VMFA-251

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251), known as the "Thunderbolts," was originally commissioned in 1941 as VMF-251. The squadron saw combat during World War II in the Solomon Islands campaign, supporting Allied operations in the Pacific Theater. Over the decades, VMFA-251 transitioned through various aircraft, including the F4U Corsair, F-4 Phantom II, and the F/A-18 Hornet, reflecting the evolution of Marine Corps aviation. The unit participated in numerous operations, including Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom, consistently demonstrating its versatility and combat effectiveness before being deactivated in 2020.