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US Marine Corps - Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251
VMFA-251 'Thunderbolts'
 
vmfa-251 thunderbolts insignia crest patch badge marine fighter attack squadron usmc f/a-18 hornet 03x vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-35c lightning ii mcas cherry point north carolina usmc 181x
09/24
STATUS:   established as VMO-251 on December 1, 1941
VMO-251 redesignated VMF-251 on January 31, 1945
VMF-251 deactivated on June 1, 1945
VMF-251 reactivated on July 1, 1946 (Reserve Squadron)
VMF-251 called to active duty on March 1, 1951
VMF-251 redesignated VMA-251 on April 25, 1951
VMA-251 redesignated VMF-251 on April 20, 1957
VMF-251 redesignated VMFA-251 on October 31, 1964
VMFA-251 deactivated on April 23, 2020
 VMFA-251 reactivated in 2024/25

 IN SERVICE
 Homebase: MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina
 Tailcode: DW
 Motto: CUSTOS CAELORUM (guardians of the sky)
 AIRCRAFT:   Douglas AD-4 Skyraider
Grumman F4F Wildcat
Vought F4U Corsair
North American FJ-3 Fury
Vought F8U / F-8 Crusader
McDonnell Douglas F-4J/S Phantom II
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet
Lockheed Martin F-35C Lightning II
 DEPLOYMENTS:   Carrier deployments:
August 1995 - February 1996 with CVW-1 aboard USS America (CV 66)
October 1997 - April 1998 with CVW-1 aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73)
September 1999 - March 2000 with CVW-1 aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67)
September 2001 - March 2002 with CVW-1 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
May 2006 - November 2006 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
July 2007 - December 2007 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
January 2011 - July 2011 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
March 2012 - November 2012 with CVW-1 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
March 2015 - November 2015 with CVW-1 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)
 
Shore deployments:
July 1977 - July 1978 with MAG-15 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
July 1988 - January 1989 with MAG-15 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
July 1991 - January 1992 with MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
January 1993 - July 1993 with MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
January 1994 - April 1994 at Aviano AB, Italy
February 2003 - March 2003 at Ahmed Al Jaber AB, Kuwait
January 2004 - July 2004 with MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
September 2017 - March 2018 with MAG-12 at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan
2020 - at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait
 
images

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-35c lightning ii mcas cherry point arriving 176
VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 is the Marine Corps’ first East Coast operational F-35C Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron
F-35 transition and is currently going through the process of official reactivation and working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-35c lightning ii 2024 mcas cherry point 177
VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron mcas cherry point north carolina 2024 178
VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-35c lightning ii usmc cherry point 2024 181
VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-35c lightning ii arriving mcas cherry point 2024 180
VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024

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VMFA-251 (MAG-14 / 2nd MAW) received its first F-35C Lightning II (without markings) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - September 17, 2024



vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron usmc f/a-18d hornet mcas beaufort deactivation ceremony 2020
deactivation ceremony at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - April 23, 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron usmc f/a-186 hornet centcom aor kuwait
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron usmc f/a-18c hornet centcom aor 160 ahmed al jaber air base kuwait
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) US Central Command AOR - January 2020

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 78 exercise arctic challenge 2019
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Arctic Challenge at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Bold Quest 19.1 at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Bold Quest 19.1 at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 88 bold quest rovaniemi airbase finland
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Bold Quest 19.1 at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet rovaniemi airbase finland
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Bold Quest 19.1 at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Bold Quest 19.1 at Rovaniemi Airbase, Finland - May 2019

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 92 mcas beaufort south carolina
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - March 2018

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 93 exercise cobra gold korat airbase thailand
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Cobra Gold 18 at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand - February 2018

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 106 joint base elmendorf richardson alaska
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 108 red flag alaska rfa 17-2
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 113 exercise red flag alaska 17-2
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 114 joint base elmendorf richardson alaska
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 115 red flag alaska rfa 17-2 elmendorf
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 96 exercise red flag alaska 17-2
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 102 joint base elmendorf richardson alaska
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18d hornet 112
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 101
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 111 exercise red flag alaska 17-2
F/A-18D Hornet (VMFA-251) during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 17-2 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson - June 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 94 mcas iwakuni japan
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - May 2017

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan - May 2017

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 116 mcas beaufort south carolina
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - May 2016

