The Centennial Weekend – Coverage of the 100-year celebration events.

Story by Matthew Dawson

MattDawsonPhotography

Photographs by Matthew Dawson unless specified otherwise

At precisely 1432 on August 15, 2025, VMFA-232 Red Devils at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar opened its doors to a century of history. This was not just another formation, not just another gathering before deployment—it was the centennial of the Red Devils, the oldest and most battle-tested fighter squadron in Marine aviation. In three weeks, VMFA-232 would once again depart for Japan, but for this afternoon, time paused to honor a legacy that began in 1925. 

I arrived at Hangar 2 hours before the ceremony was set to begin. The August heat at MCAS Miramar carried with it the familiar scent of jet fuel and hydraulic fluid, a reminder that in the Marine Corps, history isn’t just spoken — it’s maintained, inspected, and fueled before it ever takes the air.

A Marine with VMFA-232 checks this aircraft for display beyond the flags for the ceremony. They recently towed it into position which is why the canopy was up at the time.

On the sides of the ramp, four F/A-18C/D Hornets from VMFA-232 sat poised for the flyover that would conclude the celebration. Their red-tailed devil insignia caught the sunlight as maintainers moved in rhythm around the jets. I watched crews kneel under access panels, drawing fluids into portable hydraulic and engine-oil pumps, checking and rechecking every system with the kind of precision that never makes a program but ensures the flight succeeds. These Marines — many younger than the pilots that they serve — treated the pre-flight ritual with a quiet reverence. Every torque wrench click and fluid top-off was its own salute to 100 years of aviation heritage. 

Camera in hand, I caught moments that defined the squadron better than any speech could: the whine of a Hornet’s APU starting against the silence of quiet MCAS Miramar ramp. By the time the aircraft taxied forward, canopies down and pilots strapping in, the story of the Red Devils was already alive for the day — not in a flyover yet to come, but in the sweat and focus of the maintainers who carried them there. 

Then came the final preflight steps, each one as ritualistic as it was necessary. I watched as a crew chief walked alongside the Hornet, arm raised, guiding the pilot through his checks. The aerial refueling probe snapped out, locking into position for inspection before being stowed again with a mechanical certainty that only years of design and maintenance could guarantee. Also the arresting hook was lowered, hanging down and onto the tarmac — proof that even on land, every naval aircraft is always prepared for the carrier environment that shaped its lineage. (even using the arrested gear on a runway for other reason) Everything that they can test, gets tested. After a visual inspection, it retracted smoothly back into the fuselage. 

As the jets began to taxi out, I couldn’t help but think of the many pilots who had once taken these same aircraft — or their predecessors — into combat. From Wake Island to Vietnam, from Iraq to Afghanistan, the lineage of Red Devil aviators had always begun the same way: canopy down, throttles forward, wheels rolling. Today was a celebration, but the ritual of taxi and takeoff carried an unmistakable seriousness.

About fifteen minutes before the ceremony officially began, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band filed in. Their numbers were smaller than usual — a reminder that units across the Corps were spread thin supporting other events — but you wouldn’t have known it from the sound. Brass and percussion filled the area near Hangar 2, reverberating off the steel rafters with a ceremonial weight that seemed to thicken the air even with the wind. Their marches shifted the atmosphere from casual anticipation to disciplined focus, signaling that this was no ordinary afternoon at Miramar. 

The band’s cadence and the Marines’ measured movements combined into a choreography of tradition — a living reminder of how ceremony binds a squadron’s past to its present. By the time the colors were positioned and the ranks set, Hangar 2 felt transformed. It was no longer just a working bay on the flight line but, for that moment, a stage upon which a century of history stood assembled and alive. 

The Marine Corps band’s cadence shifted to a more formal rhythm, signaling the next phase of the ceremony. One by one, the formations of Marines moved smartly into place.

In the foreground, a line of Marines stood at the ready, their uniforms pressed, their posture firm, and their eyes locked forward. Behind them, the guidon bearers carried the colors of the United States and the Marine Corps, anchoring the formation with the weight of history. To the left, another formation of rifle-bearing Marines executed their movements with deliberate sharpness, each motion synchronized, reflecting the discipline that has always defined the Corps.

 This Marine stepped forward and raised his hand in salute, a silent declaration that the troops were formed, ready, and awaiting the next command. This is a gesture that has tied together centuries of tradition — this marine is representing the discipline and unity of the entire squadron. 

When the colors of VMFA-232 were brought to the front, they carried more than just the scarlet and gold of the Red Devils. They bore the story of every campaign, every hardship, and every triumph written in cloth. In a moment steeped in tradition, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Steven T. Suetos stepped forward to affix the squadron’s streamers—long, embroidered ribbons that mark the battles and unit awards of Marines who wore the patch before. 

Navy Unit Commendation: Awarded for outstanding performance during combat operations in Southwest Asia, where the squadron completed 740 combat missions and 1,390 hours.

Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award: Received multiple times, including in 1995, for surpassing 66,000 hours and 17 years of mishap-free flying.

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year Award: Honored in 1996 by the Marine Corps Aviation Association.

Robert M. Hanson Award: Recognized as the Marine Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year in 1974.

Marine Fighter Squadron of the Year: Named by the Commandant in 1958.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Steven T. Suetos and Sergeant Major James A. Mabe returning to their designated seats for the ceremony after affixing the squadron’s streamers in place. Shortly after, the MAG-11 commander spoke about the profound impact VMFA-232 has had on all who have served and continue to serve in the squadron. He also highlighted the numerous achievements the squadron has accomplished under exceptional leadership—100 years of flying is no small feat. 

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Steven T. Suetos spoke about VMFA-232 Red Devils, the impact it has had on Marine Corps aviation and around the world throughout its 100-year history. 

Lt. Col. Steven T. Suetos, commanding officer of VMFA-232, reflected on the squadron’s enduring identity. “One thing that distinguishes our squadron is our identity, which has been strong for many years,” he said. “Wearing the Red Devil patch means we carry the responsibility to continue this legacy.” 

At one point during the ceremony, Lt. Col. Steven T. Suetos called out, “First to fight,” and the Marines responded in unison, “Last to leave.” This spirited exchange is more than a chant—it is the proud motto of the Red Devils, symbolizing VMFA-232’s relentless commitment to mission and camaraderie. For 100 years, the squadron has lived up to this ethos, leading the charge in combat while ensuring no Marine is ever left behind. The motto captures the squadron’s courage, resilience, and enduring legacy within Marine Corps aviation. 

Pilots with VMFA-232 board the Firetruck to head to the Officers Club. And of course it wouldn't be a fun ride without some beer! Starting the party before the party starts...! That's how the marines do it.

Inside Hangar 2, VMFA-232 ordnance Marines offloaded AIM-120C/D advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) from the squadron’s F/A-18D ‘Colorbird.’ The process, carried out with precision and discipline, reflected the Marines’ vital role in ensuring aircraft are armed, maintained, and mission-ready. For the Red Devils, the ordnance crews remain the backbone of operations, quietly sustaining the squadron’s combat capability behind every launch. 

After photographing and filming the ordnance Marines at work, we photojournalists made our way to the Officers’ Club for the social gathering. By the time we arrived, parking was already full. At first, I couldn’t find where our group had gone, but then it occurred to me they were probably in the halls lined with historic squadron plaques at MCAS Miramar. I was right. 

I spoke with many friends from VMFA-232 past and present at the Officers Club many not pictured here for obvious reasons. It was humbling being able to be congradulated for my work with the many different squadrons and get to be able to talk on a more personal level about ourselves. Something we don't really get when they visit us at our local airports.