Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 engines and the Dowty R391 propellers, outfitted for probe-and-drogue aerial refueling and tactical airlift. Historically, predecessors operated aircraft such as the Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules variants, and earlier piston-engine transports used in World War II operations. VMGR-152 aircraft carry auxiliary fuel pods, cargo handling systems compatible with Joint Precision Airdrop System pallets, and avionics suites interoperable with Airborne Warning and Control System and joint refueling protocols. The unit maintains ground support equipment aligned with Marine Corps Systems Command acquisition standards and logistics chains tied to Defense Logistics Agency supply systems.
VMGR-152 has executed combat and contingency deployments across multiple theaters, supporting operations linked to Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom in Iraq, and coalition campaigns during Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The squadron contributed to humanitarian relief efforts following natural disasters involving coordination with Federal Emergency Management Agency, International Red Cross, and regional authorities, and participated in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC and Operation Juniper Shield. Tactical operations have included aerial refueling of F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier II aircraft, heavy cargo airdrops for Marine Expeditionary Unit rotations, and support to special operations forces interoperating with U.S. Special Operations Command.
Organizationally, VMGR-152 is structured into airframes, maintenance, operations, and logistics elements under Marine Aircraft Group 49 command and feeds into the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing for operational tasking. The squadron insignia and nickname "Sumos" reflect unit heritage, melded with traditional Marine Corps symbology; insignia updates have been recorded in unit heraldry archives similar to practices observed with other squadrons like VMFA-232 and VMAQ-2. Unit markings conform to NATO serial standards and U.S. Department of Defense identification schemes, supporting interoperability in coalition operations.
Over its history, members of the squadron have been recognized with unit commendations and individual awards including Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, and personnel medals such as the Bronze Star Medal and Air Medal for distinguished aerial operations. Notable affiliated personnel have included aviators and maintainers who later served in leadership roles across Marine aviation commands and joint staffs, paralleling career paths seen among alumni of Naval Aviation Schools Command and Marine Corps University. The squadron's operational excellence has been cited in awards lists alongside other decorated units like VMFA-115 and VMM-262.