This is the desert version of the “combined” squadron patch for the VMFA(AW)-212 ‘Lancers’ and the VMFA(AW)-332 ‘MoonLighters’ during their participation during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Combine the two and you get the MOONLANCERS. As a point of interest that was the first time a ‘composite’ squadron of F-18 Cs (single seat) and F-18 Ds (two seat) was employed in They were deployed to Al Jabar, Kuwait and flew missions in support of Operation Southern Watch in Iraq and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. I think their squadron may also have logged the longest combat mission in the Hornet as well- 11.4ish hours on an OEF sortie.