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 142 mcas beaufort
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - May 2016

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - May 2016

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - April 2016

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 119 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 118 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 05 general electric f404-ge-402 engine
General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofan engine maintenance - F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - November 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 06 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - October 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 07 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - August 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 120 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - August 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 126 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 08 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 121 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 125 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 127 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - July 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 10 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 11 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 12 cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - June 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - May 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 13
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - April 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - March 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - February 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 21
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 18
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 16
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 22
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - January 2015

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 135 mcas beaufort sc
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2014

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet 136 mcas beaufort south carolina
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - September 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - May 2014

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina - October 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 24
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 25
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - September 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - August 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - August 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 28
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - August 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 30
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 31
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) maintenance aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) maintenance aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 33
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - April 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 32
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - April 2012

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VMFA-251 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2012

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VMFA-251 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2012

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VMFA-251 aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 35
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - February 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - February 2012

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F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - January 2012

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 36
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - June 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 afghanistan 144
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 145 aerial refueling usaf afghanistan
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 146 afghanistan
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 150
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 152
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 153
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 afghanistan 154
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS Enterprise (CVN 65) over Afghanistan - May 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 38
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 37
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2011

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 141
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - December 2010

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 39
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - October 2010

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 41
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2010

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 40
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2010

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george h. w. bush cvn-77 155
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) aboard USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) - May 2009

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 42
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - October 2007

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 43
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2007

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 72
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - May 2006

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 2006 173
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2006

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 46
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2006

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss enterprise cvn-65 47
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - March 2006

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 48
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2005

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 2005 172
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2005

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2005

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvw-1 uss dwight d. eisenhower cvn-69 50
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) - May 2005

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cvn-71 uss theodore roosevelt 171
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - December 2001

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet operation enduring freedom 68
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during Operation Enduring Freedom - October 2001

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet operation enduring freedom uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during Operation Enduring Freedom - October 2001

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet cockpit 69
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during Operation Enduring Freedom - October 2001

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss theodore roosevelt cvn-71 58
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251) aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) - September 2001

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 65
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 67
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 51
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 1998 183
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 182
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - February 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 63
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - January 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 cvw-1 64
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - January 1998

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 62
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) embarked on USS George Washington (CVN 73) over the Persian Gulf - December 1997

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 71
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 1997

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18c hornet uss george washington cvn-73 61
F/A-18C Hornet (VMFA-251 / CVW-1) aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) - November 1997


vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18a hornet nas dallas texas 60
F/A-18A Hornet (VMFA-251) at NAS Dallas, Texas - February 1988

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F/A-18A Hornet (VMFA-251) - September 1987

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F/A-18A Hornet (VMFA-251) - June 1987

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f/a-18a hornet 54
F/A-18A Hornet (VMFA-251) - April 1987


vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-4s phantom ii mcas cherry point north carolina 55
F-4S Phantom II (VMFA-251) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - June 1985

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-4s phantom ii mcas cherry point north carolina 56
F-4S Phantom II (VMFA-251) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - June 1985

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-4s phantom ii mcas cherry point north carolina 57
F-4S Phantom II (VMFA-251) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - June 1985

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-4j phantom ii tupolev tu-95 bear-d intercepting 74
F-4J Phantom II (VMFA-251) intercepting a Soviet Tupolev Tu-95 Bear-D aircraft off Iceland - 1982

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron f-4 phantom ii mcas cherry point north carolina 59
F-4 Phantom II (VMFA-251) at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina - January 1979


VMF-251
vmf-251 thunderbolts marine fighter squadron f8u f-8 crusader cvg-10 uss shangri-la cva-38
F8U-1E Crusader (VMF-251) assigned to Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) embarked on USS Shangri-La (CVA 38) - 1962


vmf-251 thunderbolts marine fighter squadron f8u f-8 crusader 76 cvg-10 uss shangri-la cva-38
F8U-1E Crusader (VMF-251) assigned to Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) embarked on USS Shangri-La (CVA 38) - 1962

vmf-251 thunderbolts marine fighter squadron f8u f-8 crusader 77 uss shangri-la cva-38
F8U-1E Crusader (VMF-251) assigned to Carrier Air Group 10 (CVG-10) embarked on USS Shangri-La (CVA 38) - 1962


vma-251 thunderbolts marine attack squadron ad-4 skyraider south korea 1953
AD-4 Skyraider (VMA-251) at Pyongtaek Airfield, South Korea - 1953-54
   
 
History:

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two Five One (VMFA-251), was activated on 1 December 1941 at Naval Air Station North Island, California as Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251). While flying the Grumman F4F “Wildcat” during World War II, the squadron participated in numerous Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands, Santa Cruz, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines.

