F/A – 18A Hornet
Bureau Number 161970
Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, members of Marine Fighter attack Squadron 321 reported to Andrews Air Base to prepare for their role in defense of Washington D.C. On the morning of September 12th, the squadron Commanding Officer, LtCol Robert A. Ballard, flew aircraft 01, buno 161970, on the first armed Combat Air Patrols by USMC aircraft over the Nation’s Capital. The aircraft was flown in the paint scheme presently displayed and was loaded with AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles and 500 rounds of 20MM ammunition. His CAP station ran from Dulles International Airport to the Pentagon where he could still observe the efforts of firefighters struggling to extinguish the blaze from the impact of American Flight 77. Three years later, on September 11, 2004, VMFA-321 folded the squadron colors for the final time when the unit deactivated.
Marker is on Gilbert Road, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
