VMF(AW)-451

• Formation: VMF(AW)-451, originally designated as VMF-451, was commissioned on 15 February 1944 at Marine Corps Air Station Mojave, California. • 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. • Nickname: The squadron was known as the "Blue Devils," a moniker that reflected both their aircraft markings and their aggressive combat style. • 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). • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.