In 1944, the squadron transitioned to the F-4U “Corsair”, and was re-designated Marine Fighter Squadron Two Five One (VMF-251) in February 1945. VMF-251 continued operations in the South Pacific until 1 May 1945 when it flew its last combat mission of World War II while supporting clean-up operations at Leyte. On 1 June 1945 VMF-251 was deactivated at Samar, Philippines Island. Thirteen months later on 1 July 1946, VMF-251 was reactivated at Gross Isle, Michigan as a Ready Reserve squadron.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, VMF-251 was recalled to active service, and transitioned to the AD-4 “Skyraider”. In late April 1951 the squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California. With the aircraft transition complete, the squadron was re-designated Marine Attack Squadron Two Five One (VMA-251) on 25 April 1951. VMA-251 deployed to Korea in June 1953. Although the squadron saw only limited action the last two weeks of the war, it flew 310 combat missions totaling more than 550 hours, and had the distinction of having the last Marine aircraft engaged in combat during the Korean War on 27 July 1953. VMA-251 remained in Korea for two and a half years providing air defense along the Demilitarized Zone.

In January 1956, the Thunderbolts relocated to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan and remained in the Far East for fifteen months. In 1957, VMA-251 was relocated to MCAS Miami, Florida and began flying the FJ-4 “Fury”. With the transition to the FJ-4 came the re-designation to VMF-251 on 20 April 1957.

In April 1958 VMF-251 returned to MCAS El Toro, and received its first supersonic fighter, the F-8U “Crusader”. Later, the Thunderbolts departed MCAS El Toro for the Western Pacific carrying with them the new motto “Custos Caelorum”, meaning “Guardians of the Sky”.

In early 1960, VMF-251 was re-assigned to Marine Aircraft Group Three One (MAG-31) at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. VMF-251 was the first Marine F-8 squadron to deploy aboard an aircraft carrier. The squadron would deploy as part of Carrier Air Wing Ten (CVW-10) aboard the USS SHANGRI-LA (CVA-38). During the deployment, VMF-251 set a record for the most flight time in one month for a Sixth Fleet based F-8 squadron by flying over 500 hours.

During July 1963, VMF-251 received the 2D Marine Aircraft Wing, Commanding General’s Award by winning the overall competition and first place awards in air-to-air gunnery and Sidewinder missiles.

On 31 October 1964, the Thunderbolts became the first Marine squadron in 2D Marine Aircraft Wing to transition to the F-4B “Phantom II”. With the transition complete, the squadron was re-designated Marine Fighter Attack Squadron Two Five One. In 1969, VMFA-251 received the Robert M. Hanson Trophy as the “Marine Fighter Squadron of the Year”, and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award as the first Marine F-4 squadron to surpass 25,000 mishap-free flight hours. Later, the squadron won the Commandant’s Aviation Efficiency Trophy as the “Most Outstanding Marine Fighter Squadron of the Year”.

After twenty-one years and 85,000 flight hours, VMFA-251 flew its last F-4 in November 1985. In January 1986, the Thunderbolts transitioned to the F/A-18 “Hornet”. The squadron stood up as the sixth Marine F/A-18A squadron the following August, and reported full combat ready in March 1987. Over the next six years, the squadron participated in the Unit Deployment Program (UDP), completing three six-month deployments to Iwakuni, Japan flying the F/A-18A.

From January to April 1994, the Thunderbolts participated in combat missions while deployed to Aviano Airbase, Italy supporting Operation DENY FLIGHT in Bosnia-Herzegovina. These missions marked the first combat sorties for a Marine squadron in Europe since World War I.

In May 1994, VMFA-251 received the F/A-18C in preparation for assignment to Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) aboard the USS AMERICA (CV-66). The Thunderbolts successfully completed their first carrier deployment with the F/A-18C in February 1996, having supported Operations DENY FLIGHT and DELIBERATE FORCE. The Thunderbolts would deploy two additional times with CVW-1, aboard the USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) in September 1997 and the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) in September 1999. Both deployments were to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH (OSW).

