VMFA-232 holds the distinction of being the oldest and most decorated squadron in the US Marine Corps.

Originally commissioned on 1 September 1925, the Red Devils became the first USMC squadron to fly against the Japanese in World War II, flying SBD Dauntlesses and later TBF Avengers out of Guadalcanal.

In Korea during the 50s, VMFA-232 transitioned to the F4U Corsair, although the squadron itself did not deploy to Korea. Later, the squadron transitioned to the F9F Panther.

As tensions and combat heated up during the Vietnam era, the Devils deployed to Da Nang, returning in 1967 and receiving new F-4 Phantoms. Forward deployed to MCAS Iwakuni in Japan, the squadron supported combat operations in Vietnam during deployments in 1969 and later in 1972, becoming the last Marine Corps squadron to leave Vietnam in September 1973.

In 1989, VMFA-232 changed airframes into the F/A-18 Hornet, deploying to Bahrain in December 1990 in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and later Operation DESERT STORM. After 740 combat sorties, the Devils returned to MCAS Kaneohe Bay, later moving to MCAS El Toro.

In 1996, the squadron completed its most recent move to MCAS Miramar just outside San Diego, CA, during the transition of TOPGUN from Miramar to NAS Fallon.

During the Global War on Terror era, VMFA-232 took part in the invasion of Iraq during Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. In 2010, the squadron took part in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM while deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Using the callsign “Stoic”, the squadron earned a reputation as the go-to air support for coalition forces in the Helmand Province.

After completing 1700 sorties, the Devils returned to MCAS Miramar in November 2010.