NEW ERA FOR RETIRED F/A-18 CLASSIC HORNET AT AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL
An F/A-18 Classic Hornet that has served the Royal Australian Air Force with distinction over three decades has received one of the nation’s highest honours – a place in the National Collection at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said Defence, in association with Boeing Defence Australia, officially handed over F/A-18 Classic Hornet, A21-022, to the War Memorial’s Treloar Technology Centre in Canberra.
The F/A-18 Classic Hornet, A21-022, will join other significant exhibits in the collection, including “G for George” – a Lancaster bomber that belonged to No. 460 Squadron RAAF Bomber Command during World War II.
“It was important to retain significant objects in the Memorial’s National Collection that reflect the Australian Defence Force’s proud service,” Dr Gillespie said.
“This is an appropriate new home for F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-022, which will be the first of two Classic Hornets to be honoured in such a way.”
Dr Gillespie said he was one of many Air Force enthusiasts who had watched the Classic Hornet leave the runway at RAAF Base Williamtown from Fighter World Museum.
“With three operations in the Middle East under this Classic Hornet’s belt, it is a fitting tribute to the Classic Hornet jet, which has long been a favourite with RAAF pilots.”
A21-022 was retired on 14 May 2020 after completing 30 years in service, including 6131.5 flying hours with the RAAF.
F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-022 was partially disassembled at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW for road transport to Canberra.
The second aircraft, F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-040, is scheduled to be handed over in mid-2022.
The RAAF’s fleet of 71 F/A-18 Classic Hornets is being progressively withdrawn as the Australian Defence Force transitions to a fleet of 72 F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters.
The RAAF’s F-35A Lightning II the fifth-generation fighter will follow in the Classic Hornet’s footsteps.
F/A-18 Classic Hornet A21-022 was deployed on three Operations in the Middle East:
o Operation Bastille from 16 February 2003 to 18 March 2003 (RAAF No. 75 Squadron);
o Operation Falconer from 19 March 2003 to 3 May 2003 (RAAF No. 75 Squadron), conducting 20 combat missions; and
o Operation Okra from October 2016 to May 2017 (RAAF No. 75 and No. 77 Squadrons) and conducted over 50 combat missions.