This is an operational narrative of one of the Marine Corps' most unusual aviation squadrons moving, as noted in the Foreword, through three successive and different fighter roles during 50 years of continuous service. It was a pioneer in several ways, and the superior quality of its performance was marked by numerous awards.

Information for this history was drawn from primary sources in command diaries and chronologies and from interviews, base newspapers, published historical works, and valuable information from the files of the Reference Section at the Marine Corps Historical Center.

In addition, Major William Henson and First Lieutenant Wesley Johnson, two squadron "alumni" who have been active in the "Grey Ghosts," contributed information and essential photographs.