‘Marine 250’ debuts at Branson Wings of Pride Air Show, honoring 250 years of the U.S. Marine Corps

One of the highlights of the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show was the first public unveiling of “Marine 250,” commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps in 2025. U. S. Marine Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Fry, who flew Marine 250 from Fort Worth to Branson in approximately 38 minutes on August 29, 2025, calls it an absolute honor to fly Marine 250.

Marine 250 (Photo by Gary J. Groman)

Lt. Col. Fry said that when he’s in the cockpit of a normal F-18, the mirrors typically reflect an all-gray jet. In the “Marine Corps 250, however, he clearly sees many elements of the paint scheme of U.S. Marine history reflecting back at him. It’s a constant visual reminder of those who came before him, those he serves with and those who will come after him.”

The F/A-18D Hornet, operated by Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 112 (VMFA-112), also known as the “Cowboys,” is more than just a jet; it’s a “flying storyboard of Marine Corps history,” designed to honor centuries of service and sacrifice.

The idea for this unique commemorative paint scheme was conceived by retired Staff Sgt. Dave “Crash” Roof. The challenging task of applying this intricate design was expertly carried out by the Corrosion Control Facility team at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina.

This F/A-18D Hornet, often informally called “250” by the squadron, is a two-seat fighter jet, meaning it can carry two crew members. Its design is far from a simple paint job; it’s a carefully curated journey through Marine heritage, stretching from Tun Tavern, where the Corps was founded, to the present day. Every part of the jet tells a story:

●      On the outer faces of the vertical tails, you can see the iconic image of the flag raising on Mount Suribachi at Iwo Jima from World War II. The inner faces feature both the early and current versions of the Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblems, highlighting how the Marine identity has remained strong even as its emblem has evolved.

●      The dates 1775 and 2025 are prominently displayed on the two rudders, marking the span of Marine Corps history.

●      On the fuel tank, the words “250 years” are accompanied by the officers’ Mameluke Loop sword, and on the other side, the NCOs’ short sword, along with the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis.”

●      The speed brake of the jet has the complete three verses of the Marines’ Hymn.

●      Under the two crew positions, on the canopy rails, you’ll find the names of current Marine Corps leadership: Commandant Gen. Eric Smith and Sergeant Major Carlos Ruiz. On the other side are the names of the very first Commandant, Maj. Samuel Nicholas, and the first Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Sgt. Maj. Wilbur Bestwick.

●      One of the most poignant tributes is on the fuselage, where the names of every Marine Corps F/A-18 aircrew who made the ultimate sacrifice are memorialized. These include those lost in combat, in training, both in the air and on the ground.

●      The nose of the aircraft proudly displays the 250th emblem.

●      Even the undersides of the wings carry the designations of every squadron that has flown the F/A-18.

“Marine Corps 250” will travel across the country, serving as a powerful tribute to Marine Corps history, its traditions and its fixed-wing aviation, making appearances at events such as the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show.