During the summer of 2001 the squadron deployed with CVW-1 aboard the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). The deployment would take them to the Arabian Sea where they were the first Marine squadron to participate in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM (OEF). The squadron returned to MCAS Beaufort in March 2002.

In September 2002, the Thunderbolts were presented the Robert M. Hanson Trophy as the “Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year”. On 12 February 2003, the squadron deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber Airbase, Kuwait as part of Marine Aircraft Group Eleven, 3D Marine Aircraft Wing in support of OSW and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF). On 20 February 2003, the squadron began flying combat missions in support of OSW, and transitioned to combat operations in support of OIF on 20 March 2003.

The Thunderbolts departed Al Jaber and began their journey home on 9 May 2003. During their stint in the desert, the squadron flew 560 sorties, accounting for 1,242.9 flight hours. Their efforts directly influenced the rapid advance of Coalition Forces, and the swift defeat of the Iraqi regime. The Thunderbolts would deploy again from 14 January to 30 June 2004 as part of UDP. While overseas, VMFA-251 participated in Exercises COPE TIGER, FOAL EAGLE and COBRA GOLD.

Early 2005 would find the Thunderbolts preparing for a 2006 cruise aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). Even though this was a non-deploying year, the squadron would spend a majority of its time away from MCAS Beaufort, honing their skills in preparation for cruise. Throughout the period, the squadron would have zero mishaps and drop over 385,000 pounds of various types of ordnance.

On 3 May 2006, twelve Marine F/A-18C’s from VMFA-251 recovered aboard USS ENTERPRISE, marking the beginning of the 2006 cruise. The ship immediately transited the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea enroute the North Arabian Gulf in order to support OIF. Within five weeks of leaving MCAS Beaufort, the Thunderbolts found themselves conducting combat operations. During their brief stint in the gulf, the squadron flew 120 sorties, totaling 669 flight hours. In addition, the Thunderbolts flew 53 sorties, totaling 80.4 flight hours in support of Operation SEA DRAGON.

On 24 August, 2006, the Thunderbolts began a historic re-deployment from the USS ENTERPRISE into Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. This would mark the first time in recent history a squadron forward deployed from an aircraft carrier to a forward air base. Over the next month and a half, the Thunderbolts would simultaneously support OIF and OEF. During the 67 days at Al Asad Air Base, the Thunderbolts flew 49 consecutive days while supporting Coalition Forces. Remarkably, the squadron maintained a 100% sortie completion rate, flying 450 combat sorties, totaling 2,014.7 flight hours in support of OIF. In addition, the squadron flew 187 sorties, totaling 493.5 hours in support of OEF. At no other time in history has a squadron supported two campaigns simultaneously, let alone with the success of the Thunderbolts.

The last Thunderbolt aircraft returned to the ship on 25 October 2006 marking an end to the squadron’s support of combat operations. The USS ENTERPRISE would steam west, pulling into port on 18 November 2006.

In early 2007, VMFA-251 began workups as part of CVW-1 in preparation for a sustainment deployment aboard the USS ENTERPRISE. The squadron would complete two at-sea periods and an Air Wing Fallon detachment as part of this preparation. On 9 July 2007, the Thunderbolts embarked aboard USS ENTERPRISE and began their second combat deployment in a little over a year. The USS ENTERPRISE would conduct flight operations off the Eastern Coast of the United States for a week, and then steam west, crossing into the Mediterranean Sea, transiting the Suez Canal on 1 August 2007. On 15 August 2007, VMFA-251 was once again providing Close Air Support (CAS) for Coalition forces in OIF. For the next 3 months, the Thunderbolts would support both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Sea Dragon, a presence over the Persian Gulf shipping routes. The squadron a massed 1779.5 combat hours in 308 sorties while providing necessary CAS support for Coalition Forces on the ground.

