OORAH Marines!
- Robin Polderman
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
Report by Robin Polderman, photos by USMC SSgt Eric Kilpatrick
To commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps, an F/A-18D Hornet received a special paint scheme.
The aircraft, Bureau Number (BuNo) 164874, appropriately coded '250', belongs to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), which is part of the 4th Marine Aircraft Wing.
The scheme was designed by former Marine Dave Roof and brought to life by the team at the Corrosion Control Facility aboard Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The newly painted jet flew to its home base at NAS JRB Fort Worth, TX, on 7 August 2025.
The jet is adorned with a number of graphics referring to the USMC's rich history, including the iconic Iwo Jima flag raising, depicted on one of the vertical tails. On the aircraft’s speed brake one will find the text of the Marines’ Hymn, the official hymn of the United States Marine Corps adopted in 1929.
The bottom of the outer wings lists every squadron which has flown a variant of the F/A-18 during its long time in service as the premier fighter aircraft for various Marine Air Wings.
The jet has also been painted with the names of all the USMC aircrew who have made the ultimate sacrifice while flying either the F/A-18A, B, C or D Hornet. BuNo 164874 serves as a flying testament to the rich history of the USMC, the F/A-18 Hornet, and fixed wing Marine Aviation.
Congratulations to the United States Marine Corps and Semper Fi!
