About this Unit
VMF(AW)-451, originally commissioned as Marine Fighting Squadron 451 (VMF-451) on 15 February 1944, was a United States Marine Corps fighter squadron. The unit saw action during World War II, flying F4U Corsairs from the USS Bunker Hill in the Pacific Theater and participating in major operations such as the Battle of Okinawa. After the war, the squadron underwent several redesignations, including as an all-weather fighter squadron (VMF(AW)-451), reflecting its transition to jet aircraft and an all-weather mission. The unit was ultimately deactivated on 1 September 1997, after decades of distinguished service.
Historical Facts
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Formation: VMF(AW)-451, originally designated as VMF-451, was commissioned on 15 February 1944 at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California.
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World War II Service: The squadron flew the Vought F4U Corsair and participated in combat operations in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably supporting the Battle of Okinawa.
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Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Blue Devils," a moniker that reflected both their aircraft markings and their aggressive combat style.
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First Carrier Deployment: In 1945, VMF-451 became one of the first Marine squadrons to deploy aboard an aircraft carrier, operating from USS Bunker Hill (CV-17).
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Kamikaze Attack: On 11 May 1945, USS Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze attacks in rapid succession, resulting in heavy damage and casualties. VMF-451 personnel and aircraft were directly affected by the attack.
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Post-War Deactivation and Reactivation: The squadron was deactivated after World War II, reactivated in the late 1940s, and subsequently went through several redesignations, including VMF(AW)-451 when it became an all-weather fighter squadron.
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Transition to Jets: In the 1950s, the squadron transitioned from propeller-driven Corsairs to jet aircraft, flying the F2H Banshee, F9F Cougar, and later the F-8 Crusader.
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Vietnam Era: VMF(AW)-451 did not see combat in Vietnam, but it played a significant role in training and readiness during the Cold War era.
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F-4 Phantom Era: The squadron flew the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II as an all-weather fighter/attack squadron, adopting the designation VMFA-451 in 1968.
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Final Years and Deactivation: VMFA-451 transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet in the 1980s, participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and was deactivated on 1 January 1997 at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina.
