In April 1965, the squadron, now known as the "Lancers" sailed aboard the USS Oriskany becoming the first Marine jet squadron to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier in combat.
 As part of Carrier Air Group 16 (CVW-16) they arrived off the coast of Vietnam and began operating from Yankee Station.
 From 10 May – 6 December 1965 the Lancers flew missions against targets in North and South Vietnam.
 During this tour they conducted more than 12,000 combat sorties and delivered nearly 10,000 tons of ordnance.
 Of note, during a mission on 9 September 1965 they became the first squadron to deliver 2,000-pound MK-84 bombs from an F-8 Crusader that had launched from an aircraft carrier.
 Also on that day the Commander, Air Group (CAG) of CVW-16 Commander James Stockdale's A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam making the commanding officer of VMF(AW)-212 the acting CAG until a replacement arrived.
 This made 212's Commanding Officer LtCol Chuck Ludden the first Marine Officer to command a carrier airwing.
 In December 1965 the squadron returned to Hawaii having flown 3,018 combat hours and 1,588 sorties during their time off the coast of Vietnam.
 
In April 1972, the squadron deployed from Hawaii to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam in an effort to blunt the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam.
VMFA-212 earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its effort in Vietnam.

From 1974 until 1987, VMFA-212 deployed numerous times to Japan and the West Coast earning the CNO Aviation Safety Award, the Robert M. Hanson Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
During October 1988, VMFA-212 completed its seventh and final rotation in the UDP as an F-4 Phantom squadron.
With the last F-4 sorties flown in August 1988, over 23,000 accident-free hours had been accumulated.
The F/A-18C Hornet was received at this time.
In April 1965, the squadron, now known as the "Lancers" sailed aboard the USS Oriskany becoming the first Marine jet squadron to be deployed aboard an aircraft carrier in combat.  As part of Carrier Air Group 16 (CVW-16) they arrived off the coast of Vietnam and began operating from Yankee Station.  From 10 May – 6 December 1965 the Lancers flew missions against targets in North and South Vietnam.  During this tour they conducted more than 12,000 combat sorties and delivered nearly 10,000 tons of ordnance.  Of note, during a mission on 9 September 1965 they became the first squadron to deliver 2,000-pound MK-84 bombs from an F-8 Crusader that had launched from an aircraft carrier.  Also on that day the Commander, Air Group (CAG) of CVW-16 Commander James Stockdale's A-4E Skyhawk was shot down over North Vietnam making the commanding officer of VMF(AW)-212 the acting CAG until a replacement arrived.  This made 212's Commanding Officer LtCol Chuck Ludden the first Marine Officer to command a carrier airwing.  In December 1965 the squadron returned to Hawaii having flown 3,018 combat hours and 1,588 sorties during their time off the coast of Vietnam.  
In April 1972, the squadron deployed from Hawaii to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam in an effort to blunt the massive North Vietnamese invasion of South Vietnam. VMFA-212 earned a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its effort in Vietnam.
From 1974 until 1987, VMFA-212 deployed numerous times to Japan and the West Coast earning the CNO Aviation Safety Award, the Robert M. Hanson Award, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. During October 1988, VMFA-212 completed its seventh and final rotation in the UDP as an F-4 Phantom squadron. With the last F-4 sorties flown in August 1988, over 23,000 accident-free hours had been accumulated. The F/A-18C Hornet was received at this time.
VMFA-212