Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 214 (VMFA-214), famously known as the "Black Sheep," was established in 1942 and gained renown under Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington during World War II. Flying F4U Corsairs, the squadron achieved numerous aerial victories in the Pacific, particularly over the Solomon Islands.

Post-war, VMFA-214 transitioned through a variety of aircraft, including the F9F Panther, FJ Fury, and A-4 Skyhawk. Between 1989 an d2012 the squadron flew the AV-8B Harrier II when in 2022 they transitioned to the F-35 Lightning II.

In Addition to World War II, VMFA-214 has participated in conflicts such as the Korean War, Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom.