Photo and electronic reconnaissance had previously been conducted by three Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadrons (VMCJ-1, 2, 3) located at MCAS Iwakuni (Japan), MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS El Toro, respectively.
In the past, these Marine units had employed photographic and electronic surveillance methods to gather information, with VMCJ-1, 2, and 3 squadrons operating from MCAS Iwakuni, MCAS Cherry Point, and MCAS El Toro.