HA1924 - McDonnell Douglas F-4J Phantom II VMFA-451, USS Forrestal, 1976

On February 1, 1968 the former VMF(AW)-451 became VMFA-451 when they exchanged their F8U-2 Crusaders for the F-4J Phantom II. In 1954 after a few name changes the unit finally adopted the name "Warlords" as well as a new insignia. It consisted of a jet punching through a Carling beer label with a motto "Vini, Vici" meaning "We came, We conquered". In 1963 VMF(AW)-451 moved to MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. Over the years the squadron had spent time aboard USS Forrestal and in 1976 they were scheduled to return to the carrier for a Mediterranean cruise so the F-4J's were painted in U.S. Bicentennial markings along with Carrier Air Wing 17 tail-code of "AA". As it turned out the Med cruise was cancelled. On January 31, 1999 VMFA-451 was decommissioned after 57 years of service.