Blue Blasters Hornet Sundown Ceremony Marks the End of an Era [Image 6 of 6]

VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES

02.01.2019

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Kaylyn Jackson-Smith 

Commander, Naval Air Forces

190201-N-DN355- 0276
Virginia Beach, VA (February 1, 2019) Cmdr. William Mathis, commanding
officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34, exits aircraft 434
following the final flight of the F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18 Hornet
entered operational service for the fleet in 1984. The aircraft’s
first combat mission was in 1986 during Operation El Dorado Canyon and
the legacy Hornet continued to serve in every major U.S. military
operation including the Gulf War, Iraqi War, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi
Freedom, Inherent Resolve and most recently served in 2018 from the
deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 34
while conducting navigation patrols in the South China Sea. (U.S. Navy
photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class K.R.
Jackson-Smith/Released)

• Date Taken: 02.01.2019
• Date Posted: 02.01.2019 20:45
• Photo ID: 5074313
• VIRIN: 190127-N-DN355-276
• Resolution: 7952x5304
• Size: 1.66 MB
• Location: VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA, US