News Summary
Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 unveiled a special F/A-18D Hornet, commemorating the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary. This unique aircraft showcases Marine history through its design and honors past and present leadership. As VMFA-112 prepares to transition to the F-35, this celebration emphasizes the blend of legacy and modernization in Marine aviation.
Fort Worth, Texas – On August 7, 2025, Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112) celebrated the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary by unveiling a special F/A-18D Hornet, designated as “250.” This commemorative aircraft features a unique design that pays homage to over two centuries of Marine Corps history.
The new jet was introduced during a ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas, where it arrived at 15:00 LT. The design for the aircraft was imagined by retired Staff Sgt. Dave “Crash” Roof, with the execution carried out by the Corrosion Control Facility team based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina. Lt. Col. William Paxton, the commanding officer of VMFA-112, was responsible for delivering the aircraft during its inaugural appearance.
The F/A-18D Hornet is a significant symbol, showcasing Marine history from its inception at Tun Tavern to present day operations. The aircraft’s aesthetics illustrate critical moments from Marine Corps heritage, with the outer faces of the vertical tails displaying the iconic flag raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima. Additionally, the inner sides exhibit both the original and the contemporary versions of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor (EGA) emblem, highlighting the evolution of this prestigious symbol. The EGA even replaces the standard U.S. star and bars on each side of the fuselage to further emphasize the significance of Marine aviation.
Adding to the commemorative theme, the Marines’ Hymn is inscribed along the spine of the aircraft, extending down the speed brake. To honor the history of the Corps, one side of the canopy rails features the names of the first Commandant, Maj. Samuel Nicholas, and the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Wilbur Bestwick. Conversely, the opposite side displays the names of the current Commandant, Gen. Eric Smith, and Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, effectively linking the past with current leadership.
VMFA-112 is a Reserve squadron that continues to operate the legacy Hornet while preparing for a transition to the F-35 under the USMC Force Design 2030 Aviation Plan, set to commence in Fiscal Year 2029. The Cowboys, as the unit is known, will specifically make the shift to the F-35C, which is the carrier variant of the Lightning II aircraft. Currently, three other Marine Corps units—VMFA-314 “Black Knights,” VMFA-311 “Tomcats,” and VMFA-251 “Thunderbolts”—are already flying the F-35, marking progress towards modernizing Marine aviation.
The F/A-18 has been a crucial part of Marine operations for over 30 years and continues to serve as a well-recognized symbol of Marine aviation. As the Corps transitions to fifth-generation aircraft, the introduction of this commemorative Hornet not only celebrates the legacy of past squadrons operating older platforms but also connects the current capabilities of the Marines with their extensive history, steering clear of a solely nostalgic narrative.
This momentous unveiling not only reinforces the pride of the Marine Corps but also highlights the ongoing evolution and commitment to maintaining its historical significance while adapting to modern warfare requirements.
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Additional Resources
- The Aviationist
- Wikipedia: United States Marine Corps
- Naval News
- Google Search: F/A-18 Hornet
- Simple Flying
- Google Scholar: Marine aviation
- Defense One
- Encyclopedia Britannica: F/A-18
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
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