"US Marines recaptured Makin Island in the Gilbert Islands chain in the Fall of 1943 and immediately built an airbase. It became the home base for the 15th FG, 46th FS and their P-39s on December 18, 1943. The "Devastating Devil" pinkish sand paint scheme definitely was a stand out among all the greens. This P-39 was painted with the intention of it going to North Africa but it managed to find its way into the PTO. As well as escorts for the Makin A-24s on their bombing raids the P-39s bombed and strafed ground targets."