... are there any similiar shenanigans/traditions Marine squadrons take part in? ... Hilarious stories encouraged/appreciated...
Unfortunately, "shenanigans and hilarity" were outlawed in the Marine Corps shortly after the Key West Agreement of 1948.
Key points of this "agreement" are as follows:
- The Navy (and by extension, the USMC) would be allowed to retain its own combat air arm "...to conduct air operations as necessary for the accomplishment of objectives in a naval campaign..."
- The Army would be allowed to retain aviation assets for reconnaissance and MEDEVAC purposes.
- The Air Force would have control of all strategic air assets, and most tactical and logistic functions as well.
When informed of the outcome, then-Commandant of the Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates simply remarked "No kidding!" Unfortunately, an overzealous HQMC staff codified his mis-interpreted remark into policies forbidding humor of any kind within the Marine Corps, but specifically within Marine aviation.