On 4 November 2007, while still flying missions over Iraq, Carrier Air Wing One (CVW-1) and USS ENTERPRISE received word that they would suspend combat operations in OIF and move to support combat operations in OEF. On 6 November 2007, within 36 hours of the last CVW-1 aircraft trapping aboard CVN-65, the Thunderbolts were flying combat missions in Afghanistan. CVW-1 and the Thunderbolts would support OEF for a total of ten days, flying 277.3 combat hours in 42 sorties. Upon completion of this task, CVN-65 once again returned to the Persian Gulf to support OIF for the remainder of its time in the Middle East. On 1 December 2007, USS ENTERPRISE transited the Suez Canal, bringing an end to combat support for the 2007 cruise. The Thunderbolts would get a few fly days in December for some much needed Air to Air training. On 16 December 2007, VMFA-251 disembarked USS ENTERPRISE in Mayport, FL, marking the official end to the 2007 cruise. During the cruise, VMFA-251 flew 3145.6 hours in 1136 sorties, with 2056.8 hours and 350 sorties being combat support. The cruise was a successful one for the squadron, with a 95.9% sortie completion rate and accomplishing the ultimate goal of bringing all aircraft and Marines home. The squadron would enjoy some much needed time off over the holidays with family and friends before returning to work in January 2008.

From January to April 2008, the Thunderbolts focused on rebuilding. The squadron would experience a significant turnover of personnel, approximately 40%, while at the same time training the next wave of flight leads and instructors. VMFA-251 would successfully work up and certify two Air Combat Tactics Instructors in addition to beginning and continuing the training of five new section leads.

source: USMC

- - - - -

another history:

Marine Observation Squadron 251 (VMO-251) was activated December 1, 1941 at Naval Air Station North Island, California. In mid-1942 it was transferred to Tontouta, New Caledonia and then to Turtle Bay Airfield on the island of Espiritu Santo in the British-French Condominium of New Hebrides prior to the invasion of Guadalcanal. While flying the Grumman F4F Wildcat during World War II, the squadron participated in numerous Pacific campaigns including Guadalcanal, Southern Solomons, Santa Cruz, Luzon, and the Southern Philippines.

In 1944, the squadron transitioned to the F4U Corsair, and was re-designated Marine Fighter Squadron 251 (VMF-251) in February 1945. 22 F4U Corsairs from the squadron landed on Samar on 2 January 1945 as part of Marine Aircraft Group 14 (MAG-14) and continued operations in the Philippines until May 1, 1945 when it flew its last combat mission of World War II while supporting clean-up operations at Leyte. The squadron's excellent performance during this time can be drawn from an award write up by the then Commanding Officer of MAG-14, Colonel Zebulon Hawkins, in which he noted, "During the month of January 1945 . . . this squadron [23 planes] flew 626 combat flights, totaling 2,403 hours. Since... 1 October 1944, until 15 February 1945, this... ground crew has maintained in commission 98% of the squadron's assigned aircraft. Not once, from June 1944, has it failed to execute an assigned mission because of failure to have the necessary planes in commission... Since 23 July 1944... this squadron has not lost a plane or pilot because of failure or malfunctioning of its aircraft ."

On June 1, 1945, VMF-251 was deactivated at Samar, Philippines Island. Thirteen months later on July 1, 1946, VMF-251 was reactivated at Grosse Ile, Michigan as a ready-reserve squadron.

Korean War
With the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, VMF-251 was recalled to active service and directed to transition to the AD-4 Skyraider. In late April 1951 the squadron was transferred to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California. With the aircraft transition complete, the squadron was re-designated Marine Attack Squadron 251 (VMA-251) on April 25, 1951. VMA-251 embarked to Korea in June 1953. Although the squadron only saw action the last two weeks of the war, it flew 310 combat sorties totaling more than 550 hours and had the distinction of having the last Marine aircraft engaged in combat during the Korean War on 27 July 1953. VMA-251 remained in Korea for two and a half years providing air defense along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

In January 1956, the Thunderbolts relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan and remained in the Far East for fifteen months. In 1957, VMA-251 was again relocated to Marine Corps Air Station Miami, Florida flying the FJ-4 Fury. With the transition to the FJ-4 came the re-designation to VMF-251 on April 20, 1957.

In April 1958 VMF-251 was moved to Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, California to receive its first supersonic fighter, the F8U Crusader. The Thunderbolts departed MCAS El Toro for the Pacific carrying with them the motto “Custos Caelorum”, meaning “Guardians of the Sky”.

