VMO-251
Kirby-Scheussler Field at Turtle Bay on Espirtu Santo, New Hebrides 1942.
History...
VMF-251
Guiuan Airfield on Samar in the Philippine Islands, 1945.
History...
VMA-251
Pyeong-Taek (K-6) Airfield, Republic of Korea 1953.
History...
VMFA-251
Subic Bay, Philippine Islands, 1977.
History...
VMFA-251
Deactivation, April 23, 2020. In the future VMFA-251 will transition to the F-35C and move to MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. (USMC photo by L/Cpl. Aidan Parker)
History...
VMFA-251
Thunderbolts reactivated on 5 Dec. 2024, MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. (Photo by Gregory Dodds)
History...
Welcome to the Site!
The late Jerry Dorneker (1964-1967) and myself, Steve Dixon (1976-1979), decided to start this page. Our goal was to find as many former Marines of VMFA-251, from World War 2 to the present day. Please go
here and shoot me an email if you wish to contribute pictures and/or stories. We want to hear from everyone. Check what's new here! Read the blog or search the site!
View site map to navigate our site
An Association - the Next Step
During the 2019 reunion, I spoke with several attendees about forming an 501c3 association to perpetuate the history of the squadron, provide college scholarships, and provide a means to stay in comunication with all who served with the Thunderbolts. I cannot do this alone, and will need help to get this done. I believe the time to do this has arrived. If interested, email me by visiting the contact page.
View our F.A.Q. for more info
About the Webmaster
Following boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, SC, I went to NAS Millington, Tn. for basic electronics and electricity school, as well as aviation electrician's school. From there I was sent to MCAS Beaufort, SC and assigned to VMFA-251's WC 220 - Electric Shop. After a short period of OJT, I was sent to MCAS Cherry Point, NC for specialized schooling on the F-4J Phantom II. After I completed the course, I was sent back to VMFA-251 and stayed with them until I was discharged in 1979. While serving, I found myself in Maine, Louisiana, Arizona and California. In 1977 we deployed to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan for a year and then back to Beaufort. Attended Valdosta State University, graduating in 1982 with a BA in Philosophy. I have been married 30+ years. My wife, Lisa, works for Progressive Insurance and is also a VSU graduate. We have two daughters -- Sarah (a graduate of Georgia Tech) and Deanna (a graduate of Georgia State University, Masters from the University of Denver), and one son, Brian (a graduate of Georgia State University).
My hobbies are computers (no kidding), reading science fiction and World War 2 history, and playing games -- any kind will do. I currently reside in Peachtree City, Georgia.