McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet Aircraft “VMFA-232, Red Devils” (2014) United States Marine Corps “Air Power Series” 1/72 Diecast Model by Hobby Master

Product Description

HISTORY ASPECTS:
The F/A-18C Hornet, Bureau Number 165222, served with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 232 (VMFA-232), the “Red Devils,” one of the oldest and most storied squadrons in the United States Marine Corps. By November 2014, 165222 was part of VMFA-232’s deployment cycle during a period of high operational demand, supporting U.S. and coalition forces in the Middle East. The squadron’s Hornets, including 165222, were tasked with missions ranging from close air support (CAS) for troops on the ground to precision strike operations and armed overwatch in support of Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS forces in Iraq and Syria.
VMFA-232’s deployment in 2014 was notable as it coincided with the early stages of coalition efforts to roll back ISIS advances. Aircraft like 165222 were armed with precision-guided munitions such as JDAMs and laser-guided bombs, providing Marines and allied forces with immediate and accurate strike capabilities against enemy positions, vehicles, and fortified targets. The F/A-18C’s versatility allowed it to switch seamlessly between strike missions and air defense roles, ensuring air superiority was maintained while ground forces advanced. This flexibility was a hallmark of the Hornet’s combat career, and 165222 played its part in carrying forward that legacy.
The Red Devils themselves had a long history of combat service, tracing back to World War II, and by 2014 they were among the last Marine Corps squadrons flying the “legacy” Hornet before the transition to the F-35B. Aircraft like 165222 represented both the enduring combat effectiveness of the F/A-18C and the professionalism of Marine aviators who relied on it to deliver results in demanding combat theaters. Its service in operations across Iraq and Syria marked a continuation of the Hornet’s decades-long role as a backbone of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps tactical aviation.
This 1:72 scale model captures the sleek lines and combat markings of a Marine Corps workhorse during the fight against ISIS in 2014. With accurate squadron insignia and detailed finishing, it makes a striking tribute to both VMFA-232’s proud history and the combat-proven Hornet, an essential addition to any military aviation collection.