Cold War
In 1961, VMF-251 was assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 31 (MAG-31) at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. In August and September 1961 the squadron was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and to Jamaica during the time between the Bay of Pigs Invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis. From February through August 1962, VMF-251 was the first Marine F-8 squadron to deploy on board an aircraft carrier as part of Carrier Air Group Ten on the USS Shangri-La (CVA-38). During the cruise, VMF-251 set the record for the most flight time in one month for a Sixth Fleet based F-8 squadron by flying over 500 hours. In July 1963 the Thunderbolts were the recipients of the 2nd MAW Commanding General's award for achievement in competitive exercises which took place while the squadron was deployed to NAS Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

On 31 October 1964, the Thunderbolts became the first Marine squadron in 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing to transition to the F-4 Phantom II and receive its current designation as Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251). The Thunderbolts received the CNO's flight safety award in 1967 and again in 1969 as well as the Fleet Marine Force Atlantic safety award for the years 1967, 1968 and 1970. In 1969 they also received the Robert M. Hanson award, presented annually to the "most outstanding Marine fighter squadron of the year." Training exercises were conducted in Puerto Rico in 1964-1965, 1971, and 1973. In April 1971 the squadron stood "hot pad" duty at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida and provided additional support for the North American Air Defense Command. Further deployments in support of NATO were made to Cigili Air Base, Turkey in 1973 and to Rota, Spain in 1975 and the Thunderbolts participated in a Western Pacific deployment to Japan, Korea, and the Philippines during 1977-1978.

In September 1980 the Thunderbolts deployed to Trondheim in the Kingdom of Norway in support of NATO Exercises. In April 1982, the Thunderbolts again deployed to Keflavik in Iceland where the squadron intercepted six Soviet Bear Bombers while on "hot pad" alert. The squadron deployed to the Kingdom of Denmark in September 1982 for NATO Exercise "Northern Wedding 82" during which 102 Soviet aircraft flew sorties against NATO naval forces. The squadron was placed on alert for possible redeployment to Lebanon before returning to the United States.

After twenty-one years and 85,000 flight hours, VMFA-251 flew its last F-4S Phantom in November 1985. In January of the following year, the Thunderbolts transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron stood up as the sixth Marine F/A-18A squadron the following August and reported full combat ready in March 1987.

The 1990s
The squadron transitioned from the aging F/A-18A to the F/A-18C during the early 90's. This change also increased the squadron's mission capable rate.

From January to April 1994, the Thunderbolts flew close air support missions while deployed to Aviano, Italy supporting Operation Deny Flight in Bosnia-Herzegovina. These missions marked the first combat sorties for a Marine squadron in Europe since World War I. In 1994, the squadron became part of the Navy's Carrier Air Wing One and deployed as part of the USS America and USS George Washington battle groups from 1995 through 1997. The squadron then deployed on board the USS John F Kennedy (CV-67) during 1999-2000 for OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH.

Global War on Terror
On 12 February 2003, the squadron deployed to Ahmed Al Jaber Airbase, Kuwait as part of Marine Aircraft Group 11, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). On February 20, 2003, the squadron began flying combat missions in support of Operation Southern Watch and then transitioned to combat operations in support of OIF on 20 March 2003. During the conflict Thunderbolts flew over 650 combat missions over Iraq, accumulating more than 1,200 combat flight hours and dropped more than 7,100 weapons amounting to approximately 832,000 pounds of ordnance. Throughout the deployment maintenance Marines performed over 8,000 maintenance man-hours resulting in a 76% full mission capable rate.

In 2006 the squadron deployed to Al Asad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Upon their return they again deployed, this time on board the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). They were away from June to December 2007 and flew combat sorties in support of OIF and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, the “Thunderbolts” deactivated during a ceremony aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, April 23. The ceremony was held to commemorate the unit’s nearly 80 years of service to our country, but the Thunderbolts won’t be gone long. Their colors will be temporarily cased and the unit will become an F-35C Lightning II squadron at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina.

Its F-35 transition and is currently going through the process of official reactivation and working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification.

source: wikipedia + USMC
 
patches + more

vmfa-251 thunderbolts marine fighter attack squadron crest insigia patch badge 00c

vmfa-251 thunderbolts crest insignia patch badge marine fighter attack squadron usmc f/a-18 hornet 03c



vmf-251 thunderbolts marine fighter squadron insignia patch crest badge 00p
VMF-251 patch
   
 
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