 The squadron relocated to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California and was redesignated as Marine Torpedo Bomber Squadron 144 (VMTB-144) on October 14, 1944.A month later, on November 5, they were again redesignated as VMTB-144(CVS) as they trained to operate from the Navy's escort carriers.In December 1944, the squadron moved to Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California to